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. The openings and closings for each month are then compiled into a round-up. Have a tip for Nosh? Submit it here.
Berkeley restaurant closures
Mad Seoul
03.20.25: A reader let us know that Mad Seoul, a contemporary fast-fine Korean restaurant in Berkeley, has seemingly shuttered. Yelp states the business is temporarily closed, and it appears the phone line is disconnected altogether. Mad Seoul was located at 1801 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley.
Oakland restaurant closures
Chisme
03.07.25: If you’ve had dinner or brunch at Low Bar recently, you’ve indulged in the work of chef Manuel Bonilla’s Filipino and Salvadoran-inspired pop-up, Chisme. Bonilla announced on Instagram that Chisme’s time at Low Bar has coming to a close — March 8 was the last dinner service and the last brunch was on March 9. However, he curated a shareable, Latin-inspired menu for Low Bar before he moved on. The new menu debuted March 11. In the meantime, keep an eye on Chisme’s Instagram page for updates on new pop-up ventures. Low Bar is at 2300 Webster St. in Oakland.
Communitē Table
03.07.25: A reader let us know that Communitē Table, a friendly neighborhood joint specializing in homestyle cooking, closed its doors at the end of the month. Alongside fried chicken sandwiches, deviled eggs and bread pudding, Communitē Table was known for its ready-made and frozen take-home items, like chicken pot pies, chilis and quiches. In an email to Nosh, owner Michele LeProhn said that she’s retiring to be able to spend time with grandkids, family, host dinner parties at home, travel and volunteer.
“I have been extremely lucky for the past decade plus – counting time the business started in the Food Mill kitchens back in 2013 – and will truly miss the community which has supported us – all the staff who’ve worked here, the vendors & delivery folks we see every week, and our guests who come for a pot pie, chocolate chip cookies or full on meal week after week,” she wrote. “ It has always been about the people…we’ll be cooking until the end.”Communitē Table was located at 4171 MacArthur Blvd. in Oakland.
Ginza
04.03.25: After over three decades of serving sushi, nigiri, udon and more near the Jack London waterfront, Japanese restaurant Ginza shuttered on March 22. The restaurant thanked customers for being part of its history on its website, writing, “We are deeply grateful for the love, support and memories shared during our 35 years of time.” Ginza was located at 303 Broadway in Oakland.
Perle
03.20.25: After eight years of service to the Montclair neighborhood, French and Mediterranean-inspired wine bar Perle will close its doors on March 31. The SF Chronicle reports that a slew of challenges, including pandemic-induced economic hurdles and the departure of Oakland’s three professional sports teams, contributed to the decision. On Instagram, the business wrote, “What a crazy run! We have no excuses. No blame. Just gratitude to have been able to serve y’all.” Perle was located at 2058 Mountain Blvd. in Oakland.
Prima Materia Vineyard and Winery
03.13.25: Prima Materia’s Temescal Alley tasting room closed on March 16, the SF Chronicle reports. With a focus on Italian-style wines, the tasting room was hit hard by the pandemic, and recovery even five years after Covid’s initial onset has remained sluggish. The Prima Materia brand will continue, but owner Pietro Buttitta told the Chronicle that he plans to reduce annual bottlings from 23 to three. Prima Materia Vineyard and Winery Tasting Room was located at 482 #B 49th St. in Oakland.
Rasa Caffe
03.27.25: Rasa Caffe, a longstanding East Bay coffee shop known for its chai, espresso drinks and pastries, closed its doors at the end of March, according to an Instagram announcement. Though its last day of service was March 30, the brand will live on at The Hidden Cafe in Berkeley, where its roasted coffee and chai will be available. Rasa Caffe was located at 411 13th St. in Oakland.
