The East Bay is bustling with fresh dining options as numerous restaurants unveil their doors across the region. From enticing Asian cuisines to classic American fare, the variety promises to captivate the local palate.
In Alameda, Tang Jip has brought its Korean flavor to the region. The Concord-based restaurant, known for its delicious Korean barbecue, has recently added locations in both Alameda and Hayward. Guests can indulge in a menu featuring galbi tang soup, soondubu, soy marinated crab, and kimchi pancakes. Tang Jip now resides at 2201 S. Shore Center, Alameda, and 22507 Main St. (at A St.), Hayward.
Berkeley welcomes several exciting newcomers in the culinary scene. Cafe Brusco, the latest venture from the team behind the acclaimed Rose Pizzeria, has opened a short stroll away from its sister restaurant. The all-day cafe offers house-made bagels baked in Rose Pizzeria’s pizza ovens, complemented by coffee and pastries sourced from local vendors like Good Luck Bakery. Wine will soon join the offerings, making it an all-around dining destination at 2000 University Avenue, (at Milvia St.), Berkeley.
Another Berkeley addition is Campus Burgers, which recently set up a new branch south of the UC Berkeley campus. The smash burger spot, originally hailing from San Jose, marked its grand opening with a generous giveaway of 1,500 free burgers—surpassing its initial goal of 1,000. With burgers priced at $1.99 and cheeseburgers at $2.99, Campus Burgers is sure to attract a young and energetic crowd at 2506 Channing Way (at Telegraph Avenue), Berkeley.
Ice cream lovers can rejoice with the arrival of the Yard Milkshake Bar. After making waves in Alabama, the dessert shop has now landed in Berkeley, celebrating its grand opening with a weekend filled with special events. Guests can enjoy free edible cookie dough, participate in a build-your-own shake contest, and sample a menu that includes Bay Area-inspired options like a “Sassy Lassi.” The shop is located at 2433 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley.
In Castro Valley, Pho 510 has made its debut, bringing the warmth of Vietnamese comfort food to the community. An offshoot of the beloved Le Cheval, which closed in 2023, Pho 510 is nestled within Castro Valley Marketplace and serves a variety of dishes including pho, spring rolls, rice plates, and banh mì sandwiches, with vegetarian choices as well. You can find it at 3295 Castro Valley Blvd., Suite 204 (at Santa Maria Ave.), Castro Valley.
Oakland is not to be left out of the excitement, with a number of new establishments opening their doors. Alleyway Cafe, located in Temescal Alley, has taken over the former CRO Cafe space, inviting visitors for a range of caffeinated drinks from espresso tonics to matcha lattes, plus a special caffè shakerato. This initiative offers a cozy spot for Oaklanders at 470 49th St., Oakland.
Also in Oakland, Leo’s Diner is now serving classic diner breakfasts in Uptown. Offering a menu filled with omelets, benedicts, breakfast burritos, and chicken and waffles, this diner aims to become a breakfast staple in the area. Patrons can also opt for lunch items like burgers and burritos until 3 p.m. at 400 15th St. (at Franklin St.), Oakland.
Marin’s Kitchen & Coffee has opened its doors in downtown Oakland, focusing on hearty breakfast and lunch offerings amidst a casual and inviting environment. With specialty coffee drinks and delicious meal options like breakfast sandwiches and pan-seared salmon, this cafe aims to cater to the busy crowd. Look for it at 400 21st St. (at Broadway), Oakland.
Obelisco has returned to the Lebanon cuisine scene after temporarily closing its Fruitvale location. Now reopened on Lakeshore Ave., this family-owned restaurant features a menu filled with ceviches, tacos, enchiladas, and pollo en mole. Their expanded hours and menu were unveiled on September 16, allowing guests to enjoy authentic tastes at 3407 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland.
In Uptown, Olivia Coffee and Flower presents a unique experience, combining specialty drinks with freshly cut flowers. The cafe offers an array of options from banana milk lattes to Italian sandwiches, promising a lovely break for those in the neighborhood. You can visit Olivia Coffee and Flower at 371 30th St. (between Summit and Webster Streets), Oakland.
The Hub, a new sports bar dedicated to fans, has opened in Jack London Square. Integrated within Plank, this new section features a massive wall of TVs alongside a menu of creative pub food, making it a prime location for watching games with friends at 98 Broadway, Oakland.
Richmond adds to the dining array with the opening of Five Star Chicken. This location, the second for the Vallejo-based chain, serves up juicy fried chicken sandwiches paired with crinkle-cut fries, and for those daring enough, there’s a spicy secret menu item featuring crunchy hot Cheetos dust. Guests can find Five Star Chicken at 12951 San Pablo Ave., Richmond.
San Leandro has welcomed Dao Artisan Noodle, specializing in Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodles and dim sum. The restaurant offers a diverse menu with highlights like wagyu skewers and bone-in beef noodle soup, and it stays open until midnight, catering to late-night diners. Dao Artisan Noodle is located at 15032 Farnsworth St. (at Manor Blvd.), San Leandro.
This month’s openings not only showcase an exciting fusion of flavors but also highlight the resilience and creativity of local entrepreneurs eager to serve their communities. Whether you crave Korean barbecue, hearty Vietnamese dishes, or decadent desserts, the East Bay’s dining scene continues to thrive and adapt, ensuring culinary adventures for all.
image source from：oaklandside
