Zebra’s Bistro & Wine Bar Will Shutter to Make Way for a New Concept

Zebra’s Wine Bar. / Photo via zebrasbistro.com

The fine dining landscape in Boston has been shedding its white tablecloths and tasting menus this year—we said goodbye to Clio and hello to an exuberant, updated Uni; Journeyman added a casual weeknight menu called Heat, and sister restaurant Study just shed its tasting menu format; and Rialto shuttered as chef Jody Adams focuses on her fast-casual Saloniki and the soon-to-open, lively seafood bar Porto.

Add a suburban destination to that list: Zebra’s Bistro & Wine Bar will close after service July 3, and reopen later in the month with a totally new concept and menu.

After 16 years in business, the Medfield spot recently stripped the formal linens off its tables, and updated its bistro menu following chef Brendan Pelley’s departure. Owner Craig Neubecker says it’s been extremely well-received, and he’s decided to take it even further.

“[We are going to] create a restaurant that captures the way we want to dine out right now—and we think (hope!) it’s what you want too,” he writes in a note on the restaurant’s website. “A place that is easy, approachable, and playful showcasing seasonal product prepared with a lot of love and soul. It will be a spot where you want to meet friends and hang out over a glass of wine, beer or an expertly crafted cocktail. We are going to build a new bar and dining room to match the style and spirit of our new dishes.”

Neubecker has hired chef Joshua Bottini to helm the to-be-named new restaurant, who was most recently chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago in Las Vegas, and whose resume includes a stint as executive chef at Davio’s Chestnut Hill, and positions with the Franklin Group (Franklin Cafe, Citizen Public House) and other New England restaurants.

Bottini will do away with Zebra’s three-course, prix-fixe menu options, and will introduce dishes “that will tickle the palate” and provide a sense of place, according to a representative. The menu is still under development, and will be revealed along with the new name in the coming weeks. The new spot will be open for dinner only.

The team anticipates a two or three-week renovation, including tearing down some walls to open up the dining area and “match the style and spirit of our new dishes,” Neubecker writes. They will also build a new bar, but will retain the extensive wine list and focus on craft cocktails of the beverage program.

“We hope that you will stop by for your final dinner at Zebra’s and for drinks at the bar with friends,” Neubecker writes. Keep an eye on Zebra’s website and social media for updates on the reopening.

Zebra’s Bistro & Wine Bar, 21 North St., Medfield; 508-359-410, zebrasbistro.com.