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.
Binge Coffee House
Binge Coffee House is open and brewing on Berkeley’s Bancroft Way — try saying that three times fast. The Vietnamese coffee, matcha and banh mi spot is the latest concept developed by Boba Binge, a bubble tea shop with locations in Oakland’s Uptown and Chinatown. Stop in for treats like pandan waffles, popcorn chicken and Vietnamese-style coffee topped with sweet egg custard cream. Binge Coffee House, 2199 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
King Kong BBQ
Dependable, affordable Chinese food seems to have found a comfortable home on San Leandro’s E. 14th Street — King Kong BBQ, a hub for staples like lemon chicken, Mongolian beef and sweet and sour pork, has opened in what was formerly China Kitchen Express. Beyond your classic takeout fare, you’ll also find dishes like oyster sauce pork chop, salt and pepper shrimp and fish filet porridge on offer. Even more noteworthy are the prices: a combo plate with fried rice, chow mein and a protein of choice will run you just $4.99. King Kong BBQ, 13780 E 14th St., San Leandro
Oh G Burger – Berkeley
Oh G Burger, the neighborhood joint that became an instant hit after its September opening in Montclair, is bringing its lauded, Korean-inspired smash burgers to Berkeley on Friday, Dec. 20. It’ll be a soft opening with regular menu items on offer, but a collaboration with LA-based Chimmelier Korean Fried Chicken is in the works, so check their Instagram for updates. Oh G Burger, 1823 Solano Ave., Berkeley
Sake Blue
From specialty hand rolls to nigiri to ramen, Sake Blue in Orinda offers pretty much anything you would ask of a quality Japanese restaurant, including plenty of veggie roll options for fish-free dining. Sake Blue is a good move for takeout or delivery, but if you’re dining in-house and feeling adventurous, start with an oyster shooter and see where the night takes you — it’s an oyster garnished with a quail egg, special sauce and cold sake to wash it all down. Sake Blue, 1 Camino Sobrante (Suite 6), Orinda
