West Bridge Will Shutter This Year

The State Park team is opening a Jewish deli in the Kendall Square space.

West Bridge

Alexis Gelburd-Kimler and Matthew Gaudet of West Bridge. / Photo via Facebook

One of the most exciting restaurants in Cambridge’s innovation district has announced its imminent closure. West Bridge will shutter at the end of this month so the team can “pursue new opportunities.”

“We are profoundly grateful to our employees, friends, family, investors, mentors, loyal customers and neighbors to have had this opportunity, and could not have done it without all of your support,” the team shared on Facebook.

Eater Boston reported the news, a day after the site noted the group behind nearby State Park is opening a Jewish deli concept in the One Kendall Square development this spring. Now it’s clear what Mamaleh’s Delicatessen is taking over.

West Bridge, a bright, utilitarian space, was a joint effort from Alexis Gelburd-Kilmer and chef Matthew Gaudet, who met working locally at Aquitaine. Gaudet developed his skills at New York City institutions like Eleven Madison Park, The French Laundry, Jean-Georges, and Aquavit. At West Bridge, his family-style menu centered on stylish small and large plates. Food & Wine named him Best New Chef in 2013, and the casual but edgy, French-inspired spot received a variety of other local and national praise in its short three-and-a-half years. West Bridge earned a Top 20 position on Boston magazine’s list of best restaurants last year.

No word on what Gaudet and Gelburd-Kilmer will do next. The second act for One Kendall Square’s Building 300, though, is Mamaleh’s Delicatessen, the newest venture from Rachel Miller Munzer, Alon Munzer, Tyler Sundet, Rachel Sundet, John Kessen, Evan Harrison, and Heather Mojer. That team currently runs State Park, located next door, and also created another dearly departed Kendall Square spot, Hungry Mother, along with chef Barry Maiden. (Following that restaurant’s closure in July, they are developing a new concept, which is “a work in progress,” Miller Munzer says.)

The Jewish deli is a concept Miller Munzer has had in mind for a few years. Opportunity knocked right next door with West Bridge’s closing, and she anticipates a springtime debut. With the Sundets in the kitchen, the house-made fare at Mamaleh’s will include pastrami, corned beef, rugelach, kugel, lox, pickles, matzoh ball soup, and more, and there will be a bustling takeout business, including a market and gift shop, according to Eater. “We envision it being half and half,” Miller Munzer says. To drink, Harrison and Mojer are working on “old fashioned soda fountain” beverages and unique cocktails.

The Mamaleh’s team will build out a counter, deli, and private spaces for simchas once West Bridge closes at the end of December.

West Bridge, One Kendall Square, Building 300, Cambridge; 617-845-0221 or westbridgerestaurant.com.