Massachusetts’ highest court ruled Friday that a restaurateur can open a casual eatery on Boston’s Long Wharf, rebuffing a challenge from North End neighbors who said it would damage a popular gathering spot on the harbor.

Following a four-year legal battle, the court found that Michael Conlon, owner of Eat Drink Laugh Restaurant Group, can proceed with his hotly contested plan for the restaurant at the Long Wharf pavilion along Boston Harbor.