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.
Ben’s
A longstanding Chinese food spot has closed its doors after 40 years in business. Located at Jack London Square’s produce market and warehouse area, Ben’s, mostly a takeout spot, was known for rice plates, stir-fry dishes, and a mix of hearty Chinese and Chinese American-style dishes. We learned from NOSH reader Arthur that it has closed. He shares: “No more shrimp omelette rice. No more stir-fried bell pepper beef with rice noodles with Ben’s incomparable ‘wok hei’ (referring to the flavor from dishes fried on high heat). No more Wednesday special fried chicken with garlic. No more Ben’s famous black bean sauce. No more interaction with one of the nicest couple, Ben and Ling. The restaurant that saw me through COVID. What a great loss!” Ben’s, 398 Third St., Oakland
Cafe Santana (Laurel)
The original location of Cafe Santana is closing its doors soon, the owner announced on Instagram. The last day open will be Aug. 22. The cafe and roastery plans to have a “grand closing” celebration that day. Cafe Santana recently opened a new location, also on MacArthur, which remains open. Cafe Santana, 4100 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland
Felix Pizzas
The El Sobrante pizza popup shared on Instagram that Contra Costa County officials shut down the operation. The pizza shop operated out of a parking lot. However, they hinted at a possible return in a different form: “While we hope to make a come back soon, for now this is goodbye. We will miss all of our clients and community who have made Felix Pizzas their go to pizza place! We hope to be in touch soon.” Felix Pizzas, 5050 Appian Way, El Sobrante
Pagarung Thai Cuisine
We learned from NOSH reader Gailen that Pagarung Thai Cuisine in Montclair has closed. A handwritten sign on the window states that the restaurant has permanently shuttered. The restaurant served Thai curry dishes, summer rolls, soups, and fried rice. Pagarung Thai Cuisine, 6200 Antioch St,, Oakland
Perle Bar
A restaurant in Oakland’s Montclair Village has shuttered after nine years in operation. Thanks to a tipster, we learned that Perle Bar is permanently closed. Perle first opened in 2017 as a California-French restaurant. Then, in 2025, it briefly closed and later reopened a year ago as Perle Bar, focusing on a California Vietnamese concept. Perle Bar, 2058 Mountain Blvd., Oakland
