Juniper, the new Wellesley restaurant from Sweet Basil owner Dave Becker, is slated to open for dinner only beginning this Wednesday, July 9. The restaurant, at 13 Central St., will serve dinner six nights a week, skipping Mondays.
The 110-seat restaurant, which has a bar and patio, will serve Eastern Mediterranean fare. So it will provide a smooth segue from the Milestone restaurant that previously occupied the spot. (Milestone’s owner was planning to devote time to Maugus, also run by his family.)
Executive Chef Tim Fichera, a longtime Sweet Basil employee, leads the kitchen at Juniper. As for the menu, dips start at $6, starters like Chilled Asparagus Soup at $11 and entrees such as Vegetable Ragu at $23. At the high end, a Grilled Skirt Steak will run you $30, putting it in the company of the most expensive dishes in town. (Yes, looks to be a bit of a “Wellesley Tax,” as Sweet Basil apps start at $10 and entrees at $20.) According to a Juniper press release, one difference between this restaurant and Sweet Basil, is that the Needham restaurant features “savory-only fare” and Juniper will offer up sweets like Pecan Pie Baclava and Revani. More on the menu from Boston Magazine.
![Dave Becker, Juniper owner](https://media.theswellesleyreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/13051547/Dave-Becker_-photo-credit-David-Salafia-300x210.jpg)
Like pretty much every business in Wellesley, Juniper is playing up its sustainability. One cool feature: A custom cork floor.
Juniper does not take reservations, so tables are first come, first served.
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