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.
Al-Maida Hot Food and Market (temporary closure)
Update 04.12.25: Al-Maida is remodeling and will reopen.
Original post: A reader let us know that Al-Maida Hot Food and Market, a restaurant serving Pakistani-Indian cuisine out of A & Sons Market, appears to have closed. Our tipster spotted a moving van outside of the market following several days of closure, and we were unable to reach the restaurant by phone. Al-Maida was located at 5650 Market St. in Oakland.
Highwire Coffee — Berkeley
Thanks to a tipster, we learned that Highwire Coffee Roasters is slated to close its Berkeley location on San Pablo Avenue after 10 years of business. (Highwire has other locations in Alameda, Albany, Oakland and Walnut Creek.) The size of the Berkeley building was a factor in the decision to shutter, according to Robert Myers, co-founder of Highwire, who added that “ this particular corridor is tricky for foot traffic.” But he was quick to add that “any complaints I have are minor compared to just what a great community it is.” Highwire’s last day of service will be April 14. Highwire was located at 2049 San Pablo Ave. (at University Avenue) in Berkeley.
Royal Rangoon
A reader let us know that Royal Rangoon, a casual bistro serving Burmese dishes and Chinese, Indian and Thai foods with a twist, has closed. The restaurant confirmed the closure and told us new ownership will open a new concept, Berkeley Burma, in the same location. Royal Rangoon was at 2826 Telegraph Ave. (at Stuart Street) in Berkeley.
According to a local source Al-Maida is not closing, they are simply moving to Berkeley. I did try to call and get the address but was unsuccessful. I so hope they continue their business, they are my FAVORITE!