A Cambridge restaurant known for its Thai noodle soup has served its last bowl, but a new concept from the same ownership team is already in the works.
What A Soup officially closed at 125 River Street on October 10, 2026, according to Boston Restaurant Talk. In its place, EN’YA Robatayaki & Sake Bar is expected to open later this fall, bringing Japanese tavern-style dining to the neighborhood.
The team behind the new venture operates several restaurants and businesses throughout Greater Boston, including What Da Chick in Watertown, Thai Taki in Winthrop, and ThaiBarShi in Weymouth. The group also operates Siam Thai Massage in Quincy and The Mood Thai Spa in Brighton.
EN’YA, however, marks a new direction for the team, drawing inspiration from the communal spirit of Japanese izakayas. Described by the owners as “more than just another Japanese restaurant,” the upcoming eatery will specialize in robatayaki, a traditional Japanese fireside-cooking method where skewers of fresh seafood, meat, and vegetables are slow-grilled over hot charcoal.
The name EN’YA draws inspiration from the Japanese word for fire, reflecting the restaurant’s focus on cooking over an open flame. “Since fire plays such an important role in our cooking style, we felt the name was a great fit for the restaurant,” a co-owner told What Now Boston.
Beyond its signature charcoal-grilled skewers, EN’YA plans to serve familiar Japanese favorites, including ramen and katsu curry. The menu will focus on approachable, flavorful dishes designed for sharing, complemented by a curated sake selection that invites guests to unwind over good food and drinks with friends.
“My partners and I have always loved going to izakayas together,” an owner explained. “We enjoy the whole experience—sharing good food, having a few drinks, and spending time with friends after a long day. That got us thinking: why not create a place that brings that same feeling to our own community?”
That laid-back approach will extend to the restaurant’s atmosphere as well. The team envisions a blend of traditional Japanese tavern interiors and Japanese street-style influences, with warm lighting, wooden details, rustic touches, and the lively feel of a neighborhood izakaya tucked along a street in Japan.
“We don’t want the space to feel overly polished or fancy,” an owner said. “We want it to feel casual, cozy, a little edgy, and full of character. The kind of place where you can walk in after a long workday, order some skewers and sake, and end up staying longer than you planned because you’re having such a good time.”
Cambridge’s mix of students, working professionals, longtime residents, and people from different cultural backgrounds made it a natural fit for the concept, an owner added. The team hopes EN’YA will become a welcoming neighborhood gathering place where guests can enjoy good food without the formality of a traditional sit-down dining experience.
The owners are now preparing the space for its next chapter, and EN’YA Robatayaki & Sake Bar is on track to welcome diners before the end of November 2026.
“At the end of the day, we hope EN’YA becomes one of those places people naturally think of when they want to relax, meet friends, or grab a drink after work,” ownership said. “We want people to come for the food, stay for the atmosphere, and leave already thinking about when they’ll be back.”
