5 best new restaurant openings and dining updates in Boston (Feb. 12, 2026)
In Greater Boston’s dining scene, there’s always a new restaurant opening to celebrate or a fresh update coming to one of the city’s delicious eateries. In the months ahead, we have major restaurant openings from Michelin chefs and famous New York restaurateurs, as well as a swell of diverse and delicious smaller restaurants joining our neighborhoods.
Each week, Boston.com will highlight the restaurant openings worth knowing about across the region. Some spots will already be open, while others are set to debut in 2026. At least one featured restaurant will always be a bonus item — either a pop-up, a collaboration, or event at area restaurants.
What’s new in Greater Boston restaurant openings this week
Citrus & Salt
Jason Santos’ coastal Mexican spot is getting a second location in the ‘burbs, with its party atmosphere taking over the space that recently housed Osteria Nino. Much of the same can be expected at the new location, like colorful decor, tacos, and frozen margs, but its Burlington restaurant will also have an expansive patio and room for private dining.
Opening date: Summer 2026
19 Third Ave., Burlington
Moro Mou
The Xenia Hospitality Group isn’t slowing down after just a year ago opening one of the city’s hottest restaurants, Kaia, and running some of the hardest-to-reserve eateries in Greater Boston. This concept will be slightly different than the rest of its mostly Greek line-up, blending the cuisines from Greece and Japan at this 15-seat omakase spot, per Boston magazine.
Opening date: Summer 2026
Seaport; exact address TBD
The Down Low
Another gain for Boston’s suburbs is The Down Low, which promises a Boston-level cocktail experience without ever having to navigate the commuter rail to get to one. This subterranean spot is made to feel like a supper club, with live entertainment five nights a week and a menu of Detroit-style pizza and elevated bar snacks and sandwiches. As for cocktails, expect a mix of classics (like an Old Fashioned that comes with a smoked dome) and other signature beverages that use house-made syrups and mixers.
Open now (January 2026)
371 Main St., Woburn
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Willie’s
A neighborhood pizza spot is coming to Beacon Hill from a newer restaurant group that continues to grow, BCB3, which brought restaurants like Zurito and Michelin-recommended Somaek to Boston in recent years. In a Boston magazine interview with the group, their team hesitated to put cuisine labels on their upcoming restaurant, adding that they want to play around with pizza and other menu items that may use ingredients like Spanish ham, bone marrow, or whatever the team is feeling at the moment.
Opening date: Early Spring 2026
20 Charles St., Beacon Hill
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Bonus: Rebel Rebel at Shy Bird
Valentine’s Day plans are overrated. Make rotisserie chicken and natural wine plans instead, the day after Valentine’s Day. Wine bar Rebel Rebel joins forces with Shy Bird in South Boston to feed and hydrate those in need of a little party time on Feb. 15 — as they put it, “lovers, lonely hearts, platonic romantics, [plus] everyone who worked through Valentine’s Day weekend and needs to catch their breath” is invited.
Event details: Sunday, Feb. 15, from 5 to 9 p.m.
12 Old Colony Ave., South Boston
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Source: This story originated with Boston.com Food.
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