In January 2026, several well-known Boston restaurants announced permanent closures, marking a notable shift in the city’s dining landscape. The exits reflect broader operational shifts and ownership changes across Boston’s restaurant scene.
Restaurants Bid Adieu to Boston Neighborhood in January 2026
From upscale steakhouses to neighborhood favorites, each closure stemmed from a different set of circumstances. Here’s a look at the restaurants that closed this month and the reasons behind their exits.
Boston Chops
Boston Chops closed its doors on January 1, 14 years after becoming a staple of the Boston steakhouse market. The iconic brand built a loyal following for its steaks, seafood offerings, expansive wine list, and polished service.
Over the years, the restaurant earned recognition as one of Boston’s top steakhouses. Known for standout menu items like Wagyu steak, roasted bone marrow, crab cakes, and classic crème brullee, it was recognized by renowned industry publications.
The team announced in an Instagram post that the closures were necessary to make room for new ownership and a renewed concept to serve the community better. Patrons shared farewell messages on social media, recalling memorable meals and celebrations tied to the restaurant. More details about the closure are available here.
- When: January 1, 2026
Osteria Nino
Osteria Nino, a beloved Italian restaurant in Burlington’s Third Avenue plaza, ceased its operations at the beginning of January. The restaurant opened in 2015 under the Lyons Group, a Boston-based hospitality group behind concepts such as Bar Enza and Loretta’s Last Call.
Nino opened with a reputation for making scratch pastas, wood-fired pizzas, seafood entrées, and classic Italian dishes such as chicken parmesan and lobster ravioli.
In a statement posted on its website, the team thanked the community, staff, guests, and partners who supported the restaurant over the years.
The establishment will be transformed into a new concept. Here are further details about the closure.
- Closing Date: January 4, 2026
The Pearl South Bay
Neighborhood staple The Pearl – South Bay, which serves seafood-based cuisine and has a very energetic community feel, closed its location on Dorchester on January 29, almost half a decade into operation. This was after the owner, Mika Winder, decided to invest in the Boston Landing location of The Pearl in Brighton, where it is still operating.
Since opening in 2021, The Pearl has become a fixture in the South Bay dining scene, earning praise for its fresh seafood, welcoming service, and status as one of Boston’s standout Black-owned restaurants.
- Closing Date: January 29, 2026
Together, the closures highlight a period of transition within Boston’s restaurant industry.
