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.
El Garaje
El Garaje, the family-owned Mexican restaurant beloved for its critic-renowned, crispy quesabirrias, has shuttered its Richmond brick-and-mortar. The family announced on Instagram that running the restaurant was stretching them thin, personally and financially, but that “it’s not goodbye — it’s just a shift into pop-ups and catering, and we’re excited to keep serving you with love and gratitude.” El Garaje was located at 1428 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond.
Phở Gà Hương Quê Cafe
A reader let us know that Phở Gà Hương Quê Cafe, a cozy neighborhood spot specializing chicken phở, is permanently closed. The family-friendly restaurant was known for its dependable variety of chicken soups, ginger scallion sauce and fresh ho fun noodles.
Phở Gà Hương Quê Cafe was located at 1228 7th Ave. in Oakland.
Portumex
Portumex, a Richmond destination serving traditional Mexican fare alongside burgers and sandwiches, has closed. The family-owned restaurant in a yellow bungalow with a patio first opened in 1989 and was taken over by new owners in 2019. Portumex was located at 721 23rd St. in Richmond
Shinmai
A reader let Nosh know that modern izakaya and ramen spot Shinmai appeared closed, and a note on the restaurant’s website confirms the departure, at least for now. “After many wonderful years of serving you at Shinmai, we regret to inform you that we have decided to temporarily close our doors due to ongoing circumstances beyond our control,” a message at the top of the Oakland restaurant’s website states. Shinmai first opened in summer 2017, and the message on the website left the door open to a rebirth. “Though this chapter is ending, we remain hopeful about the future and will continue to explore ways to bring back the Shinmai experience you love.” Shinmai was at 1825-3 San Pablo Ave. in Oakland.
