Cambridge Restaurant Openings and Closings: What’s New This Fall

Cambridge restaurant openings and closings have come quickly this fall. A Somerville bakery opened a large second shop near Inman Square, a Korean barbecue chain is heading to Harvard Square, and a Mexican spot near MIT and a decades-old Porter Square pizzeria are leaving. Here is what has changed in Cambridge’s food scene since mid-September, based on published reports. Plans and dates can shift, so check before you go.

New openings in Cambridge

Michette (305 Webster Ave.): The Somerville bakery opened its second location on the outer edge of Inman Square, Boston Restaurant Talk reported on Oct. 14, citing Boston Uncovered. The Cambridge shop is much larger than the original on Broadway in East Somerville and has seating. It sells breads, croissants, cookies, sandwiches and coffee.

The Sub Shop (1760A Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square): Baker Josh Winer, whose sandwich shop began in Boston’s Fort Point, leased the former Half Shell space, the Cambridge Somerville Independent reported on Sept. 18. Winer said he expected to open as soon as mid-October. His 9-inch subs, including Spicy Calabrian Chicken and Shaved Ribeye steak and cheese, are served on bread he bakes daily after a 24-hour fermentation. Winer told the paper he planned a vegetarian sandwich inspired by the Half Shell’s jalapeño poppers, and that the shop is licensed to open from 6 a.m. to midnight. Confirm it is open before making the trip.

Coming soon

Gen Korean BBQ House (26 Brattle St., Harvard Square): The chain, founded in Los Angeles in 2011, plans to open in Harvard Square, Boston Restaurant Talk reported on Oct. 22. The Cambridge Somerville Independent had reported in May that plans were on pause over concerns about how customers would grill their own food, including whether open flames would be involved. An update said the pause ended after talks between fire inspectors and the owners. No opening date has been announced.

Momma’s (1175 Cambridge St.): The shop known for maple creemees plans a third location in the Wellington-Harrington neighborhood near Inman Square. According to Boston Restaurant Talk, it will have 1,000 square feet and two entrances, one for groceries and one for ice cream, and could open in November. The original Momma’s opened in North Cambridge in 2023, and a Brighton location opened at the Charles River Speedway this summer.

EN’YA Robatayaki & Sake Bar (125 River St., near Central Square): The Japanese izakaya-style restaurant is expected before the end of November in the former What A Soup space, What Now Boston reported, describing it as a new concept from the same ownership team.

Recent closings

What A Soup (125 River St.): The Thai boat noodle spot, which opened in early 2024, closed on Oct. 10, according to an Instagram post quoted by Boston Restaurant Talk.

The Half Shell (1760A Massachusetts Ave.): The Lagoudakis family, which ran the Greek-leaning pizza and sub shop since 1998, served its last meals on Sept. 17. Cambridge Day reported that city records show the business incorporated in 1991. State Rep. Marjorie Decker brought the family a resolution signed by House Speaker Ron Mariano, the Independent reported.

Beantown Taqueria (245 Massachusetts Ave.): The restaurant near MIT will close at the end of October with no concrete plans to return, The Tech reported on Oct. 16. The building is being renovated to add a loading dock, ramps and an elevator, the same work that led Cambridge Pizza to close in June. Public records obtained by The Tech show the MIT Investment Management Company is suing Beantown, claiming $7,452.88 in unpaid rent and related charges after a June 30 deadline to vacate. The restaurant is running $2 tacos all day on Taco Tuesdays through October.

Chip City (Harvard Square): The New York-based cookie chain closed all of its stores, including its Harvard Square shop, Boston Restaurant Talk reported on Oct. 2.

Where to eat in the meantime

For established Inman Square dining, see our profile of Oleana. For other news from the Square, including the plan for the Out of Town News kiosk, visit our Harvard & Cambridge hub.

Opening dates for new restaurants often slip. Check each business’s website or social media before you go.

Sources

• Boston Restaurant Talk: October 2026 archive
• Cambridge Somerville Independent: The Half Shell closes, making way for The Sub Shop
• The Tech: Beantown Taqueria to close by the end of the month (Oct. 16, 2026)
• What Now Boston: EN’YA Robatayaki & Sake Bar to replace What A Soup
• Cambridge Day: Half Shell’s long run comes to a close

Additional sources

• Michette official site
• Momma’s official site
• Gen Korean BBQ House official site