A new restaurant concept from one of Boston’s most prolific hospitality groups may soon take over a familiar Fort Point address.
Coda Restaurant Group is planning to open Celine, a restaurant and bar proposed for the former home of Ming Tsai’s Blue Dragon at 324 A St, reports Boston Restaurant Talk. According to a presentation page within the fortpointneighborhood.org website, Coda partners Jim Cochener, Ted Hawkins, and Deirdre Auld are behind the project.
Coda has long played a defining role in Boston’s dining scene. The group’s portfolio includes SRV, a Venetian-inspired bacaro that has earned a James Beard Foundation nomination; Baleia, which was named among The New York Times’ “25 Best Restaurants in Boston”; the all-day Italian café Gufo; and longtime South End staple The Salty Pig.
Celine would take a distinctly tavern-inspired approach, combining the warmth of a classic American watering hole with the flavors and techniques of Montréal and France. A representative for the group described the concept as a “timeless blend of American comfort tavern fare” and “Montréal-French technique and soul.”
The menu is expected to lean toward hearty, approachable fare with a refined edge. Early plans call for dishes like roast chicken, burgers—including a smash burger—and a rotating raw bar, alongside tavern staples “elevated by Montréal classics and subtle French technique.” The team has not yet announced an executive chef.
According to the presentation materials, the beverage program will play a central role in the experience, featuring polished cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine list balancing “natural energy with timeless regions.” The concept is intended to be a jovial, casual space with a strong emphasis on the bar program.
The design concept draws heavily from the history of the American tavern while weaving in understated European style. Dark woods, soft lighting, and layered textures would create an atmosphere that feels intimate and welcoming, chic yet unpretentious.
Plans outline seating for about 115 guests, including 99 inside the restaurant across tables, bar seating, and standing areas, plus an additional 16 seats on a seasonal outdoor patio.
The team is currently selecting an architect to develop plans and begin the design process. They intend to make relatively minimal structural changes to the existing space, focusing instead on updates to furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
Though some reports have suggested the concept references a famous French Canadian with the same namesake, a representative says that interpretation is inaccurate, noting that any nods will be subtle and playful for guests to discover once the restaurant opens.
If approved, Celine would operate daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., with the kitchen closing at 11 p.m. Patio service would run Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday until 11 p.m., when weather permits.
The group is currently targeting a late summer 2026 opening.
UPDATE: This article has been updated to include additional details and clarification provided by a representative for Coda Restaurant Group.
