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This is a list of the Bay Area’s most notable restaurant and bar openings, with new updates published once a week. Did we miss something great? Please, drop us a line.
December 20
GLEN CANYON — While not technically an opening, Canyon Market will undergo a change in ownership soon. A new outpost of Gus’s Community Store is set to take over the grocery store at Diamond and Wilder streets as of Wednesday, December 21.
OAKLAND — New restaurant Acre debuted Monday, December 19 in the former Oliveto spot in the Market Hall building, serving “Mediterranean-influenced” dishes. It’s a 2-in-1 spot, with an all-day cafe on the first floor and a restaurant on the second floor, centered around a stone oven and wood-fired hearth, respectively.
BERKELEY — Portland-based Great Notion Brewing is officially landing in Berkeley. The brewery announced plans to take over the Torpedo Room from Sierra Nevada back in September, and now Great Notion is holding its grand opening during the first week of January promising rotating food trucks the first week and “super limited barrel-aged stouts.”
SAN JOSE — Shake Shack continues its expansion across the Bay Area, and the latest newly-opened location is at Westfield Oakridge in San Jose. Expect the classic Shake Shack offerings, plus one regional special dubbed the Golden State Double. This opening is in addition to another upcoming location at San Francisco’s Stonestown Galleria, set to debut on Thursday, December 22.
MAMMOTH LAKES — Snow sports enthusiasts headed to Mammoth Lakes have a new dining option on the horizon, and it’s led by none other than brothers Bryan Voltaggio and Michael Voltaggio. Vulcania is their first joint venture in California and is billed as a “modern Italian American” restaurant. Vulcania is set to open on January 27.
December 13
OUTER SUNSET — There’s a new place for lamb shank and Guinness on Taraval Street. The Richmond Review reported O’Brien’s took over the former Parkside Tavern location near 30th Avenue in the first week of December.
OAKLAND — This Valdez Street Caribbean and Iranian restaurant has been about-to-open since 2019. Now, more than three years later, Calabash is ready to serve Red Bay coffee, eggs, mirzaghasemi, salads, and cocktails. The restaurant comes from Kingston 11’s Nigel Jones and Komaaj’s Hanif Sadr.
OAKLAND — Crumble & Whisk opened its first permanent location on December 5 after years of serving decadent cheesecake and other treats at farmers’s markets throughout the Bay Area. The San Francisco Chronicle reports the shop opened at 4104 MacArthur Boulevard in the Laurel District neighborhood.
LOS ALTOS — The Menlo Park microbakery Little Sky Bakery opened a location in the State Street Market food hall in Los Altos on December 11. An impressive range of baked goods are available at the new space from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO — The business formerly known as Cafe 382 reopened as Brothers Cafe in South San Francisco and then expanded to both San Mateo and Millbrae. The Palo Alto Weekly reports the owners Kosta and Billy Panos (who are indeed brothers) and the business specializes in breakfast comfort food, dishing up Bananas Foster French toast and more. San Mateo is already open and Millbrae will open in the new year.
SAN RAMON — Owners Kash Feng and Jackson Yu opened their sixth Dumpling Time on December 10 at 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, Suite 1505 in San Ramon. The Mercury News writes executive dumpling chef Leo Leong brings a fleet of familiar favorites, from pork bao to vegetable spring rolls, while the outpost serves up a range of cocktails, to boot.
SACRAMENTO — Laterica Reddix-Espinoza just opened all-day breakfast restaurant Cerealism on the Old Sacramento Waterfront. The Captain Caveman, for example, is technically a bowl of cereal but includes three kinds of chocolate and caramel layered on top of Captain Crunch, Reese’s Puffs, Rice Krispies, and Honey Nut Cheerios. The Sacramento Bee writes the new business opens at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closing at 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 p.m. on Sundays.
December 6
TENDERLOIN — Suragan is not for the casual: the inspiration (or direct recipe) for many of the dishes at chef Jongmoon Choi’s new restaurant come from the 1400s. The new restaurant opens at 250 Hyde Street on December 7 with a 12-course tasting menu for $135 per person chockfull of beetroot kimchi and gim bugak and other takes on these historic recipes.
LOWER PACIFIC HEIGHTS — Anomaly, chef Mike Lanham’s new outfit for post-modern American cuisine, opens on December 14. While the menu is a trippy testament to experimentation, Lanham made sure to find ways to accommodate vegetarians, pescatarians, vegans, and those with gluten allergies.
INNER RICHMOND — Nob Hill’s Coffee Movement opened its second, much-larger location on Balboa Street on December 1. The $3 Honduran house coffee is still available to the longtime fans, as are plenty of pourovers, but an all-day cafe vibe is available here that simply was never going to happen at the original nook-ish location.
INNER SUNSET — Yoma Cafe opened in the former Teapenter location on Irving Street. Early reviews of the menu — which offers katsu, curry, and eggette waffles — seem favorable so far.
OUTER SUNSET — A second location of the cute dog-themed Richmond cafe Diamond Coffee just sprouted up on Judah Avenue. This shop roasts its own coffee, serves the sugary croissant-waffle hybrid confection, the “croffle,” and is a pleasant burst of color on an otherwise gray stretch of the neighborhood.
OUTER SUNSET — Andytown Coffee’s newest location opened at the end of November on the Great Highway. The greatest attraction, besides the breezy beach scenes from the shop’s enormous windows, is the It’s-It affogato.
ALAMEDA — Vietnamese pho destination Bacogai just opened at 2651 Blanding Avenue, Suite E at the end of November. East Bay Nosh reports the business offers spring rolls, vermicelli, and banana blossom and roasted duck salads.
GILROY — Chama Nativa Brazilian Steakhouse opened toward the end of November and, thankfully, reached out to Eater SF to notify its arrival. The new restaurant is open at 6935 Camino Arroyo, takes reservations, and serves up big hunks of meat; Brazilian cocktails including caipirinha; and creme brulee.
November 29
MISSION — An accompaniment to Marigold, a flower shop at 21st and York streets, Marigold Cafe opened in the latter part of November to offer espresso and pastries. Food is provided by Le Dix-Sept Pâtisserie with coffee from Portland’s Heart Roasters.
SOUTH BEACH — Town’s End Brunch just reopened on November 21 under new ownership. Hit this waterfront restaurant for $8 milkshakes, hearty omelets, and the “Warrior’s Breakfast,” a temple of chicken fried steak and hash browns.
DOGPATCH — Olfactory Brewing just opened on November 21 at 2245 3rd Street in the former Triple Voodoo Brewery space. Seven beers are already on tap, dogs are more than welcome, and it’s a bring-your-own-food situation.
OAKLAND — Sisters Arianna and Analyssa Cruz are opening a permanent location for their coffee business Charlie May Coffee and Tea on December 3. According to East Bay Nosh the cold brew fanatics riffed on flavors from their Guamanian and Filipino heritages during the pandemic; the sisters’ champorado cold brew ($7) and latiya cold brew ($7) are already major hits.
CUPERTINO — You’ll be happy to hear about Koi Palace Contempo opening in Cupertino if you love dim sum and have a penchant for the Ng brothers’ beloved restaurants throughout the Bay Area. Items from Palette Tea House, Koi Palace, and a few new items including salt-baked chicken and quinoa fried rice will be on site.
SANTA CLARA — Oakland’s spot for shawarma, Shawarmaji, just expanded to 2281 The Alameda in the South Bay. The first day of service was November 28, so the restaurant is still getting fully operational; lamb will join the roster in no time at all, chef-owner Mohammad Abutaha told SFGATE.
November 22
EMBARCADERO — As of Tuesday, November 17, Reem’s California is open at the historic Ferry Building. Chef Reem Assil first launched her popular Arab bakery, which now has a restaurant in the Mission and a commissary kitchen in the East Bay, at the Foodwise Ferry Plaza Farmers Market so it’s a full circle moment for her and the business. The new kiosk brings diners a new grab-and-go option inside the marketplace, including flatbreads, dips, fresh bread and pastries, and beverages.
EMBARCADERO — There’s an elegant new cocktail bar and Italian restaurant open as of Monday, November 21 inside the One Maritime Plaza office tower. Bar Sprezzatura comes to FiDi courtesy TableOne Hospitality and serves a menu of Italian cocktails and cicchetti, the Venetian bar snacks served in traditional bars called bàcari.
BAYVIEW — The Bayview neighborhood is now home to What’s the Scoop, a Black-owned ice cream shop that’s selling original ice cream flavors, as well as pints of Bay Area rapper E-40’s Goon With a Spoon ice cream at 5668 Third Street. The San Francisco Standard writes about 24-year-old owner Anthony Womack, whose love for music inspires flavors such as Channel Oreo, “a nod to the Frank Ocean album Channel Orange and features no-churn Oreo ice cream sandwiched between two fudge brownie cookies.”
EMERYVILLE — The E’ville Eye spotted the debut of Simurgh Bakery & Cafe, a Turkish-style bakery that opened November 11 at 4125 San Pablo Avenue. The bakery sells Turkish bagels, hand-rolled dolma, almond cookies, honey cakes, and baklava.
RICHMOND — The Backyard is a new outdoor restaurant and bar in Richmond, hidden “in an unassuming lot behind the Whale Point Marine & Hardware store,” KQED writes. According to the online menu, breakfast is served all day including items such as avocado toast and a bacon and egg sandwich, plus sandwiches and a few tartines for lunch and dinner.
BURLINGAME — Maison Alyzee, a French bakery that opened in Mountain View in 2018, just expanded to Burlingame with a new outpost at 1208 Burlingame Avenue. The menu includes bread and viennoiserie such as croissants, brioche, and kouign amann.
WALNUT CREEK — Montesacro, the pinsa specialist with locations in SoMa and the Marina, opens its first East Bay location on Saturday, November 26. The San Francisco Chronicle reports the menu will include oval-shaped Roman-style pizzas, pastas, and larger plates — plus wildly expensive cocktails like a $65 margarita made with a $200 tequila.
SAN JOSE — Milk Belly Bakery opened in early November in San Jose, bringing a menu of Asian American-inspired pastries to the South Bay. It’s a mom-and-pop operation run by a couple with fine dining experience. The bakery’s specialty is shokupan, or fluffy milk bread, which is available in loaves, as toast, and in sandwich form.
November 15
JACKSON SQUARE — Lyon & Swan, with a literal underground tasting room from winery Eco Terreno opened on November 10 at Columbus Avenue and Jackson Street. The San Francisco Chronicle reports the outpost for the Sonoma-based company features three floors, one exclusively for wine, another for dining, and the basement level for a full bar.
HAYES VALLEY — On November 9, the Gambit Lounge opened next door to Gioia Pizzeria, across the street from Salt & Straw ice cream, in the former Noir Lounge space. Riffing on Central and Eastern European cuisines, owners Cezar Kusik and Edward Calhoun offer dishes including beef tartare, roasted oysters, and plenty of wine, beer, and cocktails.
JAPANTOWN — Chika Ohata, a sake sommelier who worked at Hayes Valley’s True Sake for a number of years, just opened Chika and Sake on November 10. In addition to a bounty of sake options by the glass and bottle, customers can expect koryori-style food, or “Japanese home cooking style tapas.”
MISSION — In the former Mozzeria and Firepie location on 16th Street, Josh McCloskey will open Angie’s Pizza on December 2. The Pizza Hacker and Pizzetta 211 alum will serve house-made ice cream and thin crust pies with freshly-milled wheat flour crusts.
OUTER RICHMOND — Balboa Theater owners Jaimi Holker and Adam Bergeron partnered with Santa Cruz bagel wizards Jenna O’Connell and Kevin Rodgers to open the Laundromat at 3725 Balboa Street. At night, pizzas are on-site with off-the-wall iterations including broccoli rabe with Calabrian chile sauce and shaved fennel. By day, it’s to-go coffee and bagels.
OAKLAND — Chefs Solomon Johnson and Mike Woods announced on Instagram their pan-African and Afro-Latino restaurant Oko will open on November 19. The former pop-up is taking up residency in the 8,400-square-foot Tribune space as the entrepreneurs monitor a Maryland-based business opening, as well (the two hope to also bring that project to the Bay Area if everything goes well).
RICHMOND — On November 4 the Backyard opened at 205 Cutting Boulevard with family-friendly outdoor vibes for all. East Bay Nosh reports the restaurant offers burgers and charcuterie boards and provides cornhole and movies to keep everyone happy.
PALO ALTO — East Coast-approved Boichik Bagels just opened its first shop on the Peninsula. At 855 El Camino Real, the Peninsula Foodist writes fans can grab all the same bagels and bagel sandwiches they have come to know and love from the Berkeley-based company.
November 8
NORTH BEACH — San Francisco Pianist Simon Rowe is opening Keys Jazz Bistro, an homage to the jazz scene of yore, on Thursday, November 10. The San Francisco Chronicle Datebook writes the venue at 498 Broadway will host numerous touring artists including Oakland’s Grammy Award-nominated Kenny Washington as an early feature from November 16 to 19.
CIVIC CENTER — LINE SF, a luxury hotel on Market Street featuring plenty of food and drink options such as fine dining outfit Tenderheart, has debuted its newest business. Rise Over Run, a full-service rooftop bar and restaurant, is located on the 13th floor and is officially open for dinner. Hours run from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, with food from Tenderheart’s executive chef Joe Hou and cocktails by Danny Louie.
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MISSION — In the former Korner Store location, Ina Jungin Lee is opening her next business. This time, it’s all about chobap, the Korean handroll. BoBop is set to open Wednesday, November 9, and will bring boba tea and Korean snacks to the block.
PARKSIDE — Best Kept Secret, a bar and restaurant featuring craft cocktails and kimchi paella, just opened on Taraval Street in the former Prime Steakhouse location. The business is in its soft open phase right now as it gears up to serve the neighborhood.
OAKLAND — In the former Mexicali Rose location, a 91-year-old staple of the community, new restaurant and community space For The Culture just celebrated its grand opening on Halloween. Though Oaklandside wrote a profile of the new business, details of its offerings are a bit sparse. Reportedly, food trucks will also be on site soon.
MENLO PARK — Canteen Coffee Shop from Greg Kuzia-Carmel opened inside of the CANOPY workspace at 1300 El Camino Real on November 1.
EL CERRITO — San Pablo Avenue’s 514 Lounge has reemerged from its pandemic-induced hibernation. Berkeleyside reports the popular cocktail bar reopened at the end of October, much to the delight of locals missing their familiar watering hole.
NAPA — Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto opened Morimoto Asia Napa on Sunday, November 6. Located at 790 Main Street in Napa, SFGATE reports the restaurant will serve Szechuan mapo tofu, orange chicken, and black pepper steak amongst other Chinese-influenced dishes.
SACRAMENTO — Esports fans in the capital rejoice: Roc & Sol Virtual Diner, a restaurant and esports lounge, just opened at at 1730 12th Street. The Sacramento Bee reports the diner will serve typical Americana fare and patty melts while a separate room allows for competitive gaming.
November 1
HAYES VALLEY — Loquat opened this month in the former 20th Century Cafe location. The San Francisco Chronicle let readers know about the bakery’s impressive babkas, salted chocolate and cinnamon sugar are just two options, and the Sephardic pastry boureka. The business is owned by the same team behind Four Barrel Coffee.
NOB HILL — Siblings Monica and Randall Hom soft opened their listening bar Back to Back at 1257 Taylor Street in late October. Tablehopper reports the wine director of Lord Stanley Louisa Smith helped build out the list at Back to Back and that chef Stephen Chan is serving braised ribs on the debut menu.
NOB HILL — GianMarco Cosmi, who formerly worked at Rich Table and Acquerello, just opened Italian restaurant Ciccino in the former Thai Thai Noodle location in Nob Hill. Tablehopper reports a tasting menu will be available in six months or so, and that, for now, the dishes reflect Cosmi’s home region of Emilia-Romagna in Italy.
INNER SUNSET — Earth Tone Cafe, a quaint and unassuming breakfast and lunch spot, just opened on the same block as Peasant Pies and San Tung on the west side of the city at 1097 Irving Street. Espresso goes for $3.50, Thai iced coffee for $6, and moo ping (Thai-style grilled pork skewers) go for $8.
MISSION DISTRICT — Al Carajo opened on October 20 in the former Breakfast Little location in the Mission. The Yucatan-style Mexican restaurant gained fans from its days as a food truck before moving into its first permanent location. Fans can get items such as chilaquiles with chicken tinga while taking in all 22nd Street has to offer, whether it be Make Out Room at or Foodwise’s weekly farmers’ market in the afternoon.
NORTH BEACH — North Beach has a new Meditteranean restaurant with Elena Mediterranean open in the former Franchino location. Head to 347 Columbus Avenue for dishes including falafel, hummus, and red snapper with basmati rice, roasted almonds, and pistachios.
ALAMEDA — Oakland’s Bicycle Coffee Company provides the bean juice at the new Lazybird Coffee at 930 Central Avenue. The shop opened on October 6 and Berkelyside recommends trying the ube and honey lavender lattes.
ALAMEDA — Left Field Dogs soft opened on October 21 on Webster Street, Berkelyside reports. What Now SF broke the news of the incoming business over the summer, but now fans can get vegan hotdogs and Chicago-style very much not vegan franks, too.
OAKLAND — Kinfolx is the new would-be hub for activists, artists, and community preserving old-school Oakland on Broadway. Creighton Davis, Nicole Reyes, and Akintunde Ahmad will open their well-designed coffee shop on November 4, serving Bellwether Coffee and Arizmendi pastries.
BERKELEY — California chain Champion’s Curry opened its Berkeley outpost on November 1. Pull up for the classic Japanese standard of fried chicken katsu over rice, but also katsu sandwiches and shaved ice.
REDWOOD CITY — Lavender ‘n Cream opened in the former Eva Sweets location on Florence Street. Palo Alto Online reports Joseph Petraki opened the bakery in mid-October with his family, and that French pastries and bread are the main fare at this centrally located shop.
SAN MATEO — Pizza the Bay was cofounded by Pizza Hacker alum Juan Tomas before he realized his aspirations for gourmet pizzas like lemon chili and fig pesto. The grand opening was actually back on September 3 but it’s now open at 66 E 21st Avenue from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
October 25
MISSION — Delfina is taking back its rightful place in the Mission District and reopening on October 26 after a two-year closure that dates back to the start of the COVID-19 shutdown. But it won’t be quite the same as we all remember it: The 24-year-old restaurant has gotten a makeover from Fucinaro Architecture and Roy Hospitality, and folds in the pizzeria space into the newer, larger Delfina.
NORTH BEACH — New restaurant Americana Eatery aims to be San Francisco’s go-to after-hours spot if owner Hicham Farhi has his way. Hoodline reports Americana Eatery opened at the former Massawa space at 532 Green Street this month with limited hours, but Farhi is hoping his breakfast-focused menu can fuel late-night owls until 2 or 3 a.m. “if there’s enough demand” and if he can find more staff.
MISSION BAY — Insomnia Cookies opened its newest retail shop in Mission Bay on October 22 to fulfill all of your warm cookie needs, day or night. The Philadelphia-based cookie company built itself on late-night cookie and ice cream sandwich cravings, and this outpost will follow — the shop will stay open until midnight, seven days a week, for either pickup or delivery at 1215 4th Street.
OAKLAND — Takeout-only sushi spot Ebiko made its debut on Piedmont Avenue back in September, serving beautiful nigiri sushi, rolls, and bowls. Owner David Liu’s mother, Mei, has run Kyoto Sushi in Berkeley for 25 years, and now Liu is branching out with Ebiko at 4150 Piedmont Avenue.
NAPA — Wine country welcomes new bottle shop Compline Wine Shop into the fold as it debuted October 20. The shop is the newest business from Matt Stamp and Ryan Stetins, who co-own the restaurant, Compline, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, and has amassed an 800-strong bottle collection of both local and international brands. Stamp was previously a master sommelier until he lost his title in 2021 for not disclosing his involvement with two women who took the master sommelier exam. The new shop is “a few storefronts away” from the restaurant and is located at 1300 First Street, #319.
LOS GATOS — Manresa Bread is set to open its new flagship location at 40 North Santa Cruz Ave, a few blocks away set to open on Thursday, October 27. Palo Alto Online writes the original location in Santa Cruz is temporarily closing at 276 North Santa Cruz Avenue as the move takes place to the much-expanded flagship space. The bakery opened its most recent location in Palo Alto in April 2022.
SAN MATEO — Morning Wood is finally back to fulfill all of our Hawaiian-Japanese brunch needs, returning after two years in a new space at 514 Peninsula Avenue in San Mateo. The official opening is October 26, the San Francisco Chronicle reports, and expect some favorites to return such as the mochi pancakes, as well as some new breakfast options on deck.
SAN JOSE — Anaheim’s favorite burger shop, Slater’s 50/50, is opening at Westfield Oakridge mall in San Jose on October 26. The Mercury News reports the location will be the chain’s Northern Californian debut, complete with the business’ signature Sriracha burger and, yes, its 50 percent beef and 50 percent bacon patties.
ROSEVILLE — The first U.S. location of Mexico City-based La Popular is set to land in Roseville on November 21, the Sacramento Bee reports. It’s the latest Roseville outpost for the restaurant group, which also opened sister restaurant Eureka! in town back in 2019.
October 18
FIDI — The Barrel Room returns from its pandemic closure, reopening for dinner at 415 Sansome Street on Tuesday, October 18. It promises to be a wine-soaked affair with more than 1,000 bottles on the restaurant and bar’s list, plus some 50 options by the glass and the chance to explore specific varietals via a selection of blind wine flights. The food menu includes sharable plates, pasta, and entrees such as an herb-marinated rack of lamb and Dungeness crab cakes. Dinner will be served Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 10 p.m.
MISSION — As first spotted by Tablehopper, there’s a new Yucatan restaurant opening at 3224 22nd Street in the Mission. Chef-owner Javier León took to Instagram to announce the opening of Al Carajo on October 18. Fans may know León from his time running the business out of a trailer, but now he’s moving into a permanent space and serving from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The online menu includes tacos, ceviche, and Yucatean dishes such as panucho and salbute.
NOE VALLEY — Chef Tracy Goh has moved her popular Malaysian laska pop-up Damansara into a permanent space at 1781 Church Street in Noe Valley on Wednesday, October 19. Goh is a graduate of the La Cocina incubator program for food entrepreneurs and at Damansara’s first restaurant home, she plans to serve small plates including cereal fried chicken with salted egg sauce, a bak kwa sando filled with house sweet BBQ pork jerky, and larger plates including laska and vegan laska. Damansara will be open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m.
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OAKLAND — Eater SF had the first look at Yonsei Handrolls, the new and unabashedly non-traditional Japanese restaurant from chef Kyle Itani (Itani Ramen, Nikkei Sushi). Itani says he’s not sticking to the classics with the menu of open-face sushi rolls, instead opting for combos like soy-cured tuna, seared albacore with black garlic compound butter, and even kimchi fried rice with Spam and egg. The restaurant, which opened on Wednesday, October 12, is located at 1738 Telegraph Avenue and serves dinner from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
OAKLAND — Tacos El Último Baile has been a beloved East Bay staple for more than half a decade and now has a restaurant to call its own at 3340 East 12th Street, #11, inside the Fruitvale Public Market. Chef and owner Dominic Prado opened the doors on October 15 and is now serving street-style tacos with grilled meats on handmade flour tortillas out of the former Nyum Bai space.
PALO ALTO — Per Palo Alto Online, 326 University Avenue is home to a new Peruvian restaurant called Lima Ruby. Owner John Lee was also behind Burma Ruby, which formerly operated in the space, and owns sister Palo Alto restaurant Rangoon Ruby and Ají Limo in Belmont. The Lima Ruby menu offers a range of ceviche options, plus various types of stir-fry called saltado.
LOS ALTOS — Georgian restaurant Bevri, a Palo Alto favorite, has opened a new restaurant in Los Altos, an Eater SF tipster shared. The second outpost is located at 325 Main Street in Los Altos and is already serving khachapuri adjaruli and khinkali dumplings Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.
October 11
CHINATOWN — Bartender Derrick Li opened his new bar Blind Pig in the storied Cathay House last week, with a drinks menu filled with his award-winning cocktails. The bar highlights the Chinese liquor, baijiu, in its mixed drinks, and includes some showier options like the smoked cocktail, Smoke Umami.
DESIGN DISTRICT — The newest restaurant from the Niku and Dumpling Time team is Rosemary and Pine, helmed by chef Dustin Falcon, who will be running the shows at both this new spot and Niku. Opening October 13, the menu is a more personal one for Falcon, who is folding in his East Coast roots into the offerings, such as roasted red gulf snapper.
UNION SQUARE — Japanese listening bars have become more popular stateside, and the newly opened Harlan Records is taking its aesthetic cues from the growing bar genre. The setup includes some serious speakers and a record collection that serves as both vinyl to spin and decor, with music-inspired cocktails to boot.
OAKLAND — Thee Stork Club is a music venue-slash-bar that reopened October 7 in Oakland under new ownership after shutting down permanently in 2020. Gone are the sticker- and concert poster-laden walls of its previous iteration; instead, the venue has gotten a campy glow-up featuring an all-red room and casino-style carpeting. Expect “old-school” cocktails on the menu, such as appletinis and Harvey Wallbangers.
CALISTOGA — Auro debuted October 7 at Four Seasons Napa Valley, led by chef (and Top Chef contestant) Rogelio Garcia, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Auro is the fine dining option at the hotel, featuring a “constantly changing tasting menu,” that will serve as the sister restaurant to the more-casual option, Truss (also led by Garcia).
SAUSALITO — Three new restaurants are set to debut at Cavallo Point on October 13 — Farley, Sula, and Sula Lounge — all led by chef Michael Garcia. The more-casual Farley will focus on comfort foods; meanwhile, Sula will center around small plates, while Sula Lounge will serve as a “sleek late-night accompaniment to Sula,” with its own menu.
ST. HELENA — The Meadowood resort has opened a new restaurant on its property, Forum, run by chef Scot Livingston (formerly of La Toque), the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Though it’s not the return of the anticipated Restaurant at Meadowood — which burned down in the 2020 Glass Fire — it is a more casual option comparatively, with a $98 four-course tasting menu.
CARMEL — Chez Noir made its debut in Carmel on October 7, powered by married couple and co-owners Jonny Black and Monique Black and influenced by their fine dining backgrounds. The menu is seasonal, and will focus on local ingredients such as squid from Monterey Bay and sea urchin from Santa Barbara.
October 4
CIVIC CENTER — On September 30 the LINE SF Hotel, at the intersection of Turk and Market streets, opened the doors to Tenderheart, the newest restaurant in the neighborhood. Chef Joe Hou dishes up Chinese American fare such as lionhead meatballs and sweet and sour quail (a dish he anticipates will be a crowd pleaser) to hotel guests and city-dwelling diners alike.
BERKELEY — Signal Coffee Roasters opened at 1707 Solano Avenue on September 8. Berkeleyside reports the Alameda-based coffee company opened in the former Brazilian Breads location, and owner Brendan Doherty told the outlet that exclusive coffee and pastry options will be available at the new shop.
BERKELEY — Trattoria La Siciliana closed up shop in the Elmwood neighborhood, and KaoKao Grill is the new tenant at 2993 College Avenue. Berkeleyside writes the same owners behind Huangcheng Noodles are running the new restaurant which offers items such as Applewood-smoked chicken and char siu-style pork.
TIBURON — Petite Left Bank, serving baked oysters and lobster frites to the North Bay, opened on September 22. Chef Roland Passot of French restaurant Left Bank in Larkspur is dishing up the seafood at this new Marin County restaurant.
SACRAMENTO — Dim Dim Food brings dim sum to the Greenhaven neighborhood of Sacramento. The Sacramento Bee reports California’s capital recently saw a whole slew of new restaurants and cafes open, and that the new dim sum shop offers everything from chicken feet to wife cakes.
September 27
UNION SQUARE — From the geniuses behind Pie Punks comes listening bar Harlan Records, which opened on September 23. Given the proximity to San Francisco’s jazz scene, circa 1950s and 60s, the bar takes over the former Bar Fluxus location to offer Hi-Fi vibes and vintage cocktails such as negronis and dirty martinis — all stirred, not shaken.
SOMA — The newest restaurant from the Alexander’s Steakhouse group, Afici is a choose-your-own adventure expedition into Wagyu and pasta. The luxurious outpost for fresh pasta and whole animal butchery opened on September 24; this restaurant is for fans of $183 caviar pairings, urchin-topped spaghetti, and a four-course prix-fixe menu running $125 per person.
SOMA — The St. Regis San Francisco, a 5-star luxury hotel, launched its newest signature restaurant Astra last month. The restaurant offers a swanky dining experience with cocktails to match. Each night a bottle of champagne is ceremoniously sabred — not to be missed.
MARINA — Causwell’s big time burgers, with a huge fanbase all on their own, are back as of September 27. Chef Adam Rosenblum spearheaded a menu expansion and interior redesign; now the restaurant offers Detroit cast iron crispy cheesy bread (which Rosenblum thinks will surprass his burger in popularity) alongside mixologist Elmer Mejicanos’ wide array of new drinks.
BERNAL HEIGHTS — After a temporary Hotel Zeppelin pop-up, Michelin-starred Marlena resumed service on September 26 in its revamped and redesigned restaurant at 300 Precita Avenue. Four-course tasting menus showcasing hamachi crudo and grilled beef cheeks run $65 per person. The interior is all new, however: a handsome bar and deep blue tables bring a modernity to the renovated 110-year-old Edwardian building.
MILL VALLEY — Having officially opened its doors on September 27 in Mill Valley, the newest Local Kitchens location will feature seven different restaurant concepts, including Oren’s Hummus, the Melt, Sushirrito, Proposition Chicken, the Plant, Wise Sons and Fiorella.
EL CERRITO — The former Nong Thon Vietnamese Restaurant space on San Pablo Avenue is now Tigon, sporting a host of Vietnamese food and drink. Berkelyside reports the change of the guard took place in mid-September.
September 20
NORTH BEACH — Richmond District fine dining restaurant Cassava has finally made its move to North Beach. The titan of the admittedly niche Japanese brunch scene in San Francisco will host a ribbon-cutting at its grand opening September 29. The new location is 401 Columbus Avenue, coincidentally the exact location of restaurant owners Yuka Ioroi and Kris Toliao’s first date.
MISSION — Cauliflower opened on 16th Street to bring a cozy, home-cooked vibe to the neighborhood. The owners of Lers Ros Thai are behind this lowkey restaurant, conveniently just down the street from one of the mini-chain’s locations.
EMERYVILLE — The Sunday, a new Korean American restaurant, is now open at 40th and Adeline Streets. Berkeleyside reports that there isn’t much to know just yet beyond the menu and address.
BERKELEY — State Flour Pizza Company is bringing even more square pizza to the Bay Area. Berkeleyside reports Derek Lau’s new pizza place is open ahead of schedule, currently serving pies Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (with expanded hours to roll out soon).
EL CERRITO — David Fan got the idea to start a boba shop when he visited San Francisco as a 10-year-old kid. Berkeleyside reports that his business, Lilikoi Boba, has locations all throughout California, and, most recently opening at 3080 El Cerrito Plaza.
SAN LEANDRO — Fieldwork Brewing planted its eighth flag in the Bay Area, this time an enormous one on West Juana Avenue. The new location boasts 32 taps pouring IPAs and stouts of all makes and flavors, including a creamy chocolate milk stout and a salted and sour blueberry gose.
September 13
SOMA — Claude the Claw, the famous fried chicken sandwich served with a full claw intact, is back: the couple behind Michelin-starred Birdsong opened their first fast-causal restaurant Birdbox in early September. It’s a fancy fried chicken shack featuring all organic and sustainably raised chicken, which can be enjoyed in sandwiches or with sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, and fries.
CASTRO — The former Nash Hot Chicken & Ramen restaurant space at 3970 17th Street is now home to Niji Japanese Sushi & Bar, Hoodline reports. It’s the same owners, who “kept much of the interior the same but added a fresh coat of paint, new decorations, and sushi bar seating.” The menu spans sushi rolls, nigiri, maki sushi, donburi, and temaki.
CASTRO — Say adios to Papi Rico as the storefront at 544 Castro Street is now Dumpling Kitchen, a second outpost from the folks behind the restaurant of the same name in the Outer Sunset. Dumpling Kitchen specializes in Shanghai cuisine, owner Michael Shao tells Hoodline, so look for handmade dumplings, of course, plus sweet vinegar spare ribs, Dongpo braised pork, Sichuan shredded pork with garlic sauce, and mapo tofu.
OAKLAND — Cafe Colucci has made the transition into its new space at 849 San Pablo Avenue in North Oakland, Berkeleyside reports. The Ethiopian restaurant has been open for more than three decades and will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside cocktails and live music now that the owners have room to grow.
OAKLAND — There’s a new takeout and delivery-only dining option at Oakland’s Longfellow Food Hall, Berkleyside also reports. Jungdon Katsu offers a tight menu of fried dishes including pork tenderloin katsu, chicken katsu, and fried Spam.
SAN LEANDRO — Berkeley-born beer maker Fieldwork Brewing Company rolled open the garage doors at its newest and biggest location yet in San Leandro on September 9. Drinkers have thousands of square feet of outdoor space to spread out in and explore everything pouring from the beer garden’s 32 taps.
PALO ALTO — Ethel’s Fancy, the hotly anticipated Palo Alto restaurant from Hawaii-native and fine dining alum Scott Nishiyama, is finally open at 550 Waverley Street, the Mercury News reports. Despite the name, it’s not quite as fancy as some of the places where Nishiyama worked previously (including the French Laundry and Michelin-starred Chez TJ) but the menu offers griddled milk bread, pork ribs with Japanese curry, and strawberry kinako Pop-Tarts.
SACRAMENTO — Cocomilk Cafe, a Laotian dessert cafe, started serving “golden grams,” a dish made with mashed mung beans and coconut boiled in egg yolks and syrup, in the Little Saigon neighborhood in south Sacramento, the Bee reports.
September 7
EMBARCADERO — STK Steakhouse, a newly opened restaurant from One Group Hospitality, Inc., made its debut at 1 Market Street. It’s a self-described destination for “Vibe Dining at its finest,” according to a press release with “spectacular views and plentiful outdoor space to enjoy elevated culinary selections, world-famous cocktails and live music spun by renowned DJs.” As for the actual food, expect steaks, salads, seafood, cocktails, and happy hour specials.
MISSION — Those looking for a bar exploring Spanish wines and small plates should head over to the newly opened El Chato, which took over the space at 2301 Bryant Street. Owner Rafa Saenz is running the food menu, which offers pintxos, salads, and cured meats. Meanwhile, co-owner Erin Rickenbaker (formerly the wine director of Bellota) is running the wine program, which heavily features wines from Spain and a sprinkling of options from France, Portugal, and California. There will also be a selection of bottles to-go, and if you’ve ever wanted the porrón experience — you know, where the wine is poured directly into your mouth — El Chato is more than willing to oblige.
OAKLAND — Those who enjoy the fun vibes and aesthetic of Farmhouse Thai will want to head over to chef Kasem Saengsawang’s new spot in Oakland, Noka Ramen. As the San Francisco Chronicle notes, the restaurant will serve various types of ramen, from tonkotsu to showier options like the lobster shio ramen, which comes with a whole dang Maine lobster. The location will also serve whimsical cocktails alongside its “glam jungle” decor.
EMERYVILLE — Humphry Slocombe, known for its inventive (and occasionally boozy) ice cream flavors, is set to open its third East Bay outpost on Bay Street in Emeryville on September 13. The ice cream shop held a soft opening this past weekend, the Eville Eye reported.
EMERYVILLE — The Eville Eye also caught another opening on the horizon: The Sunday is moving onto Adeline Street, with plans to soft open September 15. The restaurant will serve up “contemporary Korean American fusion” for brunch and dinner.
UNION CITY — Those who’ve patronized Doughweime at local farmers markets will be pleased to learn that the business has opened a new bakery in Union City, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Expect more of the baked goods that popularized Doughweime — which incorporate Asian flavors such as ube, salted egg, and adzuki bean — to fill up the storefront, which is currently open Thursday through Friday.
SACRAMENTO — New pizza spot Frankie’s Pizza threw open its doors last month in Old Sacramento, sliding into the former 2 Grand Saloon location, the Sacramento Bee reports. The pizzeria’s “secret weapon” is apparently its high-quality cheese, and the shop serves a thin-crust style of pizza with plans to add deep dish in the upcoming months.
August 30
OUTER SUNSET — In the former Le Frio space at 2575 Judah Street, a new cafe quietly took over: It seems Judah Cafe opened in mid-May along the N-Line with a minimal, modern coffee shop look to it. Interestingly, a “Coffee Shop For Sale” sign is already hanging in the window.
BERKELEY — The day has finally come: Cafe Ohlone opens Thursday, September 1 for tea hour reservations, with dinner reservations available in October. The San Francisco Chronicle reports the new location of the much-anticipated restaurant is in the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology at UC Berkeley.
SACRAMENTO — Bodega opened in the former Riverside Sports Bar at 6401 Riverside Boulevard. Valley Community Newspapers sat down with one of the new Caribbean restaurant owners Chris Sinclair who spoke highly of the restaurant’s cubanos, empanadas, and mussels.
PALO ALTO — In downtown Palo Alto, the luxurious el PRADO Hotel just debuted its new Tapas Bar. Executive chef Enrique Michel curated the menu for the bar, nestled on the second floor, which centers primarily on small bites, Spanish wine, and custom cocktails like the Fresas del Prado with muddled strawberries, vodka, and fresh lime.
SAN JOSE — Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, a Japanese master chef known for his innovative and signature style of cuisine, will open his popular ramen concept, Momosan Santana Row on Friday, Sept. 2. Hoodline reports the restaurant, located at 378 Santana Row, one of San Jose’s mega malls, will feature the Iron Chef’s signature and newly developed take on Momosan dishes, plus a wide array of beer, wine, whiskey and sake.
August 23
MISSION — The 16th Street fixture Giordano Bros. wasn’t going to go down without a fight. Mission Local let readers know the bar reopened under new ownership as Rudi’s, as longtime fans Rudi Rughoonundon and Ollie Pender bought the spot with promises to keep the french fry-style sandwiches flowing into the Mission.
UPPER HAIGHT — Kezar Pub’s sister bar Mad Dog in the Fog is now open at a new spot, up the street from its former location in the Lower Haight. Hoodline reports the 30-year-old bar managed a phoenix-esque return on August 15 when it reopened in a renovated space across the street from Club Deluxe.
CASTRO — Ultra intimate and classy restaurant Poesia just expanded downstairs (into the former Cafe Reveille space) with Poesia Cafe. Hoodline broke the news that Naples-born Giovanni Liguoro joined the Poesia team to bake goods like cornetto, margherita pizza, and focaccia — all from a mother sourdough starter. At night, the cafe will act as an expansion to Poesia.
EMERYVILLE — Alice Walker must have a pretty good personal chef, right? Calypso Rose Kitchen is the first time the rest of us can be 100 percent sure. Nosh reports Verna McGowan’s restaurant opened on August 20 focusing on Caribbean dishes like Guyanese oxtail pepper pot with yellow rice and plantains.
OAKLAND — As of September 1 East Bay sandwich lovers can get OK’s Deli at 3932 Telegraph Avenue. SFGATE reports Albert Ok gained a quick following for his riffing on Asian American deli goods, like the Sichuan spiced Taiwanese-style fried chicken sandwich.
OAKLAND — The Rendez-Vous opened at 5526 Martin Luther King Jr. Way and, according to Nosh, husband-and-wife team Johnelle Mancha and Brian Hill are paying a trippy, artsy homage to France. The couple sourced decor made between the 1920s and 1970s to complete its look and serves dishes like beet-cured halibut with a bit of old-school class as of August.
SACRAMENTO — Sacramento born-and-raised Lucía Plumb-Reyes opened Moonbelly Bakery at 6511 Folsom Boulevard on August 19. The Sacramento Bee says to come for croissants, grissini bread sticks, fruit preserves, and much more. The name for the bakery comes from a family nickname.
August 16
SOMA — La Societe swings open its doors inside the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA on Tuesday, August 16. It’s the first Bay Area project from TableOne Hospitality, the spinoff restaurant group from a cadre of Mina Group alums, and executive chef Alexandre Viriot has a whole host of French bistro and brasserie classics on offer including French onion soup, moule-frites, duck liver pate, and more. Take a first look inside and at the menu here.
MISSION — The Mochi Muffin magnates at Third Culture Bakery officially debuted their newest “showroom” at 1186 Valencia Street. Now you can stop by from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily for mochi everything and iced matcha.
WALNUT CREEK — Head to the newly opened European Delights Bakery, located at 2236A Oak Grove Road in Walnut Creek, for a menu of savory and sweet baked goods including “muffins, cakes, pretzels, sweet and savory brioches and hard-to-find treats, like eggplant pastries and a Romanian pretzel-wrapped hot dog called a covridog,” per the Mercury News.
SAN CARLOS — Byte Kitchen, a restaurant technology company, opened its second Noshery digital food hall on August 20 in San Carlos. Head to the food hall website to order from restaurants including Kasa Indian Eatery, Oren’s Hummus, the Little Chihuahua, Humphry Slocombe, and more.
PALO ALTO — As of August 9, there’s a new steakhouse open on the Penninsula, Palo Alto Online reports. Arya Steakhouse, from husband-and-wife team Mike and Fera Hashemi, relocated to 140 University Avenue after closing up shop in Redwood City. Reservations and menus are available online.
LOS GATOS — Oakland-based coffee roaster Blue Bottle put down roots at 29 University Avenue in Los Gatos, the Mercury News reports. The new coffee shop is the company’s 25th Bay Area outpost and fourth in Santa Clara County.
EL DORADO HILLS — Almighty Food Co., that “hyperlocal” restaurant from Bouchon alum Nick Dedier and partner Alexa Hazelton, has opened at 4355 Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. Check out the lunch, dinner, and brunch menus on the Almighty Food Co. website.
August 9
SOMA — Tablehopper spotted the newly opened Cafe Suspiro in SoMa, a new coffee shop that slid into the former home of Vega Cafe at 1246 Folsom Street. Pop in for the usual beverage options — Americanos, lattes, and good ol’ fashioned coffee — while owner Raul Sanchez, works on a fuller build-out, which he’s gathering financial support for on GoFundMe.
CASTRO — Also via Tablehopper comes confirmation of the Castro’s newest coffee shop and cafe. Poesia Cafe, from the folks behind the cozy Italian restaurant of the same root name, moved into the former Reveille Coffee space and is serving coffee and pastries.
HAYES VALLEY — The latest offering from Hat Trick Hospitality, the group behind the Bixton and Rambler, comes Hazie’s, a new restaurant and bar opening in Hayes Valley on Thursday, August 11. The menu spans the usual suspects like a burger, wings, and salmon while cocktails include sharable options designed for two or three drinkers.
DOGPATCH — The many fans of fast-casual Greek sensation Souvla will be happy to hear about the company’s latest location, which includes a new meze menu and expanded Greek wine selection. Souvla Dogpatch opens Tuesday, August 16 and in addition to the usual mix of salads and wraps, diners can sit down at the bar for a full-service experience, ordering plates like feta-brined rotisserie chicken, chilled octopus salad, and dolmades. Take a peek at the airy dining room and towering back bar here.
BERKELEY — Delirama opened its doors at 1746 Solano Avenue in Berkeley on August 8 and, as KQED puts it, the owners are “putting pastrami on everything.” The new deli comes from the same people behind pop-ups Pyro’s Pastrami and Psychedelic Pizza and at this new permanent outpost, they’re serving pastrami in sandwiches, tacos, and even bialys.
PALO ALTO — Taiwan-based boba tea shop Rabbit Rabbit Tea expanded its footprint in the South Bay with a new location at Palo Alto’s Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto Online reports. The shop opened last month and serves “boba tea drinks and soft serve ice cream inspired by their most popular boba tea flavors.”
SACRAMENTO — Though co-owners Rafael Jimenez Rivera, Chris Sinclair, and Emily Neuhauser initially planned to open a Puerto Rican restaurant, when Bodega Kitchen & Cocktails opens at 6401 Riverside Boulevard in Sacramento’s Greenhaven neighborhood it’ll be a “Californian-pan-Caribbean” restaurant, the Bee reports. Expect Cuban sandwiches, mojitos, Cuba Libres, and ham-and-cheese-filled pan de mallorcas.
August 1
SOMA — After two and a half years out of the game, Bar Agricole returns to the Bay Area cocktail scene Wednesday, August 3. Owner Thad Vogler tells Eater SF it was a long road and that “nothing was certain” about the bar’s reopening — but now he and a team that includes a number of original core staffers plus former Bar Tartine chef Nick Balla are moving forward under a sociocratic management model. Reservations for the bar and restaurant, which the team calls the “tasting room,” are open now on Tock.
TENDERLOIN — Azalina’s is back. Or at least, it will be as of September 1 when owner Azalina Eusope reopens her eponymous Malaysian restaurant at 499 Ellis Street in the Tenderloin. KQED reports the restaurant will be open for dinner only and will serve a 5-course tasting menu for $100 including beverage pairings, a significant departure from the plans she shared with Eater SF for the space back in 2020.
HAYES VALLEY — Get your popcorn fix at Fluff Nugget, a new snack shop in Hayes Valley that opened July 21. The menu includes sweet and savory popcorn topped with off-the-wall ingredients like smoked brisket, dried strawberries, and pesto.
SOUTH BEACH — Take yourself out to a ball game and don’t forget to swing by the new Underdogs Cantina, which opened last month just outside Oracle Park. The menu includes tacos, burritos, and margaritas in a family-friendly setting complete with Skee-Ball and other games.
EMERYVILLE — Naru Sushi is now serving sushi, bento boxes, and donburi at the Emeryville Public Market from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. the E’ville Eye reports.
BERKELEY — It’s dumpling time for the East Bay, which is to say popular dim sum mini-chain Dumpling Time will open its newest location in downtown Berkley on Thursday, August 4. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner starting Friday serving shrimp har gow, soup dumplings, and flaky Chinese doughnuts.
BERKELEY — KōL Juice Bar is now open at 1926 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley. Expect a menu of drinks made with no added ice, sugar, or water; options include cold-pressed juice, smoothies, and “collagen boba” made with agar and collagen.
SACRAMENTO — The Bee brings good news for fans of deep-fried dough: Sacramento welcomed a new doughnut shop called Doughbot and it's backed by the talents of Alison Clevenger, who spent time at some of the city’s best bakeries and restaurants including Ginger Elizabeth, the Kitchen, Ella, and OBO’ Italian Table & Bar. Pick up a dozen molasses pecan bars and Everything But The Bagel malasadas at 2030 10th Street.
July 26
SOMA — After shopping at everyone’s favorite tech mogul-owned grocer Whole Foods, SoMa residents can now head across the street for a wide array of Middle Eastern and Yemeni coffees and pastries at Delah Coffee House. The shop opened in late June and held a grand opening on July 15. Ownership says they’ve had a packed house until their late closing hour of 10 p.m. almost every night.
MISSION — Breakfast Little, the tiny restaurant that welcomed sister location Emmitas Cafe earlier this year, just moved into a much bigger space just up the street. As of July 9, fans of the breakfast burrito or decadent oatmeal can get their fix at 3275 22nd Street. On August 1, indoor dining will be available, but for now, a few tables and chairs decorate the sidewalk out front.
OAKLAND — The announcement of Miss Ollie’s closing was bad news across the Bay Area. But now chef-owner Sarah Kirnon has opened Holder’s House in the Forage Kitchen events space. According to Nosh, the name comes from the 17th-century plantation Holder’s House in Barbados. Kirnon told the outlet it’s “a pop-up, basically,” so diners need to check Kirnon’s Instagram for daily menus and hours. They’re looking forward to catering and always happy to discuss their arts preservation nonprofit Sanctuary.
SUNNYVALE — Southern California farm-to-table chain Urban Plates expands its Bay Area footprint with its newest location in Sunnyvale, which opened on July 11. Already in Pleasant Hill and Dublin, the South Bay expansion brings the salads, sandwiches, and paleo power to a whole new pocket of the region.
July 19
INNER SUNSET — Residents of the west side of San Francisco no longer need to wonder what will replace Pluto’s on Irving Street; El Rancho Grande opened its newest location this week in the former salad shop space. Whether it be on Divisadero or Haight Street, fans know this restaurant for its late hours and birria tacos.
INNER SUNSET — In case you missed it, food-truck-gone-restaurant Lomo Libre opened this month. Chef Jose Calvo Perez grew up in the city, and his latest restaurant is the continuation of his commitment to his family and his Peruvian culture. Drop by the restaurant, in the former Underdogs space on Irving Street, for ceviche, pisco sours, and mezcal.
MILL VALLEY — On July 21 fans of the salad-forward power lunch can head to the first Mixt in Marin County. Not only does this opening break ground for the chain, but it’s the only location in the area to offer beer and wine. A grand opening celebration will be held on Thursday, July 28, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
SANTA CLARA — La Casa Mia, a self-described Japanese inspired Italian restaurant, opened on July 15 with a Spanish name. Everything from wasabi French fries to fried oysters to custom pizzas is on deck. The owners also run Orenchi Ramen, Sumika, and Obaitori.
MILPITAS — In related news: Obaitori Ramen opened on July 16 with four different ramens and daily house-made noodles. The restaurant, along with sister business La Casa Mia, announced its opening on Instagram. The San Francisco Chronicle writes that the restaurant may fly under the radar, but to miss the dishes here would be a mistake.
SAN MATEO — Without a whisper, Chinese bakery Simply Cake opened in downtown San Mateo in the beginning of July. Curious diners can anticipate matcha toast, Hokkaido sponge cakes, pork floss buns, and a “Spirited Away”-meets-Bay Area mural on the wall.
SAN MATEO — The Chronicle writes that Ox 9 is maybe the first restaurant dedicated to Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles in the Bay Area. The menu is all about customizable bowls of soup at the third location of this popular Peninsula restaurant. The outpost opened at the top of July.
FOSTER CITY — The Bay Area’s newest location of Crumbl Cookies opens July 22. While not every chain restaurant location warrants an write-up, store co-owner Nezar Ateyeh’s childhood in San Mateo County, and degree from College of San Mateo and UC Davis, make this a sweet moment for hometown pride. He and co-owner and wife Nora Ateyeh will hold a ribbon cutting Thursday, July 28, at 5 p.m.
MOUNTAIN VIEW — Vinod Guduri and Madhu Salvaji are taking their more than 10 years of restaurant wisdom to Mountain View with the newest location of their restaurant Hyderabad Dum Biryani Indian Cuisine. Palo Alto Online reports the original locations in Milpitas and Fremont, as well as the new outpost, feature 10 varieties of biryani and plenty of smaller dishes, too.
LOS ALTOS — Palo Alto’s Bevri, one of the Bay Area’s few Georgian food options, opened in Los Altos in the beginning of July, the Chronicle reports. Georgian wines, cheesy khachapuri, and well-seasoned khinkali are all on the menu at the new location, just as they were at the first.
LOS GATOS — An entirely gluten-free Italian restaurant is a heaven send for the paisanos with celiac out there. Yvonne Khananis, owner of Polenteria, is well aware. The Mercury News reports she’s excited to offer polenta, yes, but also gluten-free bread, bruschetta, and, someday, her own pasta.
July 12
BAYVIEW — The Old Clam House lives once again: The 161-year-old restaurant reopened after a two-year closure that included a sale and change in ownership. Now, the new owners — also behind Mona Lisa restaurant in North Beach — quietly reopened the restaurant in recent weeks, which was spied by Tablehopper first. (And yes, there are clams aplenty on the new, updated menu.)
EMBARCADERO — With the news that 1 Hotel San Francisco opened along the Embarcadero early last month in the former Hotel Vitale spot, comes the fact that its “massive restaurant” Terrene has also thrown open its outdoor patio doors along with it. The San Francisco Chronicle covered the hotel opening, and wrote the restaurant promises to source all of its ingredients within 50 miles of the Bay Area; the outdoor rooftop garden should help with that.
INNER RICHMOND — Cantina Los Mayas is a new wine bar opening on July 14, with the mission of serving Mexican wines exclusively, the San Francisco Chronicle also reports. Although they probably aren’t the first in the country to run a Mexico-focused wine list, it will be a first for the Bay Area, and the new bar comes courtesy of the folks behind Taqueria Los Mayas. Expect the food menu to incorporate Mayan and Yucatecan dishes.
MISSION — The rebrand and makeover of Flour + Water Pizzeria is complete, and in its place Yellow Moto Pizzeria opened as of July 6. Owner David White parted ways with the Flour + Water Hospitality Group, redesigning his new pizzeria into “a very fun, tongue-in-cheek, not serious experience.” Much of the menu will remain from the changeover, albeit with more “lighter and vegetable-filled options” and a new bar.
MISSION — Ancora is the seafood-focused restaurant from sustainable seafood company Water2Table owners Andi and Joe Conte, and chef Nick Anichini. The new restaurant opened July 6 in the former Locanda spot with an obvious focus on fish and seafood, as well as the Bay Area’s abundance of produce.
SFO — Proper Food continues its expansion throughout San Francisco: the grab-and-go chain opened a new location in Terminal 1 of San Francisco International Airport on July 11, perfect for grabbing a salad, soup, or sandwich before heading onto a plane.
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SOMA — A new farmer’s market is set to open at the new Eagle Plaza at 12th and Harrison streets, starting July 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and running weekly on Saturdays.
OAKLAND — The highly-anticipated Slug is set to open July 22, the San Francisco Chronicle reports, the second spot from the folks behind the ever-popular Snail Bar. Slug, much like its sister bar, will feature natural wines at its Frank H. Ogawa Plaza location, but will be much larger and feature DJs and dishes made by chef Spencer Horovitz, formerly of Itria.
OAKLAND — Oaklandia Cafe opened back in June 2020, but now the cafe is expanding into a second location at 555 City Center. The newer, larger outpost is set to open its doors July 18, and Berkeleyside has the charming backstory to the owners’ history at the new location.
OAKLAND — Transplants to the Bay Area who were raised around the Raising Cane’s fast-food chain can now partake in its fried chicken once again. The Louisiana-based company is opening its first Bay Area location at 8430 Edgewater Drive in Oakland on Thursday, the Mercury News reported (although there are locations in Vacaville, Stockton and Elk Grove, as well). Also on the horizon are two more Raising Cane’s locations set for Berkeley and Hayward, both expected to open this year.
July 6
GHIRARDELLI SQUARE — The new flagship location of popular Detroit-style pizzeria Square Pie Guys made its debut at Ghirardelli Square on Saturday, July 2. The San Francisco Chronicle has a first look inside the modern space, which offers views of Aquatic Park and the bay beyond.
MISSION — There’s a little silver lining to the dark cloud that is the closure of Cha Cha Cha’s Mission District outpost and that’s Kuba, the restaurant that opened in the space on July 5. The business is under new ownership, and while the name wasn’t included in the sale, the former owner tells the San Francisco Business Times the new proprietors plan to keep the menu and ambiance largely the same.
OAKLAND — Take a look inside Night Heron, the new bar open in Oakland with cocktails on draft and an artful space with murals and snazzy neon art. The bar takes over the former Here’s How space, the scene of a widely publicized NIMBY battle with neighbors who opposed the business’ presence in their residential building.
OAKLAND — East Bay residents looking for a lamb bowl or chicken pita have a new option in the newly opened Belladi Kitchen, Berkeleyside reports. The casual restaurant located at 378 Embarcadero West, near Jack London Square, comes from a trio of experienced food and beverage entrepreneurs.
SAN CARLOS — Mints and Honey, the Burlingame cafe known for its colorful tea drinks and artful toasts adorned with edible flowers, has opened a second location in San Carlos, the business shared on Instagram. Head to 1524 El Camino Real for your tea fix.
SEBASTOPOL — There’s a new bar loosely inspired by the famous children’s story of the three piggies that built houses out of various materials, the Chronicle reports. Third Pig Bar, located at 116 S. Main Street in Sebastopol serves cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer.
DAVIS — A new restaurant from the owners of Broderick Roadhouse and Anonimo Pizza debuted at 113 D Street in Davis, the Bee reports. Bones Craft Kitchen serves “burgers, sandwiches and shareable plates such as Gorgonzola/oyster mushroom fries,” per the Bee.
SACRAMENTO — The Butterscotch Den opened in early June in Oak Park, a new restaurant from the team behind hit spots including the Snug and Ro Sham Beaux natural wine bar. The retro, 70s-inspired steakhouse is bringing back the freezer martini and grill-your-own format.