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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.
July 5
SOMA — There are comeback stories, like the recent resurrection of Russian Hill’s Gourmet Carousel, then there’s Enterprise Brewing Company — a century-old brewery that shut down in 1920 and is being brought back by beer pros Cameron McDonald and Jesse Hayter. The co-owners are brewing under the Enterprise name and “paying homage to an old SF brand” while operating out of the former Cellermaker space in SOMA. Plans are in place to host a grand opening on Saturday, August 5.
NORTH BEACH — Officina is technically not a restaurant one can casually walk into and have a meal at, but instead, it’s a private dinner event space situated above prominent North Beach bar Vesuvio — oh, and did we mention it’s helmed by the team behind Michelin-starred Quince? During the day the apartment-like space will function as a test kitchen for chef Michael Tusk, but by night, anyone with a budget and time can rent it out. The new venue opened Friday, June 30.
EMERYVILLE — The confections at Butter Pecan Bakeshop earned the bakery a (sweet) reputation at its original Pinole location when it opened in 2021, but now the team opened a second space in Emeryville, the E’ville Eye reports. The new bakery is located in a former Subway location at 65th and Hollis streets.
OAKLAND — La Esquinita transformed the former Filippo’s space into a hot-pink corner spot for tacos and burritos. It’s the newest restaurant from owner Thomas Schnetz, who’s also behind familiar East Bay restaurants Xolo, Tacubaya, and Doña Tomas. Eater SF caught the early details on the restaurant, but now East Bay Nosh confirms the restaurant is now fully open.
OAKLAND — Fans of Bicycle Coffee may have been disheartened to see that the original outpost closed, but as East Bay Nosh describes the situation, that disappointment will last mere seconds. Bicycle Coffee Jack London changed locations, but the brand is sticking with the neighborhood and is taking up space at a bigger location across the street from its previous home. (A cheeky sign on the former location reads, “Look behind you,” according to Nosh.)
PLEASANT HILL — Tracy-based Morgan Territory Brewing has moved closer to the inner Bay Area with a new taproom located in Pleasant Hill, the Mercury News reports. The new space is still in its opening stage, with no grand opening date in sight, but it’s open seven days a week already, anyways, according to the brand’s Instagram page.
POINT REYES STATION — Anyone who moves into the former Cowgirl Creamery space in Point Reyes Station has big shoes to fill, but West Marin Culture Shop is up for the challenge. The ferment-centric business opens in the former Cowgirl space on July 1, bringing its fermentation production with it, the Marin Independent Journal reports. Along with the pickled pepper ferments, there’s also a takeout counter for food led by Kendra Kolling of the Farmer’s Wife, who will make sandwiches and other goodies, while local brands will figure prominently into featured products.
HEALDSBURG — Molti Amici is a new Italian restaurant from three former SingleThread alums, serving summery Wes Anderson vibes to Healdsburg. While it’s not serving lunch just yet, a selection of pasta and salads await for dinner, best enjoyed on the back patio while it’s hot out.
REDWOOD CITY — It’s a bit of a complicated history behind Ghostwood Beer Company. The brewery opened its taproom in 2018, closed said taproom, became a pop-up, then the company was sold off — which is to say, it’s gone through the wringer. But now the new owners of Ghostwood opened a new taproom on Thursday, June 29, at 1757 East Bayshore Avenue, Palo Alto Online reports, with salads, sandwiches, and appetizers to pair with those beers.
June 27
SOMA — An outpost of East Bay-based Monster Pho landed in San Francisco on June 23. The new pho restaurant is located in the SoMa Food Court, a hub for CloudKitchens on Sixth Street, with beef brisket pho, vermicelli noodles, and fresh spring rolls available for pickup or delivery.
MISSION — Bar Gemini is the newest player to hit the Mission natural wine bar scene, but don’t expect to drink just trendy natty wines with no substance. Instead, wine pros Dominique Henderson and Alex Pomerantz are creating an approachable wine list, mixed with new and seasoned natural winemakers, along with a bites menu courtesy of Michelin-recognized Ernest chef Brandon Rice and Santa Monica-based shop Lady & Larder.
MISSION — Kuma Sushi + Sake, the partnership between the Polk Street sushi counter and bottle shop True Sake, debuted on Friday, June 23. This is Kuma’s second location, but this time it will have the added oomph of exclusive sakes poured at the 198 Valencia Street spot.
NORTH BEACH — North Beach is flush with pizza spots, but Flour + Water Pizzeria has a number of things that set it apart from its neighbors. The excellent pizza will be front and center at the newly remodeled Columbus Avenue location, along with some fun starters, like the restaurant’s mozzarella sticks. But there are also fun surprises, such as the more-casual Pizza Shop side of the operation, which boasts a neighborhood vibe complete with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game.
PRESIDIO — Dynamo Mediterranean chefs Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz will open Dalida on June 30 in the heart of the Presidio. The new restaurant takes over the space occupied by Traci des Jardins’s the Commissary. Guests can expect dishes such as Turkish pastas, lamb shoulder tandoor, and sea urchin tahdig.
LARKSPUR — Plant-based scoop shop Frankie & Joe’s is blossoming at the Marin Country Mart, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The Seattle-based ice cream brand will open its doors on Wednesday, June 28.
June 20
NOB HILL — Newcomer cafe Better Than Sweet opened in late spring 2023 at 146 Taylor Street, bringing juices, toasts, overnight oats, bowls, and outdoor cafe seating to the area. The owner is the sister of neighboring Lil’ Menace Bakeshop’s owner, making for a sweet familial connection on Nob Hill.
NOB HILL — It looks like the chicly-named Cool Bar opened about a month ago on Sutter Street. The boba shop and sushi restaurant come from the same team as Not Latte, with the same fruit coffee drinks on the menu here, too.
MISSION — Sicilian gelato shop Hila opened in the former Xanath space on Valencia Street, according to Mission Local. Owners Ilary Biondo and Cecilia Casarini serve 24 flavors, eight of which are vegan, as their new storefront brings the total ice cream shops in the neighborhood to nine.
MISSION — Next door to Dandelion Chocolate on Valencia Street, newcomer Outset Coffee brings fruit lattes to the Mission. The business comes from the same ownership of dessert dealers Hanabi and boba tea suppliers ZERO&.
MISSION — There is a new offering at Folsom Street’s Stable Cafe: The expansive outdoor Secret Garden located out back, offering a new menu of vegetable-forward fare. SFGATE writes owners Guillermo Perez and Najla Turczyn keep the space — complete with a treehouse and a fruiting lemon tree — open three nights a week.
DOGPATCH — Noe Cafe opened its second location right across from Crane Cove Park, celebrating its grand opening on June 19. The space features plenty of natural lighting, a full coffee bar with the business’ own coffee on hand, and loads of snacks and food, to boot.
MISSION BAY — From the team behind Kaiyo comes Trevino, a wine bar in the Luma Hotel at 100 Channel Street. The bar, which focuses on small producers, opened in mid-May and sports a happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m. where all wine is 20 percent off.
OAKLAND — After years of perfecting their flavors, the owners of Miharu Ice Cream will open their first permanent location at 1951 Telegraph Avenue. The business opened in October 2020 in a ghost kitchen, but as of June 24 fans can get breakfast brownie and coffee and cardamom ice cream at a proper ice cream shop.
BERKELEY — Dog Haus opened its beer garden on June 14 to much fanfare of sausage-lovers throughout the East Bay. The business already called Oakland home — along with nearly 100 other locations throughout the United States — but now Berkeley can get ritzy corn dogs and steins of frothy beer at 1407 San Pablo Avenue, too.
SAN CARLOS — Doppio Zero opened its fourth location at 617 Laurel Street on June 16. The Michelin Guide-mentioned Southern Italian restaurant group also opened Vida Tapas in Mountain View in February.
TIBURON — The SoCal-based Malibu Farm expanded to the Bay Area in early June, planting its flag in Marin. The Marin Independent Journal writes the restaurant, focused on sustainable and organic ingredients, took over the former Servino Ristorante location and is open for breakfast through dinner.
SACRAMENTO — Saigon Alley, a Vietnamese restaurant with a penchant for small bites, opened in Midtown on Friday, June 23. According to the Sacramento Bee the city council will be in attendance for a ribbon cutting, but the restaurant is already open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
June 13
SOMA — The Harlequin is the new restaurant and bar on the ground floor of the Mosser Hotel, serving moody, Art Deco vibes for dinner and happy hour starting Tuesday, June 13. Expect strong drinks and shareable American fare perfect for groups.
BERKELEY — Bartavelle is a staple of the North Berkeley neighborhood, and fans have followed the cafe from its first location in the former Cafe Fanny space to the annex window that opened during the pandemic. Now, the cafe has room to stretch its legs again with the June 14 opening of a new location at 1621 San Pablo Avenue, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the San Pablo Avenue annex, East Bay Nosh reports. All the favorite toasts, breakfasts, and sandwiches will be there, and expect the return of the shortlived wine bar side of the operation, Bar Sardine, to follow.
BERKELEY — Red Bay Coffee opened a new Berkeley location on Sunday, June 4 at the former Alchemy Collective Cafe space at 1741 Alcatraz Avenue. Grab a coffee in the new space and peruse the plentiful plant offerings available for sale via the Planterday shop.
ALBANY — Solano Avenue coffee shop Hal’s Office is now pulling double duty by flipping into a wine bar at night with Hal’s After Hours, as first reported by East Bay Nosh. The wine bar runs Thursdays through Sundays from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and offers savory bites and tinned fish alongside “natural and low-intervention wines.”
HAYWARD — Oakland’s Mujiri built its reputation during the pandemic on quality sushi and affordable prices, quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite. Now, the owners are expanding and opening a second location of Mujiri, this time in Hayward, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The new location is set to open on Tuesday, June 20.
SANTA CLARA — Croissanté opened in Santa Clara on May 31 with a wealth of croissants, from the traditional kind to trendier versions, such as the cube croissant or meringue cloud croissant. Beyond the croissants, there are also Danishes, baguettes, doughnuts, and more, in unique flavors such as its yuzu madeleines. And if you’re curious about the name, it’s meant to be a play on the French word “santé,” or health.
BURLINGAME — For those searching for the Japanese soup, oden, Burlingame’s new restaurant Golden Daruma has you taken care of. The San Francisco Chronicle reports this new spot serves customizable oden, meaning diners can add ingredients like daikon radish, chicken wings, and more.
June 7
SOMA — New Burmese restaurant Bay of Burma opened in SoMa on May 26 at 1174 Folsom Street. Information is scarce on the new restaurant, but it looks to be a (mostly) to-go spot serving Burmese classics such as tea leaf salad, shan tofu, and rainbow salad.
HAYES VALLEY — If you like your sushi with an extra dose of fun, Zenpo Sushi is open at 340 Grove Street, with iPad ordering and a bullet train-sushi delivery system. The grand opening celebration is set for Saturday, June 24, and there will be art from artists Nate Tan and Derrick Higga on hand.
ALAMEDA — Firebrand Artisan Breads opened its second retail location at 707 W. Tower Avenue in Alameda on Friday, June 2. The new shop will expand its morning pastry offerings, as well as stay open until 10 p.m. serving pizzas, soft serve, and doughnuts, as well as host a happy hour.
HEALDSBURG — Three SingleThread alum are set to open their new bar Maison on Friday, June 9, with a focus on coastal California wines, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The paper adds that beyond the coastal wines, there will also be bottles from around the world, as well as obscure and older vintages. The group expects to house “upwards of 1,000 wine selections” eventually.
LARKSPUR — The Marin Dish has news of a new bar that opened back in March: Internos Beer and Wine located at 1110 Magnolia in Larkspur. The bar pours beers and wines from around the world, showcases art from local artists on its walls, and has a retail side where you can purchase bottles.
SANTA CLARA — South Korean dessert chain Sulbing has landed in Santa Clara, bringing shaved ice dessert bingsu stateside with Sulbing Cafe, Palo Alto Online reports. It’s the chain’s first California outpost, and there will be a variety of bingsu flavors to order at the shop.
LOS GATOS — Salt & Straw opened its latest Bay Area location in Los Gatos on Friday, June 2. Along with its usual flavors, the new shop will also serve its Upcycled Food Series ice cream menu for the month of June, partnering with organizations that help reduce food waste, such as Urban Gleaners and Renewal Mill.
SACRAMENTO — Pocha House in midtown Sacramento is now open, serving Korean pub fare such as bulgogi fries, Hot Cheetos corn cheese, and tteobokki, the Sacramento Bee reports. The restaurant also serves soju, beer, and cocktails.
May 30
MISSION — Newcomer Dosa Corner will take over the former AL’s Place location at 1499 Valencia Street. The San Francisco Standard writes the restaurant will open on June 1 serving alcohol and South Indian fare. AL’s Place closed in August 2022 after seven years of critical acclaim.
LOS GATOS — Denise and Mike Thornberry may have opened Tasting House in 2022, but the couple just expanded their bistro with a 10-seat bar. Dubbed the Champagne Bar, the addition opened on May 26 for fans of everyday luxury, caviar, and flights of champagne.
BERKELEY — The Cheese Steak Shop closed at its University Avenue location in 2021. Thankfully, the local Philly cheesesteak destination reopened its Berkeley outpost in mid-May at 2025 Kala Bagai Way. East Bay Nosh writes the Bay Area business began in 1982 when two East Coast expats wanted to bring a slice of the jawn life to California.
PINOLE — The ube buko pie extraordinaires at Sweet Pipers are opening their first permanent location in the East Bay after decades of baking Filipino pastry treats. Known for their showings at 7 Mile House’s Ube BakeOff, the business will host its soft opening on Sunday, June 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2352 San Pablo Avenue.
SANTA CLARA — Croissante, a new stylish bakery at 2908 El Camino Real #100, will open on May 31. Fans can anticipate, you guessed it, a host of flaky croissants, tarts, and puff pastries.
GUERNEVILLE — Longtime destination for gay and queer resort-goers Fife’s closed in 2019 after flooding forced the business to shutter. Now, the San Francisco Chronicle writes the location at 16467 CA-116 has reopened as Dawn Ranch with Argentinian chef Fernando Trocca at the helm.
LARKSPUR — Seattle ice cream wunderkind Frankie & Jo’s is bringing its vegan, gluten-free scoops to the Bay Area. The business will open its first outpost outside of the PNW in the Marin Country Mart on June 21.
May 23
HAIGHT — Not only did Amal’s Deli on the corner of Haight and Masonic streets not close, it reopened with a sleek remodel and more space than ever. The business stays open until midnight doling out sandwiches, gyros, and snacks of every stripe.
DIVISADERO — Katsuo + Kombu will open on San Francisco’s dividing line thanks to chefs Jiro Lin and Takashi Saito. Tablehopper tipped readers off to the Pizzadero Slice House replacement, but the Chronicle provides a deeper dive into the Fukuoka-style udon shop.
BAYVIEW — San Francisco’s newest Egyptian restaurant Hungry Cafe opened in the mighty large Southeast Community Center. The in-house restaurant keeps prices accessible, which makes sense as Dragonspunk’s community-centric farmers market will open right outside in early June.
OUTER SUNSET — One of the most anticipated openings in 2023 swung its doors open at long last. Daymoon with its green facade and Linea coffee doles out bread, cookies, and cocoa carrot cake to neighbors. Adhering to the timeless adage “show don’t tell,” the team prefers that locals experience Daymoon for themselves rather than crow about their handiwork.
MARINA — Bobby Hoissan will park his Phat Thai food truck to open the business’s first permanent location. The San Francisco-born-and-raised entrepreneur will serve all the food truck’s rotating specials every single day, and bring in draft beer and soju, too. The first day of service is June 3, just in time for the Union Street Festival.
OAKLAND — Longtime East Bay coffee roasting innovator Mr. Espresso opened its gorgeous, redwood shop dubbed the Caffe, on May 22. The pastries and food are no joke, and there are signature coffee drinks including the ultra-strong “sugo,” which translates to sauce or juice in Italian.
ALAMEDA — Pita and falafel chain Hummus Republic has come to yet another pocket of the Bay Area. The newest location at 2402 Central Avenue brings its menu of now-familiar favorites to Alameda.
FAIRFAX — From HenHouse Brewing Company comes gastropub West County Pub. The reopening is set for June 9 at 765 Center Boulevard, and all the food at this outpost comes from executive chef Lauren Garcia who cut her teeth at upscale dining restaurant the Slanted Door.
PALO ALTO — Santa Cruz’s favorite ice cream shop Penny Ice Creamery will open a new location in Palo Alto at the Town & Country Village. The local outfit will also open a new outpost in the Street Market food hall in Los Altos. Both locations are expected to open in late spring 2023.
PALO ALTO — On May 25 Pho Ha Noi opened its 185 University Avenue location, bringing its powerhouse Vietnamese food and fanbase to Palo Alto. The Chronicle writes owner Helen Nguyen is surprised by how popular her bowls of beef pho are; the business will open locations in Milpitas and Fremont next year.
May 16
MISSION BAY — The couple behind Dogpatch restaurant Ungrafted opened their newest venture, GluGlu, in a high-profile location at Thrive City next to the Chase Center on Friday, May 14. Chef David Aviles created a menu filled with what the team calls “easygoing dishes” influenced by Mediterranean flavors. Meanwhile, the wine menu is a global one focusing on sustainable farming practices. There are also beer, sake, and cider offerings.
OAKLAND — Pasta pop-up Sfizio moved into its permanent location in Rockridge and debuted on Wednesday, May 10, serving fresh pasta at affordable prices. The menu is tight, with three to four options each for starters and main courses, and nothing priced over $16. The wine list is also brief, but doesn’t venture much past the $12 mark, and features lesser-known varietals from Italy alongside three low-ABV cocktails centered around vermouth.
OAKLAND — The owners of Oakland’s Port Bar have opened up another downtown destination with Fluid510, a nightclub located on Broadway that opens on Thursday, May 20. It’s meant to be an inclusive space for locals and serves drinks and a food menu created by chef Alessandro Campitelli, formerly of Contrasto in Oakland, with plans to expand to weekend brunch by summer.
REDWOOD CITY — Cyclismo closed down last year, but Palo Alto Online caught the news that the owners revived the cafe as Cyclismo Mini Cafe in downtown Redwood City — with help from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. The group reached out to Cyclismo owners Jihan Bayyari and her husband to offer the use of a shipping container to run their cafe. The new space opened in March.
SAN LEANDRO — Beloved San Leandro bar Ricky’s has gotten a second lease on life thanks to Ramonn Smith, who purchased the business from Tina Ricardo, widow of former owner (and bar namesake) Ricky Ricardo. The bar, which now goes by the name Rickey’s Sports Lounge, underwent some changes, the Mercury News reports, such as the removal of the football jerseys and a remodel. But it’s still a sports bar at heart with 40 TVs installed to watch the latest games.
NOVATO — New meat- and beer-centric restaurant Blazers Smokehouse & Beer Garden opens in Novato on Saturday, May 20 from restaurateur Erick Hendricks and partner Keri, the Marin Independent Journal reports. Expect pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken po’boys, and St. Louis ribs served with housemade sauces and slaw.
SACRAMENTO — Chef Jeff Taylor’s popular cheesecakes have landed a permanent home in Sacramento’s Downtown Commons, and now the (appropriately named) Cakes by Jeff the Chef is set to open Saturday, May 27, the Sacramento Bee reports. Expect a variety of cheesecakes, including LV Pistachio and Banana Pudding, with the option for a flight of cheesecakes to start later.
May 9
LOWER HAIGHT — Haight Street’s Dumpling Union threw a grand opening banner on its freshly-painted blue walls for the first weekend in May. The restaurant at 598 Haight Street boasts a large, well-lit dining room, and 8-piece dumpling orders for $11.
MISSION — Tala Drzewiecki is a former techie turned wine importer and entrepreneur born and raised in Oakland. Now, the San Francisco Standard writes she’s opening Tala Wine at 4625 Mission Street on June 17 to show off her love of French, Spanish, and Italian natural wines.
MISSION — Tacos del Barrio just took over for the legendary 100-year-old Roosevelt Tamale Parlor on 24th Street. The owners are two pals who grew up in Mexico City — Hector Ordaz and Norberto Granillo — and the new shop celebrates its grand opening on May 5.
HAYES VALLEY — Hailing from Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters, chef John Wesley and general manager Julianna Yang are together launching their own fine dining establishment, Kiln. Their new restaurant is situated near the corner of Fell and Franklin streets, in the former Cala space, and while details are sparse so far, the restaurant will offer two tasting menus each night, one for $225 and an abbreviated menu for $135, starting Tuesday, May 16.
NORTH BEACH — The long-anticipated reopening of the much-loved Park Tavern is slated for May 14. The Chronicle reports owner Anna Weinberg worked with designer Ken Fulk, the same designer mind behind Boulevard and other local restaurants, and tapped chef Marco Cerruti, formerly of the Ellwood in Santa Barbara, to helm the kitchen.
BERKELEY — Espresso Roma is no more, and relative East Bay newcomer Cafenated took over the space on May 6. East Bay Nosh writes owners Mak and Parisa Jamasbi roast coffee grown by women, primarily from Guatemala, before expanding to sourcing South American and African coffees, too.
MENLO PARK — Joining Proper Food, Che Fico, and more, Andytown Coffee Roasters is opening its newest cafe on Saturday, May 27 in the Springline complex. After the opening day, the shop will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
May 2
BAYVIEW — After announcing its first permanent location in fall 2022, Gumbo Social’s opening day is set for June 3. Owner Dontaye Ball will bring in a second-line band for the grand opening event and is already promising customizable gumbo and decadent po’ boys.
PARKSIDE — Far From Paradise Cafe opened on April 20 bringing malasadas and build-your-own shave ice to Ocean Avenue.
OAKLAND — Co-owners Mike Raskin and Jeffrey Wright are bringing dynamite dessert to the Town’s nightlife with their new dessert shop Edith’s Pie. The two opened the business on April 29 and already are dishing up chocolate chess and banana cream pie from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
OAKLAND — Bocanova, a favorite for Latin American cuisine in Jack London Square, reopened in a new home after six years. On April 10 the business opened its doors at 1111 Broadway with expanded breakfast offerings and a vibrant color palette and mural on the walls.
EL CERRITO — After more than two years of trying to launch, Claire Sullivan and Devin Hohler finally swung open the doors to their wine bar Banter. The natural wine-focused shop opening in El Cerrito bodes well for the bar scene of the otherwise quiet town; Sullivan brings years at Chez Panisse and Alice Waters tutelage to bear at the new business.
RICHMOND — Sailing Goat, the Point San Pablo Harbor restaurant taking over the former Black Star Pirate BBQ location, opened on April 28. East Bay Nosh writes owner Arnon Oren will dish up pizzas, curries and stews, and boatloads of beer and wine.
WALNUT CREEK — Avocado coffee and sambal come out of the woodworks at Southeast Asian powerhouse SanDai. The Chronicle writes chef Nora Haron puts Nusataran cuisine on full display at the upscale restaurant, which opens on May 3. Haron, one of the Bay Area’s most high-profile Singaporean chefs, previous run an IndoMex pop-up, which helped put her and her seasonal and ingredient-driven Southeast Asian cooking on the map.
MENLO PARK — Proper Food opened its newest location on May 2 at the still-unrolling Springline development. The parfait and power lunch dealers open in the complex alongside San Francisco superstars Che Fico, Robin, and Andytown.
HEALDSBURG — PizZando, which is tucked within the Hotel Healdsburg and closed during the hotel’s renovations, reopened in the first week of April. There’s a larger dining room, a new bar, and expanded food offerings including a squid ink linguini.
April 24
NORTH BEACH — After opening in mid-Market in 2016, Waystone was forced to close during the pandemic. But now after three years shuttered, the wine bar has returned in a new space in North Beach. The reopening will see much of what made Waystone a wine bar favorite, such as carefully selected wines from co-owner Tom Patella and bites from chef and co-owner Billy Riordan. The wine bar is now operating in the former Barrio space on Powell Street.
OUTER SUNSET — Asian fusion restaurant Mango Medley has moved and reopened at 3911 Judah Street, serving its menu of baked rice dishes, baked spaghetti dishes, and Asian desserts.
OAKLAND — After quite a few delays, Oakland’s Town Bar & Lounge made its debut on Thursday, April 20, according to East Bay Nosh. The new LGBTQIA+ bar, which is located in the historic I. Magnum building downtown, will feature a drink menu from Hello Stranger’s Oscar Sinisterra and a custom sound system perfect for dancing.
BERKELEY — Those who love both poutine and shawarma should probably take note of the opening of Berkeley’s new My-O-My Shawarma. East Bay Nosh caught the quiet opening of the “Canadian-inspired shawarma” shop on Euclid Avenue, which debuted April 3.
OAKLAND — East Bay Nosh also lifted the curtain (so to speak) on the opening of Otto’s Uptown Kitchen, an all-new, all-day cafe — the latest in a string of all-day cafes that have opened recently — on the ground floor of Kissel Uptown Oakland. It makes sense, given the visitors staying at the hotel, so expect the full roster of food from breakfast fare like avocado toast to classic, drinkable cocktails like the Corpse Reviver No. 2.
SACRAMENTO — After enduring a fire in 2019 and shuttering a second location in 2021, it seems that Shoki Ramen House is finally back, the Sacramento Bee reports. The restaurant has been operating as a food truck as construction was finished on the burned-down building, but now as of this past weekend, owners Yasushi and Kathy Ueyama are welcoming customers back to 2530 21st Street.
April 18
LOWER PAC HEIGHTS — Not too many restaurants have the chance for a comeback, yet well-loved Pac Heights restaurant Gourmet Carousel seems to have overcome the odds. The Ko family sold the business in July 2022 after 38 years, but as of this month, the restaurant is back up and running again under the next generation of Ko family members. The full menu is also restored, including favorites such as the deluxe won ton soup and pot stickers.
MARINA — Those looking to add a bit of whimsy to their cocktails might want to check out the upcoming new Marina bar, Rendezvous. Here, one can expect serious cocktails with playful glassware, such as a tequila number that comes served in a bong. There is also a food menu available as well, with plans to host pop-ups in the coming months. Rendezvous officially opens on Thursday, April 20.
SAUSALITO — Show de Carnes Brazilian Steakhouse opened in the Marin Gateway Shopping Center in early April and the Marin Independent Journal caught the news. The churrascaria, or, “meat show” in the case of this business name, features a salad and sides buffet bar and 17 cuts of meat and seafood sliced tableside at this all-you-can-eat experience. An a la carte menu is also available at a separate bar area if one prefers to not succumb to an AYCE meat coma.
SAUSALITO — The Marin Independent Journal also got the info on Gallo Rosso Italian Steakhouse, which opened in March. It’s a steakhouse of a different kind, this one featuring pastas and risottos alongside heartier items such as bone-in ribeye and Canadian lobster cioppino.
SACRAMENTO — Industry vets Phuong Tran and Seoyeon Oh opened a new Sacramento diner dubbed Southside Super, specializing in both Vietnamese and Korean dishes, the Sacramento Bee reports. It’s not fusion, but instead items such as kimbap and free-range chicken pho share space on the menu together.
April 12
CIVIC CENTER — The former Equator Coffee space at 986 Market Street near the Warfield is now home to IcenTea, a boba tea and coffee shop.
TENDERLOIN — As of Saturday, April 15, there’s a new underground bar serving “classic cocktails made with Asian spirits and ingredients,” per the San Francisco Chronicle. Called Felix, the speakeasy-style cocktail bar lives underneath hit Vietnamese restaurant Bodega, which opened last year near Union Square.
HAIGHT — As announced on Instagram, much-anticipated muffuletta shop Sandy’s opens its doors on Haight Street on Thursday, April 20. For the first week of business, the menu will offer “meat and mushroom muffulettas, cookies, coleslaw, chips, and beverages.” Head over to the Sandy’s website to place a pre-order.
MISSION — San Francisco has a new Tunisian restaurant in Gola, the Valencia Street spot from owner Rafik Bouzidi who previously ran Union Square’s Mediterranean restaurant La Marsa. Now the Chronicle reports the restaurant will officially open on Wednesday, April 19 serving a menu that includes “halal lamb with vegetables, chicken with herbs and a seafood-tomato stew with octopus, clams, mussels and shrimp.”
INNER SUNSET — After announcing plans to close last fall and then staying open for an additional few months, it seems Midnite Bagel’s Sunset shop has officially sliced its final bagels. In its place, Bahn Mi Crunch is now serving Vietnamese sandwiches, appetizers like egg rolls and chicken wings, and coffee.
OUTER RICHMOND — The soft opening of Wine Bar by Cassava, the spinoff of North Beach restaurant Cassava, is set for Thursday, April 20, with service running Thursday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. The bar will pour wine, sake, and beer to be paired with a short, savory food menu. It’s moving into the Balboa Street space Cassava occupied for a decade before its move last year.
OAKLAND — Hit East Bay pie pop-up Edith’s Pie will begin serving slices of pie and glasses of bubbles at 412 22nd Street, in the former home of Taiwan Bento, on Saturday, April 29. There’s a full menu of sweet and savory pies, including some of the recipes made popular during the last three years but also new menu items like breakfast hand pies, quiches, and a list of low-ABV cocktails to pair with your meal.
OAKLAND — Bay Area-born food truck turned fast-growing restaurant mini-chain Senor Sisig debuts its new Oakland outpost on Friday, April 14 bringing big cantina vibes to the East Bay. The menu still includes all the classic offerings including sisig-stuffed burritos but this location also has a cocktail menu and an expanded selection of sharable plates like the Lechon Kawali Plato and sisig lumpia.
OAKLAND — Mother Tongue Coffee founder Jen Apodaca has been roasting beans since 2005 but only gave their business a permanent cafe space as of this month. On April 5, Mother Tongue opened a coffee shop and cocktail bar in Oakland’s Jewel Box neighborhood, taking over the space previously occupied by the Lede.
OAKLAND — Bocanova Cocina Panamericana, a new Latin restaurant from chef Rick Hackett (previously Oliveto, MarketBar, Enrico’s), has opened at 1111 Broadway in Oakland, East Bay Nosh reports. The offerings include “a dedicated bar menu and, notably, weekday breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch as well as dinner nightly.”
NEWARK — Pie Dreams, a cottage bakery specializing in — you guessed it — pie, has a new storefront at 5855D Jarvis Avenue in Newark. Check out the menu of sweet and savory pies on the business website.
April 4
FIDI — Tip one back at downtown San Francisco’s new nature-inspired cocktail bar, Heartwood, which opens its doors at 531 Commercial Street on April 4. The bar and restaurant comes from the folks behind Mission cocktail spot the Beehive and FiDi’s the Treasury and the drink list includes a plethora of herbal and fruity flavors while the food menu spans sandwiches, salads, sliders, and even pigs in a blanket. Take a peek into the woodsy space here.
UNION SQUARE — As of Monday, April 3, longtime downtown watering hole Lark Bar has moved into a new home at 685 Market Street, inside the Monadnock Building. It’s not a far walk — in fact, the new space is just around the corner from the previous location — but it does give the bar a more high-profile storefront off Market Street itself. Stay tuned later this week for more details about the fresh space.
DOGPATCH — Bandit, the Tenderloin spot known for serving some of San Francisco’s best breakfast sandwiches, has opened its second outpost in the Dogpatch neighborhood. The new restaurant opened Wednesday, March 29 at 632 20th Street, Tablehopper reported.
BAYVIEW — Historic bakery La Victoria has been selling fresh pan dulce in the Mission for decades now, but as of four years ago, the reborn business shifted production to a facility in the Bayview. Now they’re rolling open the doors for retail sales at the 1565 Kirkwood Avenue bakery, meaning fans can swing by for conchas and polvoron.
EMERYVILLE — As of Friday, March 31, El Meson de Violeta has opened at the La Cocina pop-up kiosk at Public Market Emeryville. The business comes from entrepreneur and chef Carmen Figueroa, who will be selling “handmade Chilean empanadas in traditional beef, spicy chicken, and vegan fillings with a variety of other seasonally-inspired rotating flavors,” per a press announcement. Other menu items include apple empanadas, alfajores, and tortas de hojarasca. The kiosk is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
SUNNYVALE — Xiaoman has been selling Taiwanese breakfast out of South Bay ghost kitchens since 2021, but the Chronicle reports the restaurant landed a permanent space at 573 East El Camino Real in Sunnyvale where fans can order fan tuan for takeout or delivery only.
SAN JOSE — Also from the Chronicle comes news of what the paper’s billing as San Jose’s first natural wine bar. Goodtime Bar, located at 30 East Santa Clara Street, #160, brings many of the elements made popular by other Bay Area natural wine bars (think non-traditional drinking vessels and glittery disco ball decor — even citrus-topped oysters) to the area.
AMADOR — The historic Imperial Hotel in California’s tiniest town, Amador City, reopens on April 13, and with the hotel’s debut comes a new restaurant headed up by executive chef Max Benson and consulting chef Michael Evans. The 130-seat restaurant and bar will serve a five-course tasting menu ($75) with options for a wine pairing ($45) or nonalcohlic beverage pairing ($35). The bar, meanwhile, pours craft cocktails, beer, and wine including the Gold Fashioned (California olive oil fat-washed bourbon, bay leaf demerara sugar, aromatic bitters) and a rotating clarified milk punch. The restaurant will be open for dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday for brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The bar is open Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.