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. Have a tip for Nosh? Submit it here.
Athenian Cafe (Reopened)
Nosh received a note from owner Fitsum Worrede of Athenian Cafe in Oakland sharing news of their recent refresh and relaunch in April. The small Mediterranean cafe and deli first opened back in 1978; Worrede became its second owner in 2005, keeping the original recipes intact, but, like most food businesses, was forced to close in March 2020. The cafe remained dormant for four full years. Now, after a remodel and some new furnishings and equipment, Worrede is proud to announce Athenian is back open for fast, affordable falafel plates, Greek dips, salads, gyros and baklava. Athenian Cafe, 2125 Franklin St. (between 21st and 22nd), Oakland
Eggy’s Juicery
Berkeley brunch favorite Eggy’s, located inside the Epicurious Garden, has launched a separate, standalone panini and juice counter at the former iScream kiosk. Eggy’s Juicery vends fresh-pressed juices, hot panini (including a chicken chipotle and vegetarian caprese), a small take-away kid’s menu for garden snacking, and, coming soon, acai bowls with fresh fruit. Eggy’s Juicery, inside the Epicurious Garden, 1511 Shattuck Ave. (at Vine Street), Berkeley
Heads and Tails Barbecue (Indoor Dining)
Heads and Tails Barbecue, softly opened back in June for take-out only in the former Gaumenkitzel space, has now fully opened for indoor dining and imbibing. So far, Berkeley has enthusiastic things to say about the brisket, ribs and fried chicken sandwich (and housemade pickles), as well as the service, sides and drinks. Heads and Tails Barbecue, 2121 San Pablo Ave. (at Cowper Street), Berkeley
La Ezkina
Walnut Grill’s newest Mexican grill and cantina is open daily for upscale lunch and dinner plates, including grilled ribeye with chimichurri butter, mole, and “arroz a la ezkina” with shrimp, mussels, clams and white wine. La Ezkina, 2065 N Broadway, #100, Walnut Creek
La Guerita
The Hilltop neighborhood has a new fast, affordable, family-owned taqueria in La Guerita, located near the Hilltop Food Mart and gas station, across from Rolling Hills Cemetery. La Guerita, 4261 Hilltop Dr. (near Park Central Street), Richmond
Rose Garden Uptown
While Berkeley waits for upcoming restaurant Lao Garden to open on San Pablo Avenue (soon), the team’s sister location for Lao and Thai specialties Rose Garden Uptown has stepped into the spotlight. The cozy Oakland dining room in the former Belly celebrated its grand opening on August 5. Rose Garden Uptown, 1901 San Pablo Ave. (at 19th Street), Oakland
Tacos El Rulas
One of Richmond’s popular food trucks (known for massive portions, including a $20 burrito the length of an adult’s arm) has opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant, and the bar and cavernous restaurant space with counter service is drawing energetic crowds for its loaded papa loca, tacos, burritos, steak fries, streetwise murals, and strong drink flights. Tacos El Rulas, 232 23rd St. (between Macdonald and Bissell avenues), Richmond
Thayir Sadam
Named for the comforting, South Indian yogurt-rice dish, Berkeley Southside neighborhood newcomer Thayir Sadam is welcoming soft opening customers this week before the rush of students in the fall. The menu features sweet, savory, seasonal and totally customizable bowls of the rice dish (also on the menu: steel-cut oats), met with many intriguing toppings and complemented with South Indian drinks such as milky-sweet filter coffee, chai or spiced-buttermilk sambharam. Thayir Sadam, 2379 Telegraph Ave. (between Durant Avenue and Channing Way), Berkeley
