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.
Alta Vina
A new wine tasting room has arrived in Jack London Square. Alta Vina, which celebrates Californian winemakers, is a casual spot thoughtfully decorated with splashes of mint green, exposed brick and natural wood textures. It’s perfect for unwinding with a glass of wine and playing a game (of which they have many on hand, including Oaklandopoly.) On sunnier days, snag a spot on the outdoor parklet and enjoy a glass of pet nat or Validiguié. Alta Vina, 420 3rd St., Oakland
Forest Tea Bar
Forest Tea Bar, which previously ran pop-ups under the name Three Tea Bowls, has opened a brick-and-mortar in Berkeley. Serving small-batch, stone-milled matcha sourced from a family-owned tea farm in Uji, Kyoto, Forest Tea Bar offers beautifully-crafted drinks ranging from hojicha and taro matcha lattes to ceremonial matcha over ice. For now, they’re open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Forest Tea Bar, 2628 Shattuck Ave. (at Carleton Street), Berkeley
Puerto Rican Street Cuisine
Puerto Rican Street Cuisine celebrates its soft opening today, serving as a monumental milestone in chef Eric Rivera’s life and career. After spending five years behind bars, the nationally acclaimed chef — who gained traction back in 2015 with a wildly popular food truck — is opening up Oakland’s only full-fledged Puerto Rican restaurant in the San Antonio neighborhood. Expect fan favorites like pernil, mofongo and arroz con gandules on the menu. The restaurant will serve take-out and catering for now, but check Instagram for updates to their opening hours — and head to KQED to read Chef Rivera’s incredible story. Puerto Rican Street Cuisine, 1430 23rd Ave., Oakland
Str8 Flame
Artisan burgers on wheels is the name of the game at Str8 Flame, a newly-launched food truck based in Oakland. You’ll find burgers with housemade sauces, fresh pasta salads and flotatoes — twice-fried potatoes loaded with toppings — on the menu. Follow along on Instagram to keep up with the truck’s latest moves. Str8 Flame, Oakland
The Knot Club
The Clubhouse, a longtime event venue in Point San Pablo Harbor, has reopened with limited hours under a new alias, The Knot Club. The bar is only open on Fridays for now and offers waterfront views, eclectic decor and a cozy back deck area complete with firepit, plus small bites and board games. The Knot Club, 1900 Stenmark Dr., Richmond
The Salty Pup
Sweet treats for humans and their furry friends alike? It doesn’t get much better than that. The Salty Pup, which recently opened in Point San Pablo Harbor, is exactly where to go when in need of a dopamine boost. Swing by for a pastry, sweet beverage or ice cream and let your pup chow down on goodies like crispy cod skin or peanut butter and bacon treats. The Salty Pup, 1900 Stenmark Dr., Richmond
