Boston's restaurant scene is undergoing notable changes this summer, with several closures and new openings reshaping the local dining landscape.

After eight years of operation, Chickadee, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in the Innovation and Design Building in the Seaport District, will close its doors on July 18. Founded by chef John daSilva and beverage director Ted Kilpatrick, Chickadee earned a loyal following for its hospitality and menu offerings, including a popular takeout fried chicken option that provided comfort during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent social media message, the team reflected on the community and connections fostered over the years, describing the restaurant as more than just a place to eat.

Meanwhile, another longstanding establishment faces an uncertain future. Delfino, a Roslindale restaurant founded by Stephen Judge, who is retiring after 25 years, recently closed but may remain a fixture in the neighborhood. Judge expressed optimism about finding a buyer to ensure a smooth transition, emphasizing he will seek a successor committed to maintaining the restaurant's quality. In the interim, Delfino's sister restaurant, 753 South, continues to operate, and customers with Delfino gift cards are assured they can redeem them at either location or a future iteration of Delfino.

Amid these closures, several new ventures are set to open across the Boston area. Shawbak, a Lebanese restaurant touted as Melrose’s first Middle Eastern eatery, opened recently at 36-40 West Wyoming Avenue. Chef-owner and longtime Melrose city councilor Maya Jamaleddine offers a menu featuring halal dishes such as man’oush topped flatbreads, hummus, mezze, shawarma, and falafel sandwiches, with all ingredients made in-house. Shawbak operates from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., serving Lebanese breakfast before the kitchen closes for daily prep.

The Seaport District will also welcome two new businesses this month. Life Alive, an organic, plant-based cafe chain originating in Lowell with locations across Massachusetts and the Mid-Atlantic, launched its Seaport location at 200 Seaport Boulevard on July 21. The cafe’s menu includes offerings such as Green Goddess and Buddha Bowls, as well as a special By the Sea Matcha drink incorporating blue spirulina. Shortly thereafter, on July 24, artisanal ice cream maker Salt & Straw will open its first Boston outpost adjacent to Life Alive. The Portland, Oregon-based brand will present regionally inspired flavors including Boston Cream Pie and Pistachio Ricotta Cannoli, the latter a nod to the North End.

Additional openings are planned for later this year. In Somerville’s Teele Square, the team behind Spoke Wine Bar will introduce Liars, described as a spirit-focused tavern featuring “drinking food,” in the former True Bistro space at 1153 Broadway. The exact opening date is yet to be announced.

Kevin Liu, a restaurateur known for several concepts including Mai in the Seaport and Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House in Chinatown, is expanding north with Matsunori, a handroll shop specializing in Wagyu beef and generous fish-to-rice portions. The new location will open in September at MarketStreet in Lynnfield.

Finally, downtown Boston is set to gain SEVEN Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge this fall at 545 Washington Street. Created by the team behind Wicked Craft in the North End, SEVEN draws inspiration from the seven deadly sins, featuring immersive thematic elements such as a “forbidden fruit” tree and an elevator simulating purgatory and hell. The menu will include small plates, steaks, and house-made pasta, aiming to blend theatrical atmosphere with refined dining.

As the city’s restaurant scene evolves with these openings and closings, Boston diners can anticipate fresh culinary experiences alongside cherished institutions navigating transitions.