A new eatery is filling a somewhat surprising void in Journal Square’s dining scene as Yubi’s 78 Restaurant has marked the latest revitalization along Newark Avenue. Last month, the lights finally went back on at 578 Newark Avenue. The space has long been dark despite its prominent location; the previous tenant was Choices Pasta & Salad, and they have not been in operation since at least 2018.

A complete gut from the previous fast-casual design of the storefront has crafted a cozy and more upscale aesthetic at Yubi’s 78 Restaurant, which features table seating including booth spots in the building’s windows. Owned by Luis Yubi Caceres, the BYOB spot is now serving both lunch and dinner along the well-traveled stretch.