After eight years of serving Boston with Jamaican takeout, catering, and food truck offerings, Murl’s Kitchen is preparing to enter a new chapter with a full-service restaurant in Dorchester.
The team recently announced the launch of Murlene’s Caribbean Cuisine & Cocktails, a sister concept that will bring an elevated Caribbean dining experience to 12-14 Bowdoin Street. Director of Operations Shantae Romain confirmed the expansion with What Now Boston, sharing that the project is in its final stages of development, with an opening targeted for January or February 2027.
Murl’s Kitchen is known for its Jamaican comfort and Caribbean fusion dishes, with offerings such as jerk chicken mac and cheese, Rasta pasta, oxtail, and lobster tails. Murlene’s will build on those familiar flavors and traditions while introducing a more expansive dining experience, complete with a fun selection of Caribbean-inspired cocktails.
The goal, explained Romain, is to bring something new to Dorchester while expanding the dining options available in the neighborhood. “Think Caribbean cuisine, but elevated,” she said.
The upcoming restaurant is being built out as an entirely new space, and the team is currently putting the finishing touches on the project. Once complete, guests can expect a distinctly Caribbean-inspired atmosphere, complete with lush greenery, moody design elements, and a relaxing, tropical feel. The layout will include a dedicated bar area, comfortable dining spaces, and a private room for special events.
“The idea is that you’re sitting in there and you feel like you’re somewhere relaxing and tropical,” Romain said. “Lush, moody, and really Caribbean-inspired” is the vision. The restaurant is currently projected to accommodate approximately 70 guests, although the seating capacity may shift depending on the final arrangement.
While Murlene’s will introduce a sit-down dining experience, it won’t mark the end of Murl’s Kitchen. The two concepts will operate as sister businesses, with the original brand continuing its takeout, catering, and seasonal food truck operations. The team is still working out where the takeout operation will be based, so keep an eye out for an announcement as those plans come together.
For now, the focus is on bringing Murlene’s to life. Romain said the team is looking forward to welcoming the community and is considering several soft-launch events ahead of the official opening. “It’s been a lot of hard work,” she said. “But luckily, we’ve had so many partners in the city helping us move this project along.”
For the latest updates, opening announcements, and a first look at the new restaurant, be sure to follow @murlenes on Instagram.
