{"id":423181,"date":"2026-08-04T01:32:16","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T01:32:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/423181\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T01:32:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T01:32:16","slug":"oaklands-july-openings-include-new-cafes-duo-of-japanese-options-and-two-restaurant-relocations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/423181\/","title":{"rendered":"Oakland\u2019s July openings include new cafes, duo of Japanese options, and two restaurant relocations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Editor\u2019s note:\u00a0Nosh<\/a>\u00a0covers 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.\u00a0The openings and closings for each month are then compiled into a round-up.\u00a0Have a tip for Nosh?\u00a0Submit it here<\/a>.\u00a0Subscribing to the\u00a0Nosh newsletter<\/a>\u00a0is 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.<\/p>\n

Alameda restaurant opening<\/p>\n

Burger King Alameda<\/p>\n

07.21.26: Once again, you can have it your way at the reopened Burger King in Alameda\u2019s South Shore Plaza. The restaurant has reopened with some upgrades including digital upgrades and the new \u201cSizzle\u201d sign.\u00a0Burger King, 2200 Otis Dr., Alameda<\/p>\n

07.07.26:\u00a0The 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 \u201cCafe Malaya,\u201d 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.\u00a0Malaya Tea Room<\/a>, 920 Central Ave., Alameda<\/p>\n

07.07.26: This new bar in Alameda is\u00a0adding a food program<\/a>. For the month of July,\u00a0Pound4Pound Grilled Burgers<\/a>\u00a0will be at MIX bar Thursdays through Saturday serving burgers and drinks. This includes the \u201cJuicy Lucy<\/a>,\u201d a stuffed cheddar burger served with carmelized onions, parmesan, and fried shallots and the \u201cCrouching Tiger<\/a>,\u201d an Asian-inspired burger with a \u201csiewmai\u201d (a dimsum item also known as \u201cshaomai\u201d), cucumber chili cilantro slaw, and a century egg (!).\u00a0MIX Bar<\/a>, 2320 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda<\/p>\n

Ones Cafe & Bakery<\/p>\n

06.30.26: One\u2019s Cafe & Bakery is\u00a0opened July 1<\/a>\u00a0in the former\u00a0Coffee Cultures<\/a>\u00a0space 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 \u2014 even more selection than the Castro Valley shop, we are told \u2014 plus coffee drinks, soft serve, and affogato (and a special ice cream croissant!).\u00a0Ones Cafe & Bakery<\/a>, 1926 Park St., Alameda<\/p>\n

Berkeley restaurant openings<\/p>\n

Cal Burger & More<\/p>\n

07.07.26: The new smashburger spot near the Cal campus serves Harris Ranch angus beef burgers, wings, onion rings, waffle fries, and colorful \u201ccrazyades\u201d drinks that look psychedelic (so on the nose for Berkeley). The intriguing smashburger combos include one that has mozzarella sticks inside (\u201cmozza ranch smash\u201d) and one with onion rings and bbq sauce (\u201csmokehouse smash\u201d).\u00a0Cal Burger & More<\/a>, 1805 Euclid Ave., Berkeley<\/p>\n

Cold Stone Creamery<\/p>\n

07.28.26: Downtown Berkeley gets a Cold Stone at the ACE Berkeley apartments. The location is a franchise,\u00a0co-owned by a Cal alum<\/a>. The chain is known for ice cream, cakes, and cookies.\u00a0Cold Stone Creamery<\/a>, 1951 Shattuck Ave., Ste. C, Berkeley<\/p>\n

Gateway Cafe<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0Gateway Cafe<\/a>\u00a0opened on July 20 and will feature Mediterannean food and drinks, including build-your-own-bowls. The cafe, a part of\u00a0UC Berkeley Dining<\/a>, is located at the Barbara and Gerson Bakar Gateway Building on the North side of campus, at the corner of Hearst and Arch.\u00a0Gateway Cafe<\/a>, 2300 Hearst Ave., Berkeley<\/p>\n

Milk Cloud Bakery<\/p>\n

07.21.26:\u00a0Milk Cloud Bakery officially\u00a0soft opened Friday, July 24<\/a>. 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), \u201cramen egg\u201d sandwiches (\u201csandos\u201d), a strawberry black sesame sando, and creme brulee basque cheesecake slices. A new item debuting for the soft opening is Khuu\u2019s take on choux au craquelin, airy pastry puffs. During the soft opening, the bakery will be open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.\u00a0Milk Cloud Bakery<\/a>, 2701 Eighth St, Ste. 116, Berkeley<\/p>\n

Nudi Blue<\/p>\n

07.07.26: The highly-anticipated Thai tea and seafood restaurant from the Tanzie\u2019s brunch duo\u00a0opened its doors in April<\/a>\u00a0with a set menu for afternoon tea service. Nudi Blue recently\u00a0announced<\/a>\u00a0that it\u2019s now serving an\u00a0a la carte menu<\/a>\u00a0which includes their tea sandwiches, Thai and other Asian-inspired pastries, crepes, and a seasonal salad.\u00a0Nudi Blue<\/a>, 2049 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley<\/p>\n

Palmetto Superfoods<\/p>\n

07.28.26: Berkeley\u2019s 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.\u00a0Palmetto Superfoods<\/a>, 2156 University Ave, Berkeley<\/p>\n

Popbar<\/p>\n

07.21.26: Berkeley\u2019s Popbar location<\/a>\u00a0is now open. The global chain serves embellished gelato- and sorbetto-based popsicles and gelato sandwiches.\u00a0The popsicles<\/a>\u00a0can be dipped in chocolate and covered in peanuts and drizzles, and are customizable.\u00a0Popbar<\/a>, 2125 University Ave. (between Walnut Street and Shattuck Avenue), Berkeley<\/p>\n

Qualcomm Cafe<\/p>\n

07.07.26: The cafe on the North side of the\u00a0Cal campus has reopened<\/a>. In May,\u00a0we reported that Yali\u2019s Qualcomm Cafe closed<\/a>\u00a0after a reader sent a tip in. When we spoke with the owner, they said Yali\u2019s 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\u00a0Daily Cal\u00a0reports<\/a>.\u00a0Qualcomm Cafe<\/a>, 2594 Hearst Ave., Berkeley<\/p>\n

Sana\u2019a Cafe<\/p>\n

07.28.26: Sana\u2019a recently opened a\u00a0location in Berkeley<\/a>, 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\u00a0Peet\u2019s Coffee<\/a>.\u00a0Sana\u2019a Cafe<\/a>, 2501 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704<\/p>\n

Emeryville restaurant opening<\/p>\n

Como En Casa<\/p>\n

07.21.26: Como En Casa has opened up a permanent shop in Emeryville, according to\u00a0The E\u2019ville Eye<\/a>. The restaurant serves Colombian food including arepas and combination plates.\u00a0Como En Casa, 4336 San Pablo Ave., Emeryville<\/p>\n

Hayward restaurant openings<\/p>\n

Con Az\u00facar Cafe<\/p>\n

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\u00a0menu<\/a>\u00a0includes Latin-inspired espresso and coffee drinks, refreshers, smoothies, matcha, and sandwiches.\u00a0Con Az\u00facar Cafe<\/a>, 1099 B St., Hayward<\/p>\n

Dali Tea<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0Dali Tea<\/a>, 1081 B St., Hayward<\/p>\n

Lafayette restaurant opening<\/p>\n

Mt. Diablo BBQ<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0The restaurant serves tri-tip, brisket<\/a>, 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.\u00a0Mt. Diablo BBQ<\/a>, 3422 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette<\/p>\n

Oakland restaurant openings<\/p>\n

Baan Thai <\/p>\n

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\u00a0West Oakland inside the Prescott Market<\/a>.\u00a0Baan Thai, 2818 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland<\/p>\n

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\u2013or with fried eggs, or cold cuts and pate. Banh Mi Hi Le also serves pho, vermicelli bowls, and rice plates.\u00a0Banh Mi Hi Le<\/a>, 3817 Market St., Oakland<\/p>\n

07.07.26: Bar Skula on Grand Avenue is now open<\/a>, from the owners of\u00a0beloved Luka\u2019s Taproom and Lounge<\/a>. The new restaurant and bar is a cevicheria and grill, and will serve some Luka Lounge favorites including signature cocktails and Luka\u2019s 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\u2019s creatures by\u00a0Damon Tighe<\/a>\u00a0will 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.\u00a0Bar Skula<\/a>, 542 Grand Ave., Oakland\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bolo\u2019s Bites<\/p>\n

07.07.26: Thanks to The Oaklandside reader Colin, we learned that Bolo\u2019s Bites, a new sandwich shop in Uptown Oakland, is in its soft-opening phase. The restaurant is in the former location of Cafe Umami,\u00a0which closed in 2023<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 and on the same block as Mama\u2019s Boy Pizza, Farley\u2019s, Mela Bistro, and the\u00a0new Oakland Athletic Club<\/a>. 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.\u00a0Bolo\u2019s Bites, 25 Grand Ave., Oakland<\/p>\n

Bugzo\u2019s Lounge<\/p>\n

07.28.26: Thanks to Oakland\u2019s food Reddit, we learned that a new bar and lounge opened\u00a0last month<\/a>\u00a0in downtown Oakland. The business promises to \u201cEat. Drink. Vibe\u2026\u201d with a menu of wings and beef, chicken, and salmon sliders. A brunch menu includes chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and French toast.\u00a0Bugzo\u2019s Lounge<\/a>, 1814 Franklin St., 5G, Oakland<\/p>\n

Dimond Halal Eatery<\/p>\n

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\u00a0wings, burgers, and steak hoagies<\/a>.\u00a0Dimond Halal Eatery<\/a>, 2129 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland<\/p>\n

Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant<\/p>\n

07.28.26: One of Oakland\u2019s classic Ethiopian favorites is moving. After operating on Grand Avenue near Lake Merritt for roughly two decades,\u00a0Enssaro is relocating to Rockridge. The opening of the new location is Friday, July 31. The restaurant is \u201cstill family-owned and operated by the same mother, daughter, and son team,\u201d 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\u2019s Lucy Blue.\u00a0Enssaro<\/a>, 5897 College Ave., Oakland<\/p>\n

Highwire Coffee Montclair<\/p>\n

07.21.26: The Montclair location of Highwire Coffee has reopened after an abrupt closure this past March,\u00a0seemingly due to a labor dispute<\/a>.\u00a0The East Bay Times<\/a>\u00a0reports that the shop is now open again.\u00a0Highwire, 2059 Mountain Blvd., Oakland<\/p>\n

Itsumo<\/p>\n

07.28.26: Itsumo is a new Japanese bistro that just opened in Oakland\u2019s Laurel district. The restaurant serves bentos, rolls, ramen, and sushi. It appears that it is in the former location of Pa\u2019s Papa, which was also a Japanese restaurant.\u00a0Itsumo<\/a>, 4006 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland<\/p>\n

Mazar Cafe<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0Mazar Cafe<\/a>, 2834 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland<\/p>\n

New King Kitchen<\/p>\n

07.28.26: Oakland Chinatown is getting a new restaurant. King Kitchen soft opened on Wednesday, July 29. The\u00a0Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce<\/a>\u00a0is 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.\u00a0King Kitchen, 366 8th St., Oakland<\/p>\n

Shibam Coffee<\/p>\n

07.14.26: A new Yemeni coffee shop has moved into the former\u00a0Red Bay Coffee flagship store<\/a>\u00a0in Oakland\u2019s 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\u00a0national chain<\/a>\u00a0based in Michigan that focuses on single origin coffee.\u00a0Shibam<\/a>, 3136 International Blvd., Oakland<\/p>\n

Sweet Fingers Jamaican Restaurant<\/p>\n

07.14.26: Sweet Fingers Jamaican Restaurant has\u00a0soft opened in Uptown Oakland<\/a>. The longtime Oakland restaurant\u00a0closed its East Oakland Foothill Boulevard<\/a>\u00a0location in April.\u00a0The soft opening menu<\/a> includes oxtail plates, plantains, curry goat, jerk chicken wings, whole fish, and other dishes. The official grand opening will be in August.\u00a0Sweet Fingers Jamaican Restaurant<\/a>, 1707 Telegraph Ave., Oakland<\/p>\n

Taste of Safari Bistro and Grill<\/p>\n

07.28.26: A new African fusion restaurant has opened in downtown Oakland, first noted by Oakland\u2019s food Reddit forum. Taste of Safari serves jollof and bbq plates, burgers and sandwiches, wings, and seafood. They also offer a kid\u2019s menu.\u00a0Taste of Safari Bistro and Grill<\/a>, 377 19th St., Oakland<\/p>\n

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\u2019s\u00a0main dish is Japanese wagyu hamburg steak<\/a>\u00a0grilled over charcoal.\u00a0Twim Flame<\/a>, 230 W. MacArthur Blvd., Oakland<\/p>\n

San Ramon restaurant opening<\/p>\n

Gregory\u2019s Gourmet Desserts San Ramon<\/p>\n

07.21.26: Popular Uptown Oakland bakery Gregory\u2019s 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.\u00a0Gregory\u2019s Gourmet Desserts<\/a>, 2410 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon<\/p>\n

Union City restaurant opening<\/p>\n

Ling Nam<\/p>\n

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 se\u00f1orita bread, leche flan, chicharon, steamed buns, and calamansi juice.\u00a0Ling Nam<\/a>, 1760 Decoto Rd., Union City\u00a0<\/p>\n

Walnut Creek restaurant openings<\/p>\n

Milky Flakes<\/p>\n

07.14.26: A new frozen dessert\u00a0spot<\/a>\u00a0has 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. \u201cMilky flakes<\/a>\u201d refers to a frozen treat that\u2019s made from frozen milk that is shaved into a snowy ice and mixed with with condenses milk, mangoes, cold foam, and other toppings.\u00a0Milky Flakes<\/a>, 1399 N. Main St., Walnut Creek<\/p>\n

MIXT<\/p>\n

07.21.26: A MIXT opens in Walnut Creek. The salad and sandwich spot is known for all types of salad mixes and sandwiches.\u00a0MIXT<\/a>, 1105 S. California Blvd., Walnut Creek<\/p>\n

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