Massive Pizza Festival Coming To MA + Unique Japanese Eatery: Food Week

Welcome to Patch's weekly round-up of food and restaurant news in Massachusetts, where we review openings, closings, and more in the state's dining scene.

Prefer to watch? Check out this week's Patch Food and Business Roundup in the video below, then keep scrolling for the written version.

Have a food story idea? Send it to jessie.castellano@patch.com.

Largest pizza festival in New England returning to Mass.

The Boston Pizza Festival will return to City Hall Plaza on Sept. 19 and Sept. 20. More than 30 pizzerias are expected to serve slices for more than 20,000 guests.

Japanese restaurant debuting in Greater Boston

Jūni, a Japanese restaurant offering a flexible take on omakase, opened in Quincy this week. The restaurant will serve a 12-component, omakase-style platter for $69, according to a social media announcement.

Vietnamese eatery coming to MetroWest

A new Vietnamese restaurant centered on shared dishes and drinks is nearing an opening in downtown Natick.

Nhau, a concept from Soall Viet Kitchen owner Sa Nguyen, is expected to open at The Block at 1 South Main St. in late August or early September

Beloved Central Mass. bar saved from closure after sale

Halligan's Bar in Auburn was sold to Dan Raymond and Mike and Katie Langway, the current owners of Days End Tavern in Oxford, the business announced Sunday. The new owners are expected to take over Jan. 1, 2027.

Mass. first natural winery opens bar in Boston

Marzae Cellar + Provisions is now welcoming guests during a public soft opening in the Market's largest retail space, bringing together Massachusetts-made natural wine, seasonal New England cuisine and a curated selection of locally made specialty foods.

Two new coffee shops debuting in Mass.

Pavement Coffeehouse, a Boston-based coffee chain, is preparing to open its first Medford location inside Tufts University's Joyce Cummings Center.

August Coffee is a cafe at 548 Main St. in downtown Worcester serving coffee, espresso drinks, seasonal food, and other menu items.

More Massachusetts Food News:

• Historic Newton Bar Reopens Under New Ownership
• Worcester Cafe Receives $250K To Expand Job Training
• Massachusetts' 1st Natural Winery Opens Bar In Boston
• Medford Restaurant To Temporarily Close For Renovations
• Historic Newton Bar Reopens Under New Ownership
• North Shore Restaurant Smashed By Driver Plans To Reopen In Lynnfield
• Popular Brewery's Taproom Taking Shape In Woburn

Catch Up On Past Food Roundups:

• 3 MA Bars Are Best In U.S. + Popular Chain Moving HQ To MA
• Famous Coffee Shop Opens + Beloved Massachusetts Bar Closing
• MA Hot Dog Among Best In America + Famous Japanese Restaurant Coming
• Popular Cafe, Lifestyle Brand Debuts + Beloved Wine Bar Transitioning
• Restaurant Reopens After Fire + National Chains Expand