The East Bay’s culinary landscape is evolving with a wave of new restaurant openings and exciting transformations. From downtown Oakland to Berkeley, food enthusiasts have plenty of new spots to explore. These establishments offer a diverse range of cuisines, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food, international flavors, or unique coffee experiences, the East Bay’s dining scene has it all. Let’s dive into the latest additions and changes that are making waves in the local food community.
New Additions to Oakland’s Dining Scene
Oakland’s food scene is thriving with several new openings that cater to different tastes and preferences. Bugzo’s Lounge a new bar and lounge in downtown Oakland, promises a vibrant atmosphere with a menu featuring wings, sliders, and a brunch selection that includes chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and French toast. The lounge’s tagline, Eat. Drink. Vibe… encapsulates its lively ambiance.
In the Laurel district, Itsumo a new Japanese bistro, has taken over the former location of Pa’s Papa. The restaurant serves a variety of Japanese dishes, including bentos, rolls, ramen, and sushi, offering a taste of Japan in the heart of Oakland.
Oakland Chinatown is also getting a new addition with King Kitchen which soft opened last month. The restaurant focuses on authentic Toisanese food and is located in the former space of Lounge Chinatown. The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce held an event to celebrate the opening, featuring food samples for the public.
For coffee lovers, Mazar Cafe by Lake Merritt has soft opened, serving premium Yemeni coffee and handcrafted drinks. The cafe is located in the former Cafe Lakeview spot and offers a menu that includes pastries, making it a perfect place for a relaxed afternoon.
Transformations and Relocations
One of Oakland’s beloved Ethiopian restaurants, Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant is moving to Rockridge after operating on Grand Avenue for roughly two decades. The new location, set to open on Friday, July 31, is still family-owned and operated by the same mother, daughter, and son team. The interior has been designed by Kalu Gebreyohannes-Royster of Liyu Designs, who has also worked on other notable projects like Meski in San Francisco and Oakland’s Lucy Blue.
In the Dimond district, Dimond Halal Eatery has taken over the former Mohka Kitchen space. The new spot, which opened on Saturday, July 25, focuses on wings, burgers, and steak hoagies, offering a fresh take on Middle Eastern cuisine.
Berkeley’s Culinary Enhancements
Berkeley’s dining scene is also seeing some exciting changes. Cold Stone Creamery has opened a new location at the ACE Berkeley apartments, offering its famous ice cream, cakes, and cookies. The franchise is co-owned by a Cal alum, bringing a touch of nostalgia to the downtown area.
Palmetto Superfoods has soft opened in downtown Berkeley, offering customizable frozen bowls with a variety of blended bases and unlimited toppings. The spot is located inside Anchor House and is known for its unique and healthy options.
For coffee enthusiasts, Sana’a Cafe has opened a new location near the Cal campus. The Bay Area-based Yemeni coffee chain serves specialty coffee drinks, pastries, and food, making it a great spot for students and locals alike.
Additionally, Shibam Coffee Co. has soft opened in Newark, offering a Yemeni coffee-focused experience. The chain has also recently opened a location in Oakland’s Fruitvale district, bringing its unique coffee blends to a wider audience.
The East Bay’s culinary scene continues to evolve with these new openings and transformations, offering a diverse range of dining experiences for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a new spot to grab a bite or a unique coffee experience, the East Bay has something to offer everyone.
