Boston's culinary scene is about to get a major boost when acclaimed chef George Mendes opens not one, but two new establishments in the South End in 2026. The former owner of the Michelin-starred Aldea in New York City has chosen Boston as his new home, and he's showing his gratitude with Agosto, an intimate tasting-menu restaurant, followed by Baby Sister, a charming bakery-café.
Mendes, whose parents emigrated from Portugal, moved to Boston with his family in 2023 and quickly fell in love with the city's food scene and community spirit. After initially working as opening chef at Amar in the Back Bay's Raffles Hotel, he's now embarking on his most personal project yet.
Agosto, Portuguese for 'August,' holds deep meaning for Mendes—it's the month he met and married his wife Suzanne, and their son's name is August. The 45-seat restaurant will feature a chef's counter with a tasting menu that weaves Portuguese heritage with influences from Mendes' time at legendary establishments like Arpège in Paris and El Bulli in Spain.
'The experience is built around proximity to the ingredients, technique, and story behind the food,' Mendes explains. The restaurant will showcase New England's exceptional seafood while incorporating flavors from the historic Portuguese spice trade—from Japanese-inspired clean presentations to Macanese masalas and Goan piri piri.
Baby Sister, opening later in 2026, will bring the same dinner-service level of care to everyday café fare, featuring Portuguese pastries like pastéis de nata, sourdough loaves, and baguettes alongside breakfast sandwiches and light dinner options.
'Our daughter was born here. We've been welcomed so warmly,' says Mendes. 'These businesses are meant to be a lasting part of the neighborhood, something with a heartbeat.'