Watertown Restaurant to Close After 50+ Years, 2 New Eateries Opening in Town

China Rainbow

A fixture on the Watertown eating scene, China Rainbow, will be closing after more than half a century. A post on Boston Restaurant Talk quoted a note posted by the owner of China Rainbow. Thank you for your patronage. I am deeply grateful for the memories, laughter and loyal support over the years and will cherish the time we’ve spent together. I love you all.Tammy

Fans still have time to enjoy a meal at China Rainbow, which will be closing on Dec.

Bar ‘Cino Introduces New Brunch Offerings in Watertown

New brunch items available at Bar ‘Cino in Watertown. Bar ‘Cino in Watertown added new items to its brunch menu including a spinach and fontina frittata, a breakfast sandwich with chicken sausage and stirred egg, and a scrambled eggs and fontina grilled pizza. See more information in the announcement from Bar ‘Cino, below. Newport Restaurant Group, an award-winning collection of unique restaurants and hospitality venues located throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, is pleased to announce new brunch items at its Bar ‘Cino locations in Watertown, Brookline, and Westwood, and the addition of brunch on Fridays in Brookline. For more information or to make reservations, visitwww.barcino.com.

See Who Won the First Annual Watertown Business Coalition Pizza Fest

The joint winners of the First Annual WBC Pizza Fest: Gigi’s Pizza Co. (left) and Johnnie’s Pizza & Wings. The Watertown Business Coalition handed out the Golden Slice to the winners of the First Annual Pizza Fest at the Faire on the Square. The contest in which people voted online ended in a tie. See the announcement from the WBC, below.

Watertown Business Coalition Hosting the First Annual Pizza Fest

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Business Coalition:

Calling all pizza lovers! The Watertown Business Coalition (WBC) is thrilled to announce THE FIRST ANNUAL PIZZA FEST! From September 5 to 12, residents are encouraged to head to their favorite pizza spot and experience the great pizza served here in the City! 

Participating restaurants thus far include Bar ‘Cino, Gigi’s Pizza Co., Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Johnnie’s Pizza & Wings, Red Lentil Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant, Stella’s Pizza, Sevan Bakery, Little Family Pizza, West on Main, and Gerry’s Italian Kitchen. 

Participants can visit their favorite spots, and try some new ones, and then vote online. The winner will receive the Golden Slice trophy at the Faire on the Square, on Sept. 13 at Saltonstall Park.

Watertown Restaurant Holding Sweet Fundraiser for a Food Pantry

Bar ‘Cino’s gelato is just one dessert to choose from in the No Child Hungry This Summer program. (Courtesy of Bar ‘Cino)

Bar ‘Cino, located at 47 Main Street in Watertown, is pleased to announce a new fundraising effort to support the Centre Street Food Pantry, a local food relief agency serving Brookline, Needham, Newton, Waltham, Watertown, and Wellesley. From August 17 though August 31, 50 percent of dessert sales will be donated to the Centre Street Food Pantry’s “No Child Hungry This Summer” program. In a survey of families who visit Centre Street Food Pantry, more than half reported that their children did not receive subsidized meals in the summer, while the remainder who brought their children to an approved meal site said they came home and were still hungry. In response, the Centre Street Food Pantry has held the “No Child Hungry This Summer” fundraising campaign each of the last four summers to raise funds to provide lunch food items to approximately 1,400 children each month from June through September.  

“We are so grateful to the work that the Centre Street Food Pantry does for families in need and humbled to have the opportunity to support their efforts,” said Gary Morrison, Regional Manager, Newport Restaurant Group.

A Pair of New Food & Drink Options Open for Memorial Day Weekend

Watertown has two new places to grab a drink and something to eat, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. One is a pub in the West End, and the other is the newest location for a local brewery and the newest addition to Arsenal Yards. West on Main announced on social media that it was opening on Thursday, May 22. “It’s time!!! The wait is finally over – West on Main is opening its doors!

New Restaurant Opening in Former Fit-Z’s Spot

A new Irish and American bar will replace a neighborhood favorite on the Westside of Watertown. The facade of the former Fit-Z’s Bar & Grille has been repainted and now displays “West on Main,” and a Guinness sign hangs next to it. An advertisement on social media from West on Main says:

“West on Main blends the best of an Irish and American bar, creating a welcoming neighborhood spot in Watertown, MA. Serving comfort food, rotating specials, and a traditional Sunday roast, it’s the go-to place for great food, drinks, and live sports.” Boston Restaurant Talk shared a Bluesky post with a photo of the new look for the space at 451 Main St., Watertown.

Watertown Restaurants to be Featured at Chamber’s Spring Seasonings: A Taste of Our Towns

Cha Yen Thai Cookery is one of several Watertown Restaurants that will be serving their dishes at the Charles River Chamber’s Spring Seasonings event. (Contributed Photo)

Watertown’s vibrant restaurant scene will be on full display at Spring Seasonings: A Taste of Our Towns, happening on Monday, April 7, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Newton Marriott. Hosted by the Charles River Regional Chamber and presented by The Village Bank, the event brings together top culinary talents from across the region. This year, Watertown’s lineup of participating restaurants and beverage vendors includes:

● Bar ‘Cino● Cha Yen Thai Cookery● NAYA● Not Your Average Joe’s● Nzuko● Olespana● Ritcey East● Sensational Foods

Max and Chelsea Ritcey served up food from Watertown restaurant Ritcey East at the Charles River Chamber’s Spring Seasonings. (Photo from Charles River Chamber)

Visit charlesriverchamber.com/spring-seasonings for a full preview of the 40+ restaurants, beer, wine and liquor shops who will be sampling small bites and sips on April 7.