:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70458925/Screen_Shot_2022_06_28_at_11.08.17_AM.154.png)
This is a list of the Bay Area’s most notable restaurant and bar openings, with new updates published once a week. See an opening we missed? Then drop us a line.
June 28
SOMA — On Second Street, Pie Punks is serving beer, wine, Ozzy Osbourne and Draymond Green energy, and both Detroit- and grandma-style pizza. A tipster let Eater SF know about the new business, and from the looks of it, natty wine and good times are already on deck.
DUBOCE TRIANGLE — Tablehopper reports Shanghai Dumpling King is alive and well on 14th Avenue and Church Street. The Outer Richmond location of the xiao long bao experts closed in 2018, so the reopening is exciting for longtime fans. Whether or not the sugar egg puffs are a part of the comeback remains to be seen, and same goes for whether or not a liquor license is in the works.
MISSION — After much anticipation and much delay, Grand Coffee Too opened next door to the Alamo Drafthouse on Mission Street last week. The three co-owners already are buzzing through the space, pouring pineapple tea and readying Chemexes of Guatemalan single origin for customers when not talking politics in the enormous, airy space.
DOGPATCH — Artesano closed after nine years in Laurel Village only to reopen alongside the Plant. The idea is to share costs and employees, as Tablehopper notes, though as things get up and running the empanadas and cubanos are only available on Wednesdays.
GEYSERVILLE — Ten minutes away from its original Healdsburg location, chef Douglas Keane has relaunched his restaurant Cyrus after ten years in the dark. The Chronicle reports the original restaurant in the Hotel Les Mars was the “epitome of Old World sumptuousness.” After a $5,000 per person dinner series to benefit Meals on Wheels in early September, the restaurant will open for regular service. General reservations for the $295 tasting menu will go live on July 8 via Tock.
FOSTER CITY — Foster City has more going on than Canada goose infestations. Chuan Chim Thai Cuisine opened in early May from owner Montree “Tony” Ngamwittayanon. Potential customers can have a virtual walk-through of the space, thanks to a fancy 3D modeling service Ngamwittayanon employed for the new restaurant.
CUPERTINO — South Bay coffee darling Voyager Craft Coffee opened its fourth location on Stevens Creek Boulevard, way down the road from its first location (also on Stevens Creek Boulevard, but in Santa Clara). Hoodline writes the new shop is in a strip mall, next to a Panera Bread.
June 21
NORTH BEACH — El Farolito, the Bay Area family of Mexican restaurants known for oversize burritos, opened its much-anticipated 12th location in North Beach on Friday, June 17 owner Santiago Lopez confirmed to Eater SF via email. Lopez’s father Salvador Lopez founded the first Farolito restaurant in the 1980s, Mission Local reported in 2021. The newest restaurant, which can be found on Grant Avenue near Columbus, is open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
MARINA — Montesacro, another familiar San Francisco restaurant thanks to its existing location in SoMa, has also debuted its latest outpost — this time bringing Roman-style pinsa to the Marina. The new restaurant is located on Steiner just north of Lombard Street and serves pasta and antipasti in addition to those puffy pinsa topped with guanciale and sopressata or artichokes and wild mushrooms. Reservations can be made through Resy. Walk-ins available at the bar.
FILLMORE — Scott’s Chowder has opened its fourth location at 1325 Fillmore Street, serving varieties of chowders ranging from vegan to clam to salmon, plus lobster rolls and fish and chips. The restaurant is open for dinner only Tuesday through Sunday and plans to add lunch down the line.
NOPA — Indian pizza has arrived on Divisadero courtesy of newcomer Curry & Kebab. Hoodline spotted the new restaurant first and reports the menu spans everything from paneer tikka masala and butter chicken to goat biryani and fish tandoori.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO — South San Francisco development Kilroy Oyster Point welcomed the new Anecdote restaurant, a two-story property serving breakfast, lunch, and happy hour. The restaurant bills itself as offering “coastal fare” like smoked Passmore Ranch rainbow trout on a Wise Sons bagel and a tuna nicoise salad. Powered by Bon Appetit Management, the restaurant is helmed by Culinary Director Robbie Lewis (Chez Panisse, Boulevard, Rubicon, 42 Degrees, The Village Pub, Jardinière).
OAKLAND — Rockridge has a new option for fast-casual food thanks to a second location of Belly, the Oakland restaurant known for serving tacos filled with Korean steak and kimchi slaw and bowls loaded with shrimp, avocado, and sambal aioli. The Mercury News reports the restaurant is serving lunch only, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Monday.
MILPITAS — Also via the Mercury News, here’s some good news for fans of Chick-Fil-A: the fast-food chain’s most recent Bay Area outpost debuted in Milpitas on June 16.
MOUNTAIN VIEW — From chef Jarad Gallagher, who comes to the project after working at one Michelin-starred Chez TJ restaurant, Broma opened at the Sashi Hotel in Mountain View and serves “big, bold, rustic Spanish and Portuguese cuisine,” the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
June 14
TENDERLOIN — Beloved Tenderloin restaurant Bodega Bistro shuttered in 2017, but Matt Ho brings his family’s restaurant back to a new location after a successful pop-up stint at Rooster and Rice. Now the restaurant is dubbed Bodega SF and serving Vietnamese food for both lunch and dinner, alongside a new bar menu, as of June 10; expect items like pho and shaking beef for lunch, while dinner will have dishes such as bun cha, banh cuon rice rolls, and more.
TENDERLOIN — Bini’s Kitchen opens its third location, this time inside La Cocina Municipal Marketplace. A fitting spot, given owner Binita “Bini” Pradhan is an alum of La Cocina’s incubator program. This location of Bini’s Kitchen opened June 13.
FORESTVILLE — After a few successful pop-ups in the fall, Sonoma Pizza Co. is now in soft open in Forestville. The new pizza spot officially opens June 25 and is helmed by chef Carl Shelton, formerly of Boka in Chicago, as well as The Restaurant at Meadowood, J Vineyards, and Spoonbar.
MILLBRAE — The former Agenzen Cuisine spot in Millbrae was renovated to house a food court of sorts, with the launch of the new Social Eatery, Palo Alto Online reports. Inside, Noodleosophy, Rice Monster, and Grapeholic will be serving up food to customers looking for noodle bowls, clay pot rice, or boba.
SAN JOSE — Opening day for Italian marketplace bonanza Eataly is nearly here: After months of anticipation, Eataly Silicon Valley launches June 16 in San Jose. The 45,000-square-foot spot will have plenty of things to buy, eat, and drink, including at the new rooftop restaurant-slash-lounge, Terra. The San Francisco Chronicle has the full rundown on what to expect.
June 7
MISSION — The former Armory Club bar is finding new life as Dahlia Lounge, the latest bar to open in the Mission. The bar comes from a number of Bay Area industry vets, who’ve helmed spots such as Copyright and Trademark bars, Wilder, Thriller Social Lounge, Novella, and Hometown Bowl, to name a few. The spot has been refreshed since its Armory Club days, so expect some fancy wallpaper and neon lighting-Instagram bait, as well as strong drinks.
WEST PORTAL — Unwine’d, a new wine bar, is opening in the former digs of Vin Debut in the West Portal neighborhood of San Francisco. One of the owners, John Loufas, ran Orexi in the neighborhood for about 10 years. His co-founder, Dino Lettieri, is rooted in the neighborhood, too; according to the Chronicle, his father ran a sandwich shop called Mr. Submarine.
BERKELEY — Cafe Etoile is serving up its own brand of South Korean and French food, as Berkeleyside first reported. The menu features both a bulgogi sandwich, as well as variations of the cafe’s “croffle” — a cross between a croissant and waffle, the news outlet explains — such as the chicken and croffle or cream and berries croffle. There’s also both a croque-madame and croque-monsieur if you’re looking for a classic French item, or a bibimbap salad.
WALNUT CREEK — Bierhaus in Walnut Creek closed and transitioned into Sicilian pizza place City Square last month, serving light, bready square pizza slices to customers. It’s run by the same owner as Bierhaus, who opted to change up the German beer hall concept after some rough times during the pandemic, the East Bay Times reports.
SANTA ROSA — If Champagne and tapas sound like your idea of a good time, Kancha in Santa Rosa is more than willing to oblige. The San Francisco Chronicle reports the new spot will feature Peruvian and Japanese food in a small-plate format, including ceviche, empanadas, firecracker shrimp, and more.
HEALDSBURG — Also from the San Francisco Chronicle comes news that Idlewild opened up its wine and provisions shop, Ciao Bruto, packed with picnic-worthy cured meats and cheeses, tinned fish, and more, as well as — you guessed it — an expansive array of imported wines from Italy.
BURLINGAME – The closure of owner Ajay Walia’s Michelin-starred Rasa has made way for another outpost of his more-casual restaurant, Saffron, opening in the Rasa space on June 7. Walia is calling the transition a “reset” for his team, and while the menu will be mostly comprised of dishes from the 20-year-old Saffron, a few favorites from the Rasa menu will linger, such as the Bombay Sliders.
SAN JOSE — Cafe Stritch, which closed earlier this year, is now Mama Kin. Run by the former general manager of Cafe Stritch, Andrew Saman, the new SoFa District venue will pick up where its predecessor left off. According to Hoodline, Mama Kin guests can expect more than just jazz, though, as Saman wants to go further afield in regards to musicality.
SACRAMENTO — Butterscotch Den is open and serving up live funk and soul music alongside an updated grill menu — a leftover from the Arthur Henry’s Supper Club and Ruby Room days — and a cocktail list composed of lesser-known, old-school drinks. It’s very retro supper club vibes.
SACRAMENTO — A former Tibetan monk is running the kitchen over at Himalaya Vegan Organic Restaurant, featuring a lunch and dinner menu that will both update daily, the Sacramento Bee reports. Luo Rong “Sam” Sang Zhu is the chef and co-owner at Himalayan, which opened May 1, and has family ties to Shangri-La Vegan, which Sang Zhu modeled his Sacramento establishment after.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — New restaurant, the Bistro at the Corner is debuting in South Lake Tahoe on June 17 and is being touted as an “upscale, mountain modern, fine dining experience,” according to the Tahoe Daily Tribune. Helmed by chef Jimi Nakamatsu, expect upscale elements such as caviar service, a surf and turf burger topped with lobster meat, dry aged ribeye, and a weekend brunch menu featuring a luxurious, (also) lobster-laden eggs Benedict, the outlet reports.
May 31
INNER SUNSET — Savor, the new restaurant from Yemeni American chef Mohamed Aboghanem, opened in the Inner Sunset this month. The focus of the Irving Street cafe is on vegetarian and vegan breakfast and lunch items, though Aboghanem is happy to be your new favorite coffee shop, too.
INNER RICHMOND — Ha Tea on 6th Avenue and Clement Street is now Not Latte, the second location of the new fruit latte shop on Irving Street. The business’ owner also owned Ha Tea but decided the space would work better as a Not Latte.
INNER RICHMOND — 540 Rogues, the phoenix that rises from the 540 Club at the eponymous address on Clement Street, is open for business as of the second week of May. The Chronicle writes about the team behind the bar’s new life.
SAN MATEO — It’s the season for handrolls. Takinori Handroll, opening at 144 East Third Avenue in San Mateo, is joining the much-anticipated Handroll Project in amping up the sushi scene in the Bay Area. The Chronicle writes there will be only 13 bar seats at the new restaurant, so expect a wait as the business gets going.
SACRAMENTO — Cameron Park got a new brewery on May 28. Camerado Brewing Company is located at 2650 Cameron Park Drive, Suite 370, and, according to the Sacramento Bee, is open from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
May 24
LOWER NOB HILL — If the idea of one new bar opening in Lower Nob Hill sounds exciting, how about two in the same spot? Members Only is a new, bi-level bar-slash-restaurant that opened in the neighborhood on May 20 with a smaller, different bar setup in the basement called Finders Keepers. The restaurant side of operations is doing what it can to feed late-night crowds with a menu that runs until 11 p.m. on weeknights and 1 a.m. on weekends.
NOE VALLEY — Tablehopper caught the news of Dash Japanese Tapas & Sushi opening over in Noe Valley. There is sushi as expected, of course, but the tapas are where the menu shifts, with items such as the Dash Taco, seared salmon with salsa on a tempura seaweed shell, or ahi tuna bruschetta, olive bread topped with mozzarella and spicy ahi tuna. This is the second outpost of the restaurant (but its first in San Francisco), with the original located in San Mateo.
PARK MERCED — Mom Dumpling is yet another sighting by Tablehopper, and a restaurant embarking on its second storefront in San Francisco. Mom Dumpling hails from Pleasanton and is in San Francisco serving up the dumplings it’s known for: five types of xiao long bao, pan-fried pork bao, fried sesame balls, and more. There are dishes beyond the dumplings to help fill out a meal, including tan tan noodles, Taiwanese popcorn chicken, soups, and more.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23586127/opening_photos_86.jpg)
BERKELEY — Two Berkeley hospitality vets are teaming up for a new sports bar venture titled 4bells Public House and setting up shop in the former Doc’s Refresher spot on University Avenue. Sergio Monleón of paella spot La Marcha and Jennifer Seidman of Acme Bar & Company are pairing up to open the pub on June 2, with menu items like oxtail tamales, gochujang-honey buffalo wings, and Oaxacan-mole fried chicken and waffles, along with a drinks menu designed by Seidman.
BERKELEY — Babette has moved on from the Berkeley Art Museum after nearly 10 years operating in that space, and has taken over the former Lanesplitter Pizza spot on San Pablo Avenue. Owners Joan Ellis and Patrick Hooker are bringing over much of the menu from their beloved spot, and expect to serve “casual coffee,” dinner, and (eventually) brunch indoors as well as outdoors on the renovated patio. They expect to extend their hours soon; check Babette’s website for the latest times to visit.
BOYES HOT SPRINGS – Spread Kitchen opened its restaurant in this Sonoma County town on May 20, bringing chef Cristina Topham’s style of Eastern Mediterranean food to the masses. Topham gained popularity through her farmers market stand and will serve a mix of falafels, mezze plates, dirty fries, and dips, such as the baba ghanoush, hummus, and labneh.
LOS GATOS — Montebello Market debuted May 6 in Los Gatos and is serving up some East Coast classics, such as cheesesteaks with Cheese Whiz, an Italian hoagie, and a Reuben, alongside other deli classics such as matzah ball soup, charcuterie cuts, and more, the Mercury News reports. The deli-market-bottle shop-gift store also serves up alcoholic beverages like a Cadillac margarita and Irish coffees, and snacky items like funnel cake fries, and cotton candy. Prepare to stay awhile.
SACRAMENTO — Juju Kitchen & Cocktails is set to debut June 1 in Sacramento, opening in the Marriott Bonvoy, the Sacramento Bee reports, and helmed by David English of The Press Bistro. At this venture, however, expect constantly rotating $7 plates made of seasonal finds at the farmers market, positioning it to be a potential new happy hour favorite, especially with its craft cocktail menu from bartender Alex Walker. It’s worth noting that nearly all of the dishes will be gluten-free.
May 17
MARINA — Friends, and now restaurant co-owners, Kummi Kim and Hilwin Wong opened Ilcha this spring, a casual Korean spot in the Marina. Kim’s mother is the purveyor behind Lucky Pig and helped out with the menu, porting over that restaurant’s Korean fried chicken recipe to Ilcha, alongside a couple of hot pots (a beloved holdover from the previous restaurant at that space, Nabe) and more. Ilcha means “first round” in Korean, and there’s plenty of Korean beers and spirits to imbibe in, whether it’s your first round or not.
DOGPATCH — Elegant is perhaps the only way to describe the new expansive location of RH (formerly Restoration Hardware) in the Dogpatch, which opened May 12. Taking over the Bethlehem Steel Building, RH has changed it into part-restaurant and part-showroom. Palm Court Restaurant sits center stage on the first floor with chandeliers, Medjool date palms, and a showstopper fountain. There’s two wine bars to pick up a glass of bubbly, and the remaining floors will serve as the showroom part of the equation, displaying RH’s extensive home furnishing offerings.
INNER SUNSET — For those who delight in an intimate, hidden bar, the Inner Sunset location of Fiorella is happy to oblige with a new addition to its restaurant, Bar Nonnina. Hidden behind a pocket door off the rooftop patio, Bar Nonnina itself is pocket-sized, fitting just 14 patrons and a bartender inside. There’s a thoughtful drink menu in place and a small food menu for those who visit.
EMERYVILLE — Pop-up Good to Eat Dumplings made the leap to a permanent location, opening in Emeryville on May 12, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The Taiwanese spot will start with a limited menu of dumplings and a few specials as the owners get their feet under them, but there are plans to expand the offerings — and days of operation — soon.
NOVATO — Perry’s opened its fourth location this month in Novato, bringing its classic American fare to the former Wildfox space on Alameda del Prado, the Marin Independent Journal reports. With the new 5,200-square-foot space comes a generous outdoor patio to enjoy a wedge salad or weekend brunch.
MENLO PARK — Just a month after California Kahve parked its mobile coffee cart in Stinson, owner Molly Welton is opening her first permanent location at the Park James Hotel in Menlo Park. Welton will be filling the hotel’s coffee needs, and plans to offer classics from her current menu, but is also planning some new additions as well. The new shop is set to open May 23.
MENLO PARK — Sand Hill Kitchen threw open its doors May 16, serving the breakfast and lunch crowds (to start) as well as featuring a convenient grab-and-go counter embracing the restaurant’s seasonal ethos. There’s still more to come, however, with plans to add in drinks and a happy hour soon.
May 10
MISSION DOLORES — Handroll Project, the first casual restaurant from Tan Truong and chef Geoffrey Lee, is now open and serving a menu of 10 temaki plus some small plates at this sparsely decorated corner restaurant just a few blocks from Mission Dolores Park. The duo, also behind Michelin-starred omakase restaurant Ju-Ni in NoPa, plan to celebrate the restaurant’s grand opening on Wednesday, May 18.
MISSION — Mariko Grady, owner of Aedan Fermented Foods, has found a brick-and-mortar home for her fermented products including miso paste and shio koji (an all-purpose marinade) at 613 York Street in the Mission District. The 1,000-square-foot space includes a commercial kitchen so customers can expect bento boxes packed with rice; tofu, chicken, fish, or mushrooms marinated in shio koji; miso soup; sagohachi cucumber pickles; or tamagoyaki (a Japanese homestyle omelet).
INNER SUNSET — Former Tartine head baker Nick Beitcher tells Eater SF he’ll open the first Midnite Bagel cafe in the Inner Sunset on May 23. Beitcher started making his whole wheat sourdough bagels as a side project, popping up when Tartine was closed; now he’ll offer them up alongside a menu of breakfast pastries at the retail shop.
INNER RICHMOND — Clint and Yoko Tan started Noodle in a Haystack as a pop-up out of their Daly City home dining room. Now the San Francisco Chronicle reports they’ve graduated to a 12-seat space at 4601 Geary Boulevard. The restaurant offers a $125 tasting menu that includes “seven dishes that pull from different elements of ramen before ending in a bowl of epic A5 Wagyu abura soba.”
OAKLAND — The East Bay will welcome a new mezcal and tequila-centric bar on May 27 when Odin debuts in the former Nido space. The owners say they’re flipping the space into a stylish bar with tacos from Devin González of Tacos El Precioso so as to not compete with their other nearby business, Nido’s Backyard.
OAKLAND — Hotbird has made the move into its new home, the Chronicle reports, which means diners can now get Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches at 1951 Telegraph Avenue in Uptown Oakland.
NAPA — Kitchen Door, a local favorite for seasonally driven salads, pizzas, and rotisserie meats, will reopen at 1300 First Street in downtown Napa on June 7. The restaurant got its start at the Oxbow Public Market in 2011; now the new space means the addition of a full bar, and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
SACRAMENTO — Kau Kau is a new Hawaiian restaurant opening on Wednesday, May 11 in Sacramento with a menu that includes tuna poke, huli huli chicken, mac nut waffles, and Punalu’u Bake Shop taro bread French toast, per the Bee.
May 3
FILLMORE — The minds behind San Francisco’s Daeho has opened up its newest restaurant, Bansang, in the former Izakaya Kou restaurant at 1560 Fillmore Street, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Despite the fine-dining chops of its two chefs — Ethan Min comes from Atelier Crenn, while Jin Lim comes from Michael Mina, to name a few spots — this place will be a more casual spot serving Korean food in smaller, tapas-style plates.
CONCORD — Laotian restaurant, Spicy Joi, is now open in Concord and serving up Laotian street food to the masses, according to the Mercury News. Enjoy dishes like tum mak houng, a Laos papaya salad or khao soi Luang Prabang, a spicy Laotian soup made with pork broth and served with vegetables, pork belly and flat rice noodles. The restaurant also serves five types of banh mi, and the “ultimate bomb platter” with a sampling of Laotian food that’s enough to feed a group of four.
HAYWARD — The Mercury News also has the scoop on La Victoria moving its Hayward location down the street into roomier digs at 27915 Mission Boulevard. Don’t expect the menu to change, but expect a much larger dining space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a front patio.
LOS GATOS — Tasting House has already been in soft open for a bit, but is set to have its grand opening May 21. The restaurant is helmed by Ryan Fillhardt, with a menu centered around an impressive wine list that spreads well beyond our local Napa Valley. Alongside Tasting House is a retail shop selling plenty of bottles of wine, cheese, chocolates, pantry items, and servingware.
MENLO PARK — After doing rounds at farmers markets, Little Sky Bakery finally moved into a brick and mortar location in Menlo Park at 506 Santa Cruz Avenue, the San Francisco Chronicle reports, now selling its goods at their new location. Along with the bakery, owner Tian Mayimin is also hoping to open a new cafe across the street, set to open in a few months.
MOUNTAIN VIEW — Sushi Jin is the latest from the owners of Sasa Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, and is an edomae-style restaurant serving sushi, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
April 26
COLE VALLEY — Eater SF recently wrote about a change in signage over at the former Kezar Bar & Restaurant at 900 Cole Street back in March, but now Cole Valley Tavern has finally debuted to the masses as of April 19. Owner Jim Angelus of Bacon Bacon is leading the team over at CVT, with chef Lacie Smith running things in the kitchen. The menu is filled with “tavern classics” including a noteworthy smashburger (with an available Impossible substitution) and a cioppino dish. A cocktail menu features a mix of new drinks and classics, with a couple of zero-proof options, and there’s a wall mural by artist Amos Goldbaum in the dining room.
OAKLAND — Damask Rose Coffee announced its grand opening at 6606 Shattuck Avenue on Instagram, officially opening to the public on April 15. Expect a number of coffee drinks, of course, including a rose latte, but there’s also a number of enticing food options, like the flatbread (which includes cheese or za’atar versions), hummus, warbat, a sweet Arabic pastry, and baklava. If you’re also one who is of the ‘gram, the shop features flower-forward decor, perfect for photos.
NAPA — Two new restaurants, Little Summer and South Yard, are launching inside the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa. Little Summer opened April 22 and highlights locally-grown ingredients with a menu focused on Mediterranean dishes; South Yard is also set to debut soon with a more outdoor barbecue vibe, featuring live music and with brunch service on the weekend.
NAPA — Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a new resort in Napa debuting April 29, and with it comes a new restaurant named Bear, helmed by chef Garrison Price, of il Buco Alimentari & Vineria in New York. The all-day restaurant will feature a number of breakfast staples, as well as a croissant monkey bread, and brunch offerings, as well as a lunch and dinner menu with items such as a bison tartare; spot prawns from Santa Barbara; and a dry-aged, ribeye steak.
PALO ALTO — Bakery Cocoa & Butter officially opened its doors April 15 on University Avenue in Palo Alto. The patisserie serves a number of pastry and viennoiserie items, including millefuille, fruit tarts, macarons, croissants, cruffins, brioches, and more. There’s also a cafe menu available as well, if you feel like a salad, sandwich, or pizza.
CUPERTINO — Coffee shop Nirvana Soul is expanding to a new location in Cupertino, the Mercury News reports, taking up the ground floor retail spot in an apartment complex on Valco Parkway. The shop opens April 30, and is expected to continue in the same vein as their original downtown San Jose location, with a unique coffee menu, coffee beans from women- and BIPOC-owned businesses (that are roasted in-house by Nirvana), food, and art. This is just the beginning for Nirvana Soul — sisters (and Nirvana Soul owners) Jeronica Macey and Be’Anka Ashaolu tell the Merc they plan to continue expanding the shop to up to 20 locations.
April 19
MISSION — New wine bar Ivory & Vine is set to open April 19, Mission Local reports, taking over the former Revolution Cafe spot on 22nd Street. Expect a thorough wine menu (Ivory & Vine owner Christopher L. Nickolopoulos also owns Linden & Laguna in Hayes Valley), plus Greek food and live music.
MISSION — Chef Kosuke Tada quickly opened new French bistro Mijoté in the Mission on April 10, serving ingredient-driven cuisine alongside a natural wine-focused beverage menu.
MISSION — Orenchi Beyond’s owners have launched a new restaurant in the former Orenchi space on Valencia, this one under the name Menya Kanemaru. WhatNowSF broke the news back in February, but Tablehopper now reports Menya is finally open, with a focus on hot and cold apps, ramen, and bento boxes.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23390749/Shuggie_s_x_ERIN_NG___Green_Booth_Pizza_1.jpg)
MISSION — Shuggie’s Trash Pie & Natural Wine officially opens this Friday, April 22 with a colorful splash at the corner of 23rd and Bartlett streets, offering a can’t-miss “trashy-glam” interior exploding in hues of yellow and green. The menu will feature pizzas and natty wine, of course, but with a focus on sustainability through using irregular or surplus produce and food production byproducts.
CASTRO — Lobby Bar, attached to Hotel Castro, is set to open its doors April 20 with a sultry new space inspired by the long history of great bars inside posh hotels. Expect a a teal-and-gold hued room with a drink menu built on riffs on classic cocktails, and cocktail party-themed food meant to be eaten by hand (begone, utensils!).
SOMA – Those headed to Oracle Park have one more food option to check out before a game: El Porteño opened a new location just a block away from the stadium, on Second Street, Tablehopper reports. It’s a perfect location-slash-situation for grabbing an empanada — which is maybe one of the best portable snacks, ever?
LOWER NOB HILL — Tablehopper also has the scoop on Piroo, a “Nepali-fusion spot” serving up bar bites and tapas.
JAPANTOWN — San Francisco just got another entry in kappo-style restaurants with the newly opened Yuji. The new restaurant took over the former OzaOza spot in Japantown, and the small spot serves 12-course meals with two seatings each night, for nine people.
CONCORD — Seafood restaurant Longport Fish Company opened in Concord this past February, and the Mercury News recently wrote up the local and sustainable seafood restaurant, which launched brunch service in April.
April 12
CIVIC CENTER — The San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s new Bowes Center on Van Ness Avenue opened Uccello Lounge toward the end of March, from chef Loretta Keller and partner Clay Reynolds (the team behind the Exploratorium’s Seaglass restaurant). Expect a bistro-like menu with halibut crudo and duck leg confit, as well as a wine and cocktail list (and nonalcoholic options), with the added bonus of live music from SFCM students and guest musicians.
OAKLAND – Pacha’s Afghan Kebab House is serving traditional Afghan dishes, including the requisite kebabs, as well as some pizza options, ranging from the typical pepperoni kind to an Afghani variety, in Old Oakland, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
SAN RAMON – Dumpling 85 has opened its restaurant in San Ramon featuring dumplings of all kinds, from four different types of xiao long bao to pan fried dumplings, pork buns, and more, according to the Chronicle.
EMERYVILLE – The Chronicle also caught wind of a new pizza spot now open at the Public Market Emeryville, Pizzeria Mercato, courtesy of the group running Lokanta.
STINSON BEACH — California Kahve has found its new home in Stinson Beach, after local shop Fritz Bikes invited the mobile coffee business to head north. The truck started service there on April 7, but owner Molly Welton says the truck will also remain at its new San Francisco weekend site, near Murphy Windmill in Golden Gate Park.
HEALDSBURG — After a $6 million revamp of Madrona Manor, the historic Healdsburg hotel and restaurant the Madrona is now emerging and debuts April 21. Chef Jesse Mallgren remains the executive chef and reimagined the menu as more of a casual all-day dining outlet alongside the modern resort.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23385101/ManresaBread_LizCeleste.jpeg)
PALO ALTO — Manresa Bread is opening its latest location on April 15, this time situated in Palo Alto. Expect the same eye-popping pastry and bakery fare you’ve come to know at the other locations, from almond croissants to kouignou amann.
LOS ALTOS — Chef Srijith Gopinathan of Ettan debuts his casual counter spot, Little Blue Door inside State Street Market, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The menu centers on California-Indian comfort food, with butter chicken, rotisserie cauliflower, and Kerala fried chicken all on the menu.
SAN JOSE — Island Taste Caribbean Grill opened April 9 featuring, “authentic, made-from-scratch dishes from Jamaica and Haiti,” along with other Caribbean flavors, the owners told the Mercury News.
SAN JOSE – Alma Tequileria has officially opened in San Pedro Square Market, the Mercury News also reports, serving tequila and mezcal cocktails in the former Blush Raw Bar spot.
SAN JOSE — Fox Tale Fermentation Project announced it will be opening April 16 via an Instagram post, debuting with an enviable tap list and other fermented goods.
MORGAN HILL — Sushi Confidential is adding one more location to its pack (which includes Campbell and San Jose), opening the latest location in Morgan Hill April 10, according to the Mercury News.
April 5
LOWER NOB HILL — The Mins Group (that’s the folks behind Sushi Hakko, Sushi Sato, and Sushi Hon) have debuted a high-end Korean tasting menu spot called Sura-Gan. Tablehopper says chef Jongmoon Choi’s menu costs $195 per person and that to access the restaurant you’ll have to enter through Sushi Sato then be escorted to a private dining area.
PAC HEIGHTS — The owner of the Mission’s Breakfast Little has brought a little sister cafe to Pac Heights. Emmitas Cafe, which Andrew Perez named for his mother, is now open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. serving a similar breakfast and coffee menu as Breakfast Little, plus salad, sandwiches, and fresh juices for lunch. Though the cafe is located inside a medical offices building on the corner of Divisadero and Post streets, it is open to the public and should expand hours to seven days a week in the future.
ALAMEDA — Try not to fall in love with the cute cakes and cupcakes being produced at Alameda’s new bakery Doodlecakes, Berkeleyside dares.
BERKELEY — The team behind popular vegan sushi restaurant Shizen have expanded to the East Bay with the opening of Tane Vegan Izakaya at 1956 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeleyside spotted. The trio of owners also operates a Tane outpost in Honolulu, per the Chronicle.
OAKLAND — And also in vegan news, Roasted and Raw is a fresh vegan restaurant that grew out of Chef Imani Greer’s pop-up of the same name. Berkeleyside says the restaurant, located at 607 14th Street, serves “healthful vegan bowls, sandwiches, empanadas, wraps, burgers, pastas and more.”
WALNUT CREEK — Classic American ice cream brand (umlaut and all) Häagen-Dazs has returned to Walnut Creek after a decade-long departure, the Mercury News reports. Head to 1275 Broadway Plaza for a scoop of rum raisin.
DALY CITY — A long time Filipino food institution has returned. The Chronicle reports beloved Ling Nam restaurant reopened at 980 King Drive Plaza after a two year hiatus, serving the same menu in a space about a mile away from its original home.
SAN LEANDRO — Berkeleyside announced the soft opening of Ellie’s Baked Eggs, a daytime cafe specializing in baked egg dishes topped with bacon, cheese, and even soy marinated chicken.
CAMPBELL — After two years, Chez Sovan returns this time under a new moniker: Bayon Temple. The Mercury News reports the Cambodian restaurant is now located at 2425 South Bascom Avenue and serving a menu of “amok, a swai fish mousse steamed in banana leaf; chicken curry; and aaac-ang kebabs.”
March 29
CHINATOWN — Jade Chocolates, Mindy Fong’s Asian-inspired chocolate business, has a new home in Chinatown as of Wednesday, March 30, the Chronicle reports. The shop will not only sell bonbons and confections, but also has plans for afternoon tea service with matcha madeleines and prosciutto-pineapple sandwiches.
OAKLAND – Another La Cocina graduate has set up a brick and mortar, this time at Swan’s Market in Oakland. La Guerrera’s Kitchen, owned by mother and daughter “maiz warriors” Ofelia Barajas and Reyna Maldonado, have opened their ode to Mexican cuisine. The duo’s restaurant was previously in Fruitvale, before moving to an Old Oakland space, and then announcing the plans to relocate to the downtown Oakland food hall.
UNION CITY — A new location of uber popular chicken house Dave’s Hot Chicken has opened in Union City. On March 25, the restaurant hosted a grand opening to celebrate the arrival of fiery hot chicken tenders and sliders.
SAN MATEO – Mega-popular kalbijjim and beef soup house Daeho has opened the doors to its fourth shop, this time at 213 2nd Avenue in San Mateo. Spicy noodles, ox tail suyuk, and of course cheesy braised beef ribs are all standards at the new restaurant.
HEALDSBURG – Little Saint is finally opening in wine country. Creative Director Ken Fulk and animal activist/owner Laurie Ubben have collaborated with Kyle and Katina Connaughton of temporarily-closed SingleThread to take over an open-plan, 10,000-square-foot space with a full-service restaurant and bar, daily cafe, and wine shop. Look for the new attraction on Earth Day, April 22.
March 22
SOMA – The 13th California cookie shop of legendary late-night destination Insomnia Cookies, and second in San Francisco, is now open at 390 1st Street. The cookie dealers offer in-store, pickup, and delivery options, but for now are cutting their insomniac fans off at midnight. An opening party is set for Friday, March 25, where attendees will receive a free Classic Cookie.
INNER RICHMOND – Oreo croissant waffles and handcrafted dog treats are common fare at Clement Street’s new Diamond Coffee n’ Pastry. The space is expansive and aesthetic as all get out, with a large parklet, too. The business roasts their own beans in Fresno, and provides caffeine-free options like the Grey, a charcoal-based drink.
OUTER SUNSET – From the educators and entrepreneurs behind Inner Sunset’s Queens comes Hotline, the much-hyped Korean takeout restaurant. The Chronicle reports the restaurant plans to open its indoor dining soon, but for now hopes customers will take their meals to local hangouts like Ocean Beach. The business is doling out loads of food already, though technically still in a soft opening – customers are ripping through items like gochu japchae and mapa dubu, with some items selling out by the end of the day.
WALNUT CREEK – A popular pandemic pop-up is getting its third NorCal location, according to the Chronicle. The owners of World Famous HotBoys, a business born in Oakland and with locations in Uptown and Sacramento, have opened their largest space yet on Main Street in Walnut Creek. The former Mel’s Diner space, which was owned by three of co-owner Victor Ghaben’s cousins, has been redone to include classic video games and big TVs streaming Oakland dragsters.
CONCORD – An Eater reader showed love via tip to owner Nick Diarenzo of Longport, the newest business at the Veranda in Concord. The seafood restaurant has been in the works since May 2021, but doors opened to customers in late February. Thankfully, one can never be too worried about being late to the seafood spreads at Longport.
SACRAMENTO – Roseville got itself a food hall, courtesy of Local Kitchens, and is now host to five new restaurants. The Sacramento Bee reports the Melt, Garden of Eat’n, Nash & Proper, Señor Sisig, and Curry Up Now are all under one roof to bring eaters from the Sacramento area to grab a bite. Bay Area favorite Humphry Slocombe has a kiosk, too, to serve a scoop for the ride home.
March 15
UNION SQUARE — The Future Bars group is set to open its latest bar venture, Bottle Club Pub, on March 23 with quite the impressive setup. Expect dramatic, 20-foot-tall rotating shelves, featuring vintage whiskey decanters alongside its liquor collection and a modest food menu — a first for the group’s fleet of bars.
UNION SQUARE — After a fire gutted the original location, Pacific Cocktail Haven returns over a year later on March 16 at its new location, just a few doors down from the original spot on Sutter Street. Customers can anticipate the same style of high-end cocktails they’ve come to know at PCH, where the new menu will pair longtime favorites with new offerings.
BERKELEY — Downtown Berkeley BART riders once again have a place to caffeinate at, with the reappearance of a coffee kiosk at the station entrance, Berkeleyside reports. Imran & Ali’s Coffee Hut has repurposed the cart from 1951 Coffee Company (which previously held that same spot in 2018 before closing in 2019) and will be serving coffee drinks and pastries to commuters and passersby.
BERKELEY — Study Hall, billed as the highest rooftop bar and restaurant in Berkeley, soars into the East Bay on March 10, according to Berkeleyside. It rests 12 stories above street level on the roof of the Residence Inn.
SAN JOSE — Westfield Oakridge is branching out beyond the typical mall fare and adding on a brand-new grocery store to tempt shoppers to its doors: a 99 Ranch Market is slated to open March 22 with its usual assortment of Asian produce and meats, plus frozen and prepared food for customers.
SAN RAMON — Marugame Udon is adding one more location to its legion of California outposts. The popular Japanese chain is the latest addition to City Center at Bishop Ranch where it debuted on March 7, serving its brand of made-to-order Sanuki udon to the masses.
March 8
EMBARCADERO — Le Marais baker Patrick Ascaso may be best known for his flaky croissants, but as of March 9 he’s bringing the lacy buckwheat crepes of his childhood to the Ferry Building with Grande Creperie. The menu is a sweet-savory split with ham and cheese-filled crepes and Nutella-stuffed varieties on offer, plus coffee and – down the line – dry white wine. Check out the space and get more menu details here.
FIDI — There’s a new Japanese-style barbecue restaurant called Yakiniku Shodai open in the former Kaya space at 1420 Market Street, Tablehopper spotted first. The tasting menu costs $225, and you DM the restaurant on Instagram for reservations, but you’ll be rewarded with charcoal-grilled American, Japanese, and Australian wagyu and other lux ingredients like caviar and truffles.
NOB HILL — Also via Tablehopper, Almadura has debuted in Lower Nob Hill with a menu offering mussels with chorizo, tacos, and a burger. The new restaurant comes from Veronica and Carlos Santos, who also run a catering business, per What Now SF.
MISSION BAY — The Green House brings a full menu of plant-based food items to Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors. It’s one of the first vegan food options to debut in an NBA stadium, according to Chase Center reps.
OAKLAND — In the charming brick-and-copper bedecked former Homestead space, Pomet begins serving farm-to-table cuisine on March 16. The restaurant comes from Aomboon Deasy of K&J Orchards, a Bay Area farm known for its stunning citrus and creamy avocados.
PALO ALTO — Silicon Valley brunch goers can find Millionaire’s bacon and matcha mochi waffles at the newest outpost of San Francisco’s Instagram famous Sweet Maple, located 150 University Avenue, the Chronicle reports.
SACRAMENTO — The duo behind Sacramento’s popular brunch spot Bacon & Butter have flipped the space at 3839 J Street in East Sacramento into the Green Room. According to the Bee, it’s a family-friendly spot with approachable food (think, a burger, banh mi, and glazed pork belly) plus fun cocktails like a margarita dyed green with avocado.
March 1
NOPA — Pandemic-born bagel powerhouse Schlok’s rolls into NoPa on Wednesday, March 2. It’s primarily a takeout situation with two windows facing Fell Street so bagel fanatics can swing by and pick up either a single bagel with schmear (not toasted though) or a dozen to take back home. Get a full look inside and at the menu here.
BERKELEY — You can get both classic American breakfast and excellent Mexican food at Nuevo Sol, the new Telegraph Avenue restaurant from Gilberto Monroy. He spent 29 years working at Bette’s Oceanview Diner before setting out on his own, Berkeleyside reports.
ALAMEDA — It took a few months longer than chef Juan Jaquez and partner Vicente Ceron anticipated back in October, but Ceron Kitchen is open as of January serving Spanish branzino, shortribs, and more.
LOS ALTOS — Chef Traci Des Jardins’ long-awaited Silicon Valley restaurant El Alto debuts March 16 just next door to State Street Market, the Peninsula’s cavernous and first-ever food hall. Working with chef de cuisine Robert Hurtado, Des Jardins is using local and seasonal ingredients in Mexican classics — think confit duck leg in apricot mole and whole roasted chicken stuffed with oregano. Take a look at the full menu here.
PALO ALTO — Adriano Paganini’s vegan fare makes its Peninsula debut on March 10 with the opening of Wildseed at Palo Alto’s Town & Country Village. The full-service restaurant will be open for dinner to start at 855 El Camino Real.
SAN JOSE — Downtown San Jose welcomes San Pedro Social to the neighborhood on March 3, the Mercury News reports. It’s a sprawling game-themed bar and restaurant outfitted with boardwalk games, a four-lane bowling alley, karaoke, and a patio that spills out onto San Pedro Square.
SACRAMENTO — Tolkien hive rise up: the Sacramento Bee reports there’s a new Lord of the Rings-themed game cafe in downtown Sacramento called There & Back Again. Order a hand pie and settle in with some friends for a long game of Catan.
MONTEREY — Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa welcomed a new restaurant called Coastal Kitchen to the oceanfront property in December. It’s a tasting menu option available Thursday through Saturday night only.
February 23
SOMA — A new and very small sushi restaurant has come to San Francisco. According to Tablehopper, Wabi Sabi has only 12 seats and serves an 11-piece nigiri tasting for $42 and a deluxe chirashi for $38. As is customary at this point, the restaurant offers a 49ers inspired roll (salmon, cucumber topped with salmon, a slice of lemon, tobiko and bull-blood leaf) for $17.
CASTRO — Named after a longtime head of security at the Cafe nightclub, Chadwick’s is serving the Castro out of a nook on Market Street. Tablehopper writes that the signature Fun Buns, a cinnamon roll riff, and Dough Boys, mini focaccia pizza of sorts, are true treats. The “Chris’ Coffee,’’ a cold brew with honey-infused almond milk, is a light $5 pick-me-up for the sunny, cold days of San Francisco summer.
BERKELEY — Now that Bette’s Oceanview Diner has closed for good, a few of its longtime workers plan to open the simply and similarly named Oceanview Diner in the same location. Berkeleyside reports that in March the same menu will return, though the restaurant will be under new ownership. Once the initial loan is repaid to Denny Abrams, a local developer, the owners plan to convert the business into a co-op.
SUNNYVALE — Chef Hideki Myo, a Tokyo native who brings more than 25 years of culinary experience to the team, is opening Adrestia in Silicon Valley’s TETRA Hotel. The menu hopes to combine Myo’s Japanese cooking background with California seasonality. According to a press release, the chef spent time at both San Francisco’s Westin St. Francis and the Hyatt Regency at Fisherman’s Wharf. Diners can look forward to a cafe from Tartine’s Coffee Manufactory and Nokori, a Japanese whisky bar, in the hotel, too.
PALO ALTO — On March 7, Shekoh Confections will bring European-style chocolates, marshmallow treats, Persian and French recipe nougat, and caramels to the Peninsula. After growing up in Iran, owner Shekoh Moossavi cut her teeth on French and Swiss confections and cuisine, culminating her experiences at her Palo Alto restaurant Shokolaat. First out the gate will be her chocolate collection, which boasts 21 flavors.
SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Bee reports that a new all day cafe and wine bar has come to the fancy Bridge District neighborhood. Franquette is under the experienced watch of former Canon pastry chef Elena Winks, the chef and general manager of the new establishment, who hopes her frangipane-filled walnut croissant will be a hit. The beer, wine, and food are, unsurprisingly, French or French-inspired, whereas Sacramento’s Camellia Coffee Roasters provides the caffeine.
February 15
SOMA — The team behind Cow Hollow’s Kaiyo opens their sky-high spinoff Kaiyo Rooftop on February 16 atop the Hyatt Place Hotel in SoMa. The rooftop restaurant and bar serves Nikkei food and drink that showcases bright Peruvian ingredients treated in Japanese culinary style (think, scallop tiradito and a surf-and-turf sushi roll). There’s a cocktail list with tropical umbrella-topped concoctions, plus four types of Japanese highballs. Take a look at the space and get a peek at the menu here.
SOMA — Mother-and-son team Alma and Arturo Rodriguez, the duo behind La Cocina-born Mixote, have brought their slow-steamed Mexican comforts to Salesforce East. For now the lunch-only counter serves a small menu of bowls topped with your choice of meat.
MISSION — In the former Blind Cat digs, Ruth’s at Treat Street now pushes a $9 shot and a beer deal and $4 Tecates across the stick. There’s even $1 pool games, per Mission Local, all courtesy of co-owners and bartenders Kim Cruise and Johanna Luddy.
CASTRO — Fill up on a ramen combo (choose between tori, red tori, and black tori bases) that comes with either chicken tenders, katsu, chashu, or karaage at Castro’s new Nash Hot Chicken & Ramen, which Hoodline reports opened in the former Me & Tasty space in December.
BERNAL HEIGHTS — An Eater SF tipster spotted Four Chairs, a new restaurant that’s serving classic American breakfast including omelets and eggs Benedict by day and Asian and Thai specialities by night. The restaurant is open everyday except Tuesday on Mission Street between 29th and Valencia.
RICHMOND — WenChang Dumpling Restaurant started serving soup dumplings, shu mai, and har gow in the Richmond (on Balboa near 18th Avenue) in early January. Other Chinese menu options include crispy noodles, wonton soup, and kung pao chicken, all of which are available for delivery, pick-up, or dine-in.
BERKELEY — Berkeley’s Elmwood District has a new healthy food option in Humbowl, which opens on February 16 at 2975 College Avenue, just south of Ashby. The counter service spot offers grain bowls topped with lean protein, veggies, and sauce.
SACRAMENTO — Anonimo, which translates to “anonymous” in Italian, opened quietly near downtown Sacramento, the Bee reports. It’s a new pizzeria from a trio of industry vets who are riffing on classic pizza styles including New York, Neapolitan, and Detroit and topping their pies with everything from meatballs to honey.
February 7
CHINATOWN — There’s a pocket-sized new bakery in Chinatown thanks to popular San Francisco baker Amanda Michael of Jane the Baker. Called Little Jane, the newest addition to Michael’s growing empire of bakeries is takeout only, the San Francisco Chronicle reports, and serves a selection of baked goods only found at this location including puff pastry filled with persimmon rice pudding.
SOMA – Taksim is a new upscale Turkish restaurant from the team behind Lokma, the Outer Richmond restaurant known for its Turkish breakfast. The Chronicle reports Taksim spans two stories with former Atelier Crenn chef Daniel Gribble in the kitchen to oversee a fine dining menu with “Turkish influences.”
MISSION – Star chef Charles Phan returns to the Mission with Chuck’s Takeaway, a casual sandwich counter with a tight menu of six options, all of which come on freshly baked bread. The list includes banh mi (both pork-filled and vegetarian), plus a meatball sandwich, egg salad, and open-faced tuna. Here’s Eater SF’s first look inside the slender space.
SUNSET – A new cheese shop has popped into the space next door to Arizmendi in the Inner Sunset. Willow on the Green aims to help the neighborhood fill their picnic baskets with cheeses, meats, and prepared meals and sandwiches, per What Now SF.
OAKLAND – The Chronicle brings more details about Pomet, the upcoming restaurant from one of the women behind K&J Orchard. The restaurant debuts February 23 in the former Homestead space to serve modern American cuisine that highlights local produce.
OAKLAND – There’s a new Persian dining option in Rumi Kitchen, a restaurant and bakery tucked inside the Valero gas station near Kaiser Oakland, per Berkeleyside. Pop in for savory wraps, combination plates, and rice pudding.
February 1
NOE VALLEY — Birch & Rye lures diners into its inviting tree-filled dining room with promises of elegant modern Russian fare including a delicate bird’s nest of savory porridge and stunning tangles of wild mushroom stroganoff on einkorn noodles. This is Moscow-born chef Anya El-Wattar’s first solo restaurant though she previously operated a catering company and spent time in the kitchen at Greens to get her feet wet before opening Birch & Rye for dinner on February 9.
OAKLAND — The idea behind Fruitvale’s new Korner Kitchen & Bar is a little confusing, manager Jessica Seggman acknowledged to the Chronicle – but in short, it’s a commissary kitchen housing some of the East Bay’s buzziest pop-ups (including Bad Walter’s ice cream and Sfizio), plus a bar and events space. The star of bar director Fred Acebo’s drink menu is easily a halo-halo-inspired cocktail made with ube-infused vodka, coconut cream, and banana liqueur.
OAKLAND — As of January 29, Sweet Fingers is back. The Jamaican restaurant was displaced by a fire back in 2019 but has found a new home at 5859 Foothill Boulevard in East Oakland, where fans can fill up on jerk chicken, fried plantains, and more.
OAKLAND — Monster Pho is moving just around the corner to a bigger space in Oakland’s trendy Temescal District, Berkeleyside reports. As of February 2, the kid-friendly Vietnamese restaurant also employs a fleet of robot servers to run bowls of steaming soup from the kitchen to the dining room.
HALF MOON BAY — Husband-and-wife team Sachin Chopra and Shoshana Wolff earned Michelin praise for their San Mateo restaurant All Spice in the 2010s. Now they’ve touched down at Half Moon Bay Airport with Pilot Light, a family-friend cafe with views of the runway.
WALNUT CREEK — Per the Mercury News, Lito might just be the East Bay’s hottest new restaurant. The Miami-inspired dinner destination debuted on January 22 in Walnut Creek and brings with it a menu “that fuses modern Cuban and Jamaican dishes,” the Mercury News describes.
UNION CITY — It’s all ube everything at Cafe 86. But the San Francisco Chronicle warns anyone looking to pick up an ube cookie, cheesecake, or latte to come prepared for long waits as the Filipino sweets cafe (which is part of a Southern California mini-chain) draws big crowds even on weekday afternoons.
SAN MATEO — Fogbird, an airy and elegant new cocktail bar, alighted on the Peninsula on January 12. The approximately 60-seat lounge pours a mix of classic and signature cocktails, which can be paired with small bites such as cheese and charcuterie boards, pretzel knots, and spicy chickpeas.
MERCED — Rainbird, a freshly opened restaurant at the El Capitan hotel, is billing itself as “Merced’s first fine dining destination.” Chef Quentin Garcia heads up the kitchen and brings experience working at the Restaurant at Meadowood in St. Helena and Blue Note in Napa to the task. The menu looks to spotlight seasonal and local produce in part through fermentation techniques.
