Business

Fast-Casual Middle Eastern Restaurant Opening at Arsenal Yards

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NAYA will be serving Middle Eastern dishes at Arsenal Yards. (Contributed Photo)

The following announcement was provided by NAYA:

NAYA, the celebrated Middle Eastern fast-casual restaurant known for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, will be joining the Arsenal Yards neighborhood this winter in Watertown, MA. This exciting addition to the Arsenal Yards community marks a significant expansion for NAYA, bringing its authentic, health-conscious Middle Eastern dishes to New England for the first time! 

NAYA’s mission is rooted in the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, offering a menu that emphasizes freshness, quality, and customization. Diners can expect a diverse selection of mouth-watering dishes, including signature bowls, wraps, salads, and mezze, all crafted with the finest ingredients. Each dish is designed to be both nutritious and delicious, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and lifestyles. 

In addition to the Watertown location, NAYA has future expansion plans in Boston at 95 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110 and 500 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116.

Business

New Indian Restaurant Opens in Former Location of Strip T’s

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A restaurant serving Southern Indian dishes has opened in Watertown on School Street. Chennai Eats moved into the former Don’s BBQ/Avenue Deli/Strip-T’s space at 93 School St. in Watertown, the Boston Restaurant Talk website reported. The menu features dosas, chaat, biryani, Indo-Chinese dishes, as well as a variety of curry and other Indian dishes. Meat and vegetarian options are available.

Business

Persian Restaurant in Watertown Closing After 16 Years

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Shiraz Persian Restaurant has closed. (Photo from the Shiraz Facebook page). The owners of Shiraz Persian Restaurant in East Watertown announced they will be closing down their restaurant after “16 wonderful years.” The eatery located at 72 Bigelow Avenue published a message to its customers on Facebook in late August, and the closing was announced on Boston Restaurant Talk on Tuesday. The message reads:

Dear Valued Customers,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of Shiraz Persian Restaurant after 16 wonderful years.

Around Town

Watertown’s Revival Cafe Combines the Talents of Two Experienced Restauranteurs

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A sandwich served at Revival Cafe in East Watertown. (Courtesy of Revival Cafe)

One of Watertown’s newest cafes combines creative forces of two people with culinary pedigrees in the Boston area. The cafe, which is tucked in a corner of East Watertown, melds the vision and taste of the two owners. Nookie Postal and Liza Shirazi opened their newest location of Revival Cafe in January at 99 Coolidge Ave., in the back of a recently constructed life science building on the former site of the Mount Auburn Club. Postal owned Commonwealth in Kendall Square, which closed last year after 10 years.

Business

Restaurant That Transformed Historic Building into Dining Destination to Celebrate 9th Anniversary

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Branch Line has transformed a former military weapons development facility into a dining destination. (Courtesy of Branch Line)

Nestled within the historic Watertown Arsenal, Branch Line stands as more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to community, perseverance, and the art of culinary craftsmanship. Celebrating its ninth anniversary this coming October 2024, Branch Line has become a beloved fixture in Watertown, owing much of its success to its deep roots in the neighborhood and its commitment to quality and hospitality. General Manager Andrew Holden, a Watertown native himself, recalls the serendipitous discovery of the restaurant’s location — an expansive, historic space dating back to 1912. Holden said he was captivated by the building’s rich history, once a hub of industrial activity during the military and industrial revolutions that made trains, weapons, and equipment for the military.

Around Town

A Dining Fixture Near Watertown Square is a Hidden Treasure to be (Re)Discovered

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Courtesy of MolanaMolana has been serving Persian food in Watertown since 1999. A dining destination that has attracted hungry people from around New England for a quarter century is a hidden gem in Watertown, but the owners want locals to discover — or rediscover – their restaurant. Molana can be found on Spring Street, steps from the Watertown Square intersection. Owners Mohsen Tehrani and Hadi Eghbali started restaurant, the first one serving Persian cuisine in New England in 1999, and word spread among the Iranian community around the region. “People come from Hartford, Stamford, Connecticut.

Business

Four Watertown Restaurants Set to Showcase at Chamber’s Spring Seasonings

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The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:

Bar ’Cino, Olespana, Shiraz Persian Cuisine and Ritcey East will all be featured at the Charles River Regional Chamber’s Spring Seasonings culinary showcase on Monday April 8 at the Newton Marriott Hotel. The highly anticipated event, presented by NBCU Boston, is returning after a four-year hiatus and promises to be a feast for the senses, bringing together restaurants, caterers and beverage providers from Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley. This event takes Dine Local to a whole new level, showcasing the exceptional flavors that make our communities special. It’s expected to draw over 500 community members, business and civic leaders from across our region who share our enthusiasm for local cuisine. Bring your appetite!

Around Town

Turkish Restaurant Serves Traditional Dishes in Longtime Watertown Dining Spot

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Halva Kebabs serves up a variety of grilled meats. (Courtesy of Halva Kebab)

A spot in town that has long been an eating destination is serving hungry diners once again. Halva Kebab opened in the former New Yorker Diner spot near Watertown Square, and is serving up a wide range of kebabs and other Turkish dishes. While the owners are new to the area, they have a long tradition of running restaurants, said co-owner Joseph Dagdelen. “We have another location in New Jersey,” he said.