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.
Annie’s Ice Cream Italian Gelato
Walnut Creek’s newest gelato shop includes rich Italian gelato classics such as stracciatella, tiramisu and caffe, as well as sugar- and dairy-free options. Thanks to Beyond The Creek for first alerting folks to the opening. Annie’s Ice Cream Italian Gelato, 1320 Locust St., Walnut Creek
Azure Hot Pot
North Shattuck has a new hot pot restaurant in Shattuck Avenue’s former Thai Delight space (more on that coming in this week’s closings article), and the bold blue, yellow and red accented dining room with modern hot pot stoves on each table is attracting curious diners, especially students. The menu includes AYCE (“all you can eat”) hot pot, Thai tapas, beer, sake and soju, and more, from the team behind San Francisco’s Zajang Grill. Azure Hot Pot, 1700 Shattuck Ave. (between Virginia and Francisco streets), Berkeley
Itani Sushi Epicurious Garden
Reviews are trickling in for the soft opening of Itani Sushi inside the Epicurious Garden in North Shattuck, the new grab-and-go sushi kiosk from chef Kyle Itani (Hopscotch, Itani Ramen, Yonsei Handrolls) after last month’s departure of Kirala 2. According to the Itani team, the new takeaway spot at the upscale Berkeley food hall will fully open Sept. 20. The restaurant will feature grab-and-go prepared sushi as well as made-to-order nigiri, maki, classic and specialty sushi rolls, rice bowls, and ramen and soba noodles. The menu also includes popular items from Itani’s other restaurants including gyoza and housemade yuzu lemonade along with new additions, like toasted nori snacks. Itani Sushi inside the Epicurious Garden, 1511 Shattuck Ave. (at Vine St.), Berkeley
Koin Coffee
Named for “koinonia,” a spiritual term meaning “fellowship,” new Koin Coffee in Walnut Creek serves a menu of coffee drinks and toasts (including “fairy bread” for the littlest cafe diners). Koin Coffee, 325 N Wiget Ln., Walnut Creek
