A new Chinese restaurant is making its way to the western suburbs of Boston.
Sichuan Ember is preparing to take over the former Scafidi Bros. Market & Deli space at 1134-1136 Beacon Street in Newton Highlands, according to a post recently shared to the Newton Real Estate Forum Facebook group. The building has been home to several businesses over the years, including Delitizer Deli, Diamond Bakery, and Ravioli’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, before Scafidi Bros. closed in February 2026.
Recently filed city permits reveal that co-owner John Ma plans to renovate the 1,500-square-foot space for an estimated cost of $80,000. The restaurant will seat up to 40 diners, with proposed operating hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The owners have also applied for an alcohol and/or entertainment license.
As its name suggests, Sichuan Ember is expected to draw inspiration from Sichuan cuisine, which originates in southwestern China’s Sichuan province and neighboring Chongqing municipality. The regional cooking style is celebrated for its bold spices, layered flavors, and signature heat, often achieved through generous use of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns.
While an official menu has not yet been released, proposed signage for the restaurant advertises “authentic Chinese cuisine.” Permit applications provide an early glimpse at the ingredients the kitchen plans to handle, including beef for cold appetizers such as fuqi feipian, braised pork belly, pork trotters, pork intestines, chicken feet, and precooked pork ribs. Other listed ingredients include wood ear mushrooms, lamb, fish, shrimp, squid, and jellyfish.
According to permits, Sichuan Ember is targeting a November 16, 2026 grand opening date. The restaurant does not yet appear to have an online presence, and while the owners briefly confirmed the news with What Now Boston, they have not shared further details.
