East Bay dining expansions and new openings
Key Questions
What is happening with Plank in Oakland?
Plank, the beer garden, bocce, and bowling venue in Jack London Square, is set to close on August 2. This adds to recent losses in the area including several other establishments.
What is the status of A&M Barbecue in Sebastopol?
A&M Barbecue has received a temporary reprieve amid a zoning and air quality dispute but its long-term location remains unresolved. The Guy Fieri-approved spot continues to face challenges with local regulations.
Where is Mixt opening a new restaurant?
Mixt is targeting a mid-July opening for its new Walnut Creek location at 1105 S California Boulevard. This adds to several other expansions planned for the East Bay.
What is CreekHaus in Orinda?
CreekHaus is a new food, drink, and community space at 31 Orinda Way featuring tenants like Equator Coffee, PizzaHacker, and a beer garden. It is part of broader developments including free summer concert and food truck events.
When will Ajae open on Piedmont Avenue?
Min Park plans to open Ajae, an upscale Korean restaurant, on Piedmont Avenue in late 2026. This follows his success with other Bay Area concepts.
What is InNena's Kitchen in Fruitvale?
InNena's Kitchen is a viral Cambodian restaurant that has gained significant attention in the Fruitvale area. It was recently reviewed as one of the Bay Area's standout spots for the cuisine.
Which ramen restaurants are expanding in Walnut Creek?
Marufuku Ramen, Doppio Zero, and Mensho are among the ramen and related concepts expanding into Walnut Creek. These join other new openings like Dera Cafe and DH Noodles in the East Bay.
What closures have occurred recently in the East Bay?
Recent closures include House of Curries, Planted Table, Special Noodle in Richmond, Caspers, Malibu's Burgers, and others. These reflect ongoing shifts in the local dining scene alongside new openings like Kitsch Coffee and Narwhal.
H Mart Dublin top-performing; Sightglass Berkeley, Rockridge fusion, Nudi Blue, Bake Sum Alameda expansion. Marufuku Ramen, Doppio Zero, Mensho, and now Mixt in Walnut Creek. New East Bay openings: Dera Cafe, DH Noodles, Dumpling Day, El Trompudo, Hinodeya, Kitsch Coffee, La Perla Tapatia, Narwhal. Meyhouse reviewed positively. Leña in Alameda. Pizza pop-up at Richmond weed dispensary. Payakk Thai listening lounge. City Center Bishop Ranch new tenants. Closures: House of Curries, Planted Table, Special Noodle's Richmond, Caspers, Malibu's Burgers. Plank closing Aug 2. Old Caz Brewing eyeing Petaluma. A&M Barbecue reprieve but zoning unresolved. CreekHaus in Orinda (Equator, PizzaHacker, beer garden). Min Park opening Ajae (upscale Korean) on Piedmont Ave, late 2026. InNena's Kitchen (viral Cambodian) in Fruitvale.