Oakland’s July openings include new cafes, duo of Japanese options, and two restaurant relocations

Editor’s note: Nosh covers food and restaurant news across the East Bay, and each week we publish one article covering all the restaurant openings and one article covering closings. The openings and closings for each month are then compiled into a round-up. Have a tip for Nosh? Submit it here. Subscribing to the Nosh newsletter is the best way to stay up to date on all of the openings and closings, breaking news, deeper developments, and events in the East Bay food scene.

Alameda restaurant opening

Burger King Alameda

07.21.26: Once again, you can have it your way at the reopened Burger King in Alameda’s South Shore Plaza. The restaurant has reopened with some upgrades including digital upgrades and the new “Sizzle” sign. Burger King, 2200 Otis Dr., Alameda

07.07.26: The Alameda establishment, which, until now, offered three afternoon tea seatings with a $45 minimum for dining in, soft launched a weekly walk-in cafe service on Wednesday, July 8 from noon to 4 p.m. Dubbed “Cafe Malaya,” the service will include specialty matcha, lattes and other drinks in addition to snacks and light fare including sandwiches. For now, the new walk-in hours will be held every Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m., with the intention of eventually expanding to 7 p.m. Malaya Tea Room, 920 Central Ave., Alameda

07.07.26: This new bar in Alameda is adding a food program. For the month of July, Pound4Pound Grilled Burgers will be at MIX bar Thursdays through Saturday serving burgers and drinks. This includes the “Juicy Lucy,” a stuffed cheddar burger served with carmelized onions, parmesan, and fried shallots and the “Crouching Tiger,” an Asian-inspired burger with a “siewmai” (a dimsum item also known as “shaomai”), cucumber chili cilantro slaw, and a century egg (!). MIX Bar, 2320 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda

Ones Cafe & Bakery

06.30.26: One’s Cafe & Bakery is opened July 1 in the former Coffee Cultures space on Park Street in Alameda. The grand opening will be Saturday, July 4. The bakery and coffee shop serves French pastries, with some inspired by Asian flavors — even more selection than the Castro Valley shop, we are told — plus coffee drinks, soft serve, and affogato (and a special ice cream croissant!). Ones Cafe & Bakery, 1926 Park St., Alameda

Berkeley restaurant openings

Cal Burger & More

07.07.26: The new smashburger spot near the Cal campus serves Harris Ranch angus beef burgers, wings, onion rings, waffle fries, and colorful “crazyades” drinks that look psychedelic (so on the nose for Berkeley). The intriguing smashburger combos include one that has mozzarella sticks inside (“mozza ranch smash”) and one with onion rings and bbq sauce (“smokehouse smash”). Cal Burger & More, 1805 Euclid Ave., Berkeley

Cold Stone Creamery

07.28.26: Downtown Berkeley gets a Cold Stone at the ACE Berkeley apartments. The location is a franchise, co-owned by a Cal alum. The chain is known for ice cream, cakes, and cookies. Cold Stone Creamery, 1951 Shattuck Ave., Ste. C, Berkeley

Gateway Cafe

07.21.26: Thanks to a tip from a NOSH reader, we learned that a new cafe on the Cal campus opened just in time before students start school. Gateway Cafe opened on July 20 and will feature Mediterannean food and drinks, including build-your-own-bowls. The cafe, a part of UC Berkeley Dining, is located at the Barbara and Gerson Bakar Gateway Building on the North side of campus, at the corner of Hearst and Arch. Gateway Cafe, 2300 Hearst Ave., Berkeley

Milk Cloud Bakery

07.21.26: Milk Cloud Bakery officially soft opened Friday, July 24. Located in the Berkeley Kitchens in the former La Noisette space, baker Elizabeth Khuu will have a seasonal, rotating menu. Some permanent items will be shokupan (Japanese milk bread toast), “ramen egg” sandwiches (“sandos”), a strawberry black sesame sando, and creme brulee basque cheesecake slices. A new item debuting for the soft opening is Khuu’s take on choux au craquelin, airy pastry puffs. During the soft opening, the bakery will be open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Milk Cloud Bakery, 2701 Eighth St, Ste. 116, Berkeley

Nudi Blue

07.07.26: The highly-anticipated Thai tea and seafood restaurant from the Tanzie’s brunch duo opened its doors in April with a set menu for afternoon tea service. Nudi Blue recently announced that it’s now serving an a la carte menu which includes their tea sandwiches, Thai and other Asian-inspired pastries, crepes, and a seasonal salad. Nudi Blue, 2049 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley

Palmetto Superfoods

07.28.26: Berkeley’s Palmetto Superfoods soft opened Friday, July 24. The customizable frozen bowl spot is inside Anchor House in downtown. Palmetto opened the first location in the Richmond district of SF and is known for its blended bases, including acai, coconut, spirulina, matcha, mango, or dragonfruit that can be layered in one bowl, plus an unlimited number of toppings. Palmetto Superfoods, 2156 University Ave, Berkeley

Popbar

07.21.26: Berkeley’s Popbar location is now open. The global chain serves embellished gelato- and sorbetto-based popsicles and gelato sandwiches. The popsicles can be dipped in chocolate and covered in peanuts and drizzles, and are customizable. Popbar, 2125 University Ave. (between Walnut Street and Shattuck Avenue), Berkeley

Qualcomm Cafe

07.07.26: The cafe on the North side of the Cal campus has reopened. In May, we reported that Yali’s Qualcomm Cafe closed after a reader sent a tip in. When we spoke with the owner, they said Yali’s has been family owned and operated since 1999, and their location on Oxford (off campus) is still open. After a two-month closure of the campus location, Qualcomm Cafe has now reopened under UC Berkeley Dining, as the Daily Cal reports. Qualcomm Cafe, 2594 Hearst Ave., Berkeley

Sana’a Cafe

07.28.26: Sana’a recently opened a location in Berkeley, near the Cal campus. The Bay Area-based Yemeni coffee chain serves specialty coffee drinks, pastries, and food. The Berkeley location is on the corner of Telegraph Avenue and Dwight way, in a former Peet’s Coffee. Sana’a Cafe, 2501 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704

Emeryville restaurant opening

Como En Casa

07.21.26: Como En Casa has opened up a permanent shop in Emeryville, according to The E’ville Eye. The restaurant serves Colombian food including arepas and combination plates. Como En Casa, 4336 San Pablo Ave., Emeryville

Hayward restaurant openings

Con Azúcar Cafe

07.21.26: The chain first opened in San Jose and expanded throughout California and other states. The owners, who are siblings, have roots in Hayward. The downtown Hayward location recently celebrated its grand opening. The menu includes Latin-inspired espresso and coffee drinks, refreshers, smoothies, matcha, and sandwiches. Con Azúcar Cafe, 1099 B St., Hayward

Dali Tea

07.21.26: Dali Tea is up and running inside the former location of Once Tea. The bubble tea shop serves milk teas, slushies, lemon teas, and coffee. Dali Tea, 1081 B St., Hayward

Lafayette restaurant opening

Mt. Diablo BBQ

07.14.26: A new barbecue spot has opened in the East Bay. Mt. Diablo is open all day (until sold out) and also has a breakfast menu. The restaurant serves tri-tip, brisket, burnt ends, chicken, pulled pork, St. Louis style ribs, hot links, and has a kids menu as well. Meats are smoked using California Oak, according to its website. Mt. Diablo BBQ, 3422 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette

Oakland restaurant openings

Baan Thai

07.14.26: This new Thai restaurant in Oakland serves housemade curries, noodles, salads, soups, and stir-fries. The Thai restaurant is in the former location of Cafe Noir, which now has a location in West Oakland inside the Prescott Market. Baan Thai, 2818 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland

07.07.26: A new Vietnamese sandwich shop opened in Oakland. Banh Mi Hi Le specializes in sandwiches filled with pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro, and grilled meat–or with fried eggs, or cold cuts and pate. Banh Mi Hi Le also serves pho, vermicelli bowls, and rice plates. Banh Mi Hi Le, 3817 Market St., Oakland

07.07.26: Bar Skula on Grand Avenue is now open, from the owners of beloved Luka’s Taproom and Lounge. The new restaurant and bar is a cevicheria and grill, and will serve some Luka Lounge favorites including signature cocktails and Luka’s burger and fries. Located in the former Sidebar space across from Lake Merritt, the interior features a mural by Pancho Pescador that is a tribute to sea creatures. Co-owner Maria Alderete shared that photos of Lake Merritt’s creatures by Damon Tighe will be framed and printed, and also made into paper mache decorations by Daniel Camacho. The menu includes oysters, scallops, ceviches made with local California seafood, as well as main dishes such as Lassen Trout, a grilled half chicken, and fried dishes. Bar Skula, 542 Grand Ave., Oakland

Bolo’s Bites

07.07.26: Thanks to The Oaklandside reader Colin, we learned that Bolo’s Bites, a new sandwich shop in Uptown Oakland, is in its soft-opening phase. The restaurant is in the former location of Cafe Umami, which closed in 2023 — and on the same block as Mama’s Boy Pizza, Farley’s, Mela Bistro, and the new Oakland Athletic Club. The menu includes classic subs like a reuben, roast beef, corned beef, pastrami, and salami; a series using their house-made roasted turkey; and cold sandwiches like egg, chicken salad, and even a PB&J. Bolo’s Bites, 25 Grand Ave., Oakland

Bugzo’s Lounge

07.28.26: Thanks to Oakland’s food Reddit, we learned that a new bar and lounge opened last month in downtown Oakland. The business promises to “Eat. Drink. Vibe…” with a menu of wings and beef, chicken, and salmon sliders. A brunch menu includes chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and French toast. Bugzo’s Lounge, 1814 Franklin St., 5G, Oakland

Dimond Halal Eatery

07.28.26: What was formerly Mohka Kitchen, serving shawarma and other Middle Eastern dishes, has been revamped by the owners into Dimond Halal. The new spot, which opened on Saturday, July 25, focuses on wings, burgers, and steak hoagies. Dimond Halal Eatery, 2129 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland

Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant

07.28.26: One of Oakland’s classic Ethiopian favorites is moving. After operating on Grand Avenue near Lake Merritt for roughly two decades, Enssaro is relocating to Rockridge. The opening of the new location is Friday, July 31. The restaurant is “still family-owned and operated by the same mother, daughter, and son team,” a press release notes. The new location has an interior designed by Kalu Gebreyohannes-Royster of Liyu Designs, who also designed Meski in SF (a restaurant co-owned by Draymond Green and Guma Fassil, with a menu created by Oakland restaurateur Nelson German) and Oakland’s Lucy Blue. Enssaro, 5897 College Ave., Oakland

Highwire Coffee Montclair

07.21.26: The Montclair location of Highwire Coffee has reopened after an abrupt closure this past March, seemingly due to a labor dispute. The East Bay Times reports that the shop is now open again. Highwire, 2059 Mountain Blvd., Oakland

Itsumo

07.28.26: Itsumo is a new Japanese bistro that just opened in Oakland’s Laurel district. The restaurant serves bentos, rolls, ramen, and sushi. It appears that it is in the former location of Pa’s Papa, which was also a Japanese restaurant. Itsumo, 4006 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland

Mazar Cafe

07.28.26: Mazar Cafe by Lake Merritt soft opened Saturday, July 25. The cafe serves premium, authentic Yemeni coffee and handcrafted drinks. The menu also includes pastries. Mazar is in the former Cafe Lakeview location. Mazar Cafe, 2834 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland

New King Kitchen

07.28.26: Oakland Chinatown is getting a new restaurant. King Kitchen soft opened on Wednesday, July 29. The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce is holding an event for the public that includes food ($10, 5-7 p.m.). It appears that King Kitchen will serve authentic Toisanese food, and is in the former location of Lounge Chinatown. King Kitchen, 366 8th St., Oakland

Shibam Coffee

07.14.26: A new Yemeni coffee shop has moved into the former Red Bay Coffee flagship store in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood. NOSH learned of this thanks to a tip from an Oaklandside reader, who also shared that the cafe space now has expanded space on the mezzanine level. Shibam is a national chain based in Michigan that focuses on single origin coffee. Shibam, 3136 International Blvd., Oakland

Sweet Fingers Jamaican Restaurant

07.14.26: Sweet Fingers Jamaican Restaurant has soft opened in Uptown Oakland. The longtime Oakland restaurant closed its East Oakland Foothill Boulevard location in April. The soft opening menu includes oxtail plates, plantains, curry goat, jerk chicken wings, whole fish, and other dishes. The official grand opening will be in August. Sweet Fingers Jamaican Restaurant, 1707 Telegraph Ave., Oakland

Taste of Safari Bistro and Grill

07.28.26: A new African fusion restaurant has opened in downtown Oakland, first noted by Oakland’s food Reddit forum. Taste of Safari serves jollof and bbq plates, burgers and sandwiches, wings, and seafood. They also offer a kid’s menu. Taste of Safari Bistro and Grill, 377 19th St., Oakland

07.07.26: Twin Flame, a Japanese robata grill, just opened inside the One Piedmont apartments building. The new restaurant is in its soft opening, with a planned grand opening on July 9. Twin Flame’s main dish is Japanese wagyu hamburg steak grilled over charcoal. Twim Flame, 230 W. MacArthur Blvd., Oakland

San Ramon restaurant opening

Gregory’s Gourmet Desserts San Ramon

07.21.26: Popular Uptown Oakland bakery Gregory’s has expanded eastward to San Ramon, with a soft opening July 21. Founder and owner Gregory Williams first opened his Oakland bakery in 1999, and is know for pies, cinnamon rolls, cookies, cheesecakes and banana puddings in addition to to a variety of other treats. Gregory’s Gourmet Desserts, 2410 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon

Union City restaurant opening

Ling Nam

07.21.26: Ling Nam, home of Filipino-Chinese food and baked goods, has soft opened a location in Union City. The fast-casual stop serves the buttery, pillowy señorita bread, leche flan, chicharon, steamed buns, and calamansi juice. Ling Nam, 1760 Decoto Rd., Union City

Walnut Creek restaurant openings

Milky Flakes

07.14.26: A new frozen dessert spot has opened in Walnut Creek. Milky flakes serves the ever-popular matcha soft serve; theirs is made with organic matcha and dusted off with matcha powder. They also sell a creamy soft serve made with Hokkaido milk from Japan. “Milky flakes” refers to a frozen treat that’s made from frozen milk that is shaved into a snowy ice and mixed with with condenses milk, mangoes, cold foam, and other toppings. Milky Flakes, 1399 N. Main St., Walnut Creek

MIXT

07.21.26: A MIXT opens in Walnut Creek. The salad and sandwich spot is known for all types of salad mixes and sandwiches. MIXT, 1105 S. California Blvd., Walnut Creek

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