News Summary
A new cocktail bar and dim sum restaurant called Darling is set to open in Cambridge’s Central Square this coming Spring, taking over the former Mary Chung location. With a rotating menu of creative cocktails and dim sum-inspired small plates, Darling aims to cater to the culinary desires of locals. The intimate venue with a seating capacity of 59 will operate daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Renovations are expected to cost around $1.1 million. Darling is also currently hiring for both front-of-house and back-of-house positions as they prepare for their opening.
Exciting New Cocktail Bar and Dim Sum Restaurant Opening in Cambridge: Say Hello to “Darling”
Cambridge residents, are you ready for something truly delicious and delightful? A fabulous new cocktail bar and dim sum restaurant named Darling is set to grace Central Square this coming Spring, with an anticipated opening in October or November. Nestled in the heart of the city, at 464 Massachusetts Ave., Darling is taking over the beloved former space of Mary Chung—a cherished eatery that served locals for more than 40 years before it closed its doors in December 2022.
A Culinary Twist Awaits
Darling promises to be a fresh addition to the Cambridge dining scene, featuring a unique concept that marries the art of cocktail crafting with mouth-watering dim sum-inspired small plates. So whether you’re craving a fancy drink or something scrumptious to nibble on, this new venue is designed to cater to all your culinary desires!
One of the exciting aspects of Darling is its daily rotating menu of seasonally inspired cocktails. Cocktail aficionados, get ready to have your taste buds tantalized as mixologists craft delicious and creative drinks just for you. Alongside those refreshing concoctions, diners can enjoy a variety of dim sum-inspired dishes that are perfect for sharing—and what’s better than gathering with friends over some tasty bites and cool drinks?
More than Just Drinks
With a cozy seating capacity of 59, Darling is perfect for an intimate dinner or a lively gathering. The restaurant will be operating daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., catering to those who crave delicious food and drinks almost around the clock. Whether you’re stopping by for a leisurely lunch or a late-night snack, this new haunt will be welcoming diners with open arms.
Hiring Now: Join the Darling Family
For those interested in BOH positions, a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of food handling guidelines are essential. Dependability and a focus on creating a positive work atmosphere are also key since every team member will contribute to making Darling a fantastic experience for patrons. And, just like the FOH crew, availability for late nights and weekends is a must!
Transforming the Local Scene
Renovations for Darling are expected to run about $1.1 million, focusing on modernizing the space while respecting the legacy left behind by Mary Chung. The goal is to pay homage to the spirit of the previous establishment while injecting new life into the dining landscape of Cambridge.
Cambridge’s culinary scene is evolving to incorporate more diverse food options. With food courts moving to more modern and varied vendor offerings, Darling’s opening is perfectly timed to fit into this exciting trend. The area is undergoing a significant redevelopment, showcasing other new dining options including a forthcoming food hall at CambridgeSide mall, which will feature the C-Side Bar.
Ready, Set, Darling!
With so many reasons to be excited, Darling is poised to become a favorite spot for both locals and visitors alike. As the owners embark on this delightful new venture, there’s a palpable excitement surrounding the potential to foster community and celebrate culinary traditions through innovative dining. So keep an eye out for the opening later this year—you’re gonna want to be among the first to experience all that Darling has to offer!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Dining Spots Opening in Boston This Spring
Additional Resources
- Cambridge Day: Darling Cocktail Bar and Dim Sum Restaurant
- Boston.com: Greater Boston Restaurants Opening 2025
- NBC Boston: New Cocktail Bar Coming to Cambridge
- Boston Globe: Boston Restaurant Openings Spring 2025
- Wikipedia: Dining in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
