Restaurants
From a tequila-fueled Mexican newcomer to a French-Asian bakery and boneless Korean fried chicken, these new spots are topping our must-try list for early 2026.
As we enter the New Year, we’re thrilled about a restaurant serving breakfast well after 12 p.m., a French-Asian bakery finally planting firm roots, boneless Korean Fried Chicken, and more. Here’s where you’ll find us dining during the first month of 2026.
Oversized fans, dangling fruit displays and cacti-filled planters are among the decor at Cambridge’s new Mexican restaurant and bar—a place that embraces the mindset of a fiesta. Specializing in tacos, tequila and tiki, Gato Exotico promises a lively atmosphere alongside quality offerings thanks to the same team behind the ’90s-styled, American Chinese Wusong Road. A vast selection of tacos include traditional fillings like birria short rib and chicken tinga as well as CDMX-inspired beef tongue or crispy chicharróns (pork belly) with fresh guacamole ($5 to $6 per taco). There are also large plates designed for table centerpieces like Plato Pollo Enchilada Verde, with chicken and queso Chihuahua ($20) or a Carne Asada option with sliced, grilled beef served with roasted jalapeño and chimichurri. At the bar, Gato Exotico features the widest selection of tequilas and agave based spirits in Cambridge, which they expertly showcase in their signature cocktails, like the Tijuana Taxi with overproof tequila, rum, mezcal, grapefruit, lime, cinnamon, almond falernum, guava and prickly-pear grenadine ($17).
100 Cambridgeside Pl., Cambridge
Now Open
After debuting its first New England outpost in Hanover, Mass. at the beginning of last year, the beloved national chain is now set to open its Back Bay location to kick off 2026. Focused on breakfast, brunch and lunch, First Watch is renowned for daytime dining options that run the gamut of celebrated comfort foods. The new, and first-in Boston, location will offer the same signature items, like omelets, salads and sandwiches, while paying homage to its neighborhood with a Back Bay-inspired mural. Of their most ordered dishes, their fluffy pancakes and French toast are a staple of their sweet morning treats, while healthy options like their power wraps and tri-athlete omelet will sate the on-the-go clientele of its Boylston Street venue. From hash dishes to power bowls, fresh juices and frittatas, there’s truly something for every type of diner here—and we love that they serve breakfast well into the early afternoon!
777 Boylston St., Back Bay
Opens: January 7
This popular patisserie pop-up opened its first brick-and-mortar in December and is ready to enter the new year in full swing with its Financial District locale. SoWa shoppers will likely recognize the French-Asian bakery for its unique weekly flavor drops they debuted at the South End market, including sweet and savory flavors like mashed potato and bacon cheese roll or an almond cretzel (a twisted croissant-meets-pretzel pastry). At the new location, there’s room for classic croissants, like almond ($6.50) and pain au chocolate ($5.50) alongside flavorful variations like matcha yuzu and Earl Grey chestnut (both $8.95). They also feature a colorful dessert display and sandwich menu where they flex their creativity and attention to detail with intriguing combinations like, for the latter, a beef sauerkraut croissant sandwich ($13.95). And like any quality full-service bakery, Fuful offers a variety of espresso, coffee and tea options to enjoy alongside their house-baked treats.
274 Franklin St., Downtown Boston
Now Open
Union Square has welcomed its sure-to-become newest cult eatery and the star of the menu is Korean Fried Chicken. K-Bok has officially opened its doors with a “small but mighty” menu and will continue to roll out items as it settles into its home on Washington Street. For now, their party wings menu includes signature flavors available in 10, 20, or 30 pieces, like original crispy wins, boneless soy garlic fried chicken, and spicy yangnyeom, which uses a savory-sweet fermented gochujang-based sauce and is finished with sesame seeds ($20-$48). They also have boneless wings, available in six and 12 pieces ($12 or $20) in any of the signature flavors, as well as a double fried chicken sandwich on a brioche bun, layered with coleslaw and pickles ($17).
249 Washington St. Somerville
Now Open
The South End has long been a melting pot of international flavors and its newest restaurant is no exception, as Mesob shines a light on Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine. Born from a “deep love” of food, culture and community, Mesob refers to the traditional woven basket that holds shared meals in these cultures. Diners seeking a communal meal with zesty, fiery flavors thanks to a prominent use of chili, ginger and herbs will love this shared experience at Mesob. For example, one of their combination plates is an Injera, or a pancake-thin, sour-fermented flatbread, served with Kitfo, minced raw beef mixed with herb butter and mitmita, a chili spice blend; timtimo, berbere-spiced lentils; and shiro, a rich chickpea stew.
1746 Washington St., South End
Now Open
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