An elevated comfort food restaurant is making its way to the western suburbs of Boston.
Maple + High is set to replace Da Vinci Ristorante at 482 Moody Street in Waltham, according to a Facebook post from The Waltham Channel. Founded by Chef Shingara “Peppino” Singh, Da Vinci has occupied the Moody Street space for about three years; its original Sudbury location will remain open.
The 54-seat Maple + High is led by hospitality veteran Michael Culpo and executive chef Dan Lane, who together bring more than 40 years of industry experience. The pair has operated The Tack Room in nearby Lincoln since February 2022, and Lane is an award-winning pitmaster and four-time Culinary Fight Club finalist who previously led the kitchen at Bison County, a now-closed Moody Street barbecue joint.
Culpo told What Now Boston that Maple + High will focus on “upscale American comfort food,” while Lane plans to revive the barbecue-driven flavors that many locals have missed since Bison County’s closure. “We plan to utilize the wood-fired pizza oven to smoke wings and create an environment that is cozy and inviting to all,” Culpo explained.
While the menu is still being finalized, diners can expect a mix of small plates, sandwiches, specialty burgers, barbecue-forward dishes, and hearty entrées. Planned offerings for lunch and dinner include Lamb Sirloin, Korean BBQ Smoked Beef Rib, and Chicken & Waffles, while weekend brunch will feature dishes such as Bourbon French Toast, BBQ Brisket Benedict, and even a Vegetarian BBQ Grits Bowl.
After appearing before Waltham’s license commission to transfer the required permits, including an all-alcohol license, the partners are now aiming for a March 2026 debut. Once open, Maple + High plans to operate Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to midnight, with weekend hours beginning at 10 a.m.
