Three storefronts along Washington Street in West Newton changed hands in 2026, bringing a coffee shop, an Asian comfort-food and bubble tea spot, and a Mexican restaurant to the village. Nearby, two residential developments are adding housing and future retail space.
Moments Cafe moves into the former Flora’s Wine Bar
Moments Cafe opened at 1284 Washington Street on August 7, 2026, in the former Flora’s Wine Bar.
Owners Tai Huynh and Phuong Nguyen live in Quincy. While looking for a space for a coffee shop, they came across Flora’s and saw an opportunity to open in West Newton. Huynh told the Newton Beacon in September that the neighborhood was missing a coffee shop.
The conversion involved new paint and furniture, with little major renovation needed. The menu includes specialty coffee, matcha, hojicha, Einspänner lattes, cortados, and croffles, made by pressing croissant dough in a waffle iron.
Inside, the café has smaller tables, a larger communal table, and a window bar. Huynh told the Newton Beacon that he enjoys seeing customers work, meet, and spend time with friends.
Flora’s Wine Bar announced its closure as a restaurant and wine bar on August 2, 2025, after opening in February 2020. According to Flora’s official website, the space was to remain available for private events, party buyouts, and pop-ups.
Crunch & Boba takes over the former Shogun space
Crunch & Boba opened at 1385 Washington Street in spring 2026, in the former Shogun space.
The menu combines bubble tea and milk teas with steamed buns, rice bowls, noodles, dumplings, barbecue skewers, and crispy sides. Its official ordering site lists the menu and ordering options.
The restaurant adds another option for people looking for a meal or a drink in the village center.
Mexicana Grill & Cantina replaces Ninebark
At 1391 Washington Street, Mexicana Grill & Cantina replaced Ninebark Kitchen + Drinks in early 2026. The address previously housed Burke’s Alewerks.
Owners Antonio de Trizio and Nicolas Ruiz also operated Latina Kitchen & Bar in Needham and ran Ninebark before changing the concept at the West Newton location.
Mexicana’s official website provides its menu, reservations, and restaurant information.
New housing and retail are coming to Washington Street
Newton Crossing
The storefront changes are taking place alongside larger residential projects near West Newton’s village center.
Newton Crossing, at 1149–1185 Washington Street and Kempton Place, is under construction. The City of Newton lists plans for 292 residential units, approximately 8,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, and underground parking. The retail space will create additional opportunities for businesses along Washington Street.
West Newton Armory
The former West Newton Armory at 1135–1137 Washington Street is also being redeveloped. The City’s official project page describes plans for 43 affordable apartments and the restoration of the historic headhouse for office, gallery, and community space.
Together, these projects will add housing and commercial space near the village’s existing businesses.
