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. Subscribing to the Nosh newsletter is the best way to stay up to date on all of the openings and closings, breaking news, deeper developments, and events in the East Bay food scene.
Berkeley restaurant closures
Alborz
10.01.26: The Allston Way branch of the Persian restaurant with locations in Walnut Creek and San Francisco has closed. The Allston restaurant first opened in 2020, which was a return to Berkeley for Alborz, which had previously operated a location on Center Street until 2017. The menu included charbroiled kebabs, served as skewers or in a flatbread sandwich, Persian dishes like ghorme sabzi and fesenjoon, salads, soups and appetizers. Alborz, 2175 Allston Way, Berkeley
Crepes A-Go-Go
09.24.26: The downtown Berkeley crepe spot has permanently closed. The first Crepes A-Go-Go opened on University Avenue in 1994, and eventually became a mini-chain before a family split led to some ownership and name changes. The restaurant returned to Berkeley in Oct. 2023, operated by the son of the original founder. Now, Crepes A-Go-Go is gone again. Crepes A-Go-Go; 2055 Center St. Suite A, Berkeley
Daruma Sushi
09.18.26: Thanks to Nosh reader Tom, we learned that Daruma Sushi in Berkeley has closed. Tom noted that “their okonomiyaki was fantastic.” Daruma, which opened in 2023, also served sushi and sashimi combos, specialty rolls, and other items. A message from the owners said they have decided to move on, but have passed the restaurant on to a “wonderful couple” who will “continue serving our community.” Follow Nosh for updates on the restaurant’s reopening. Daruma Sushi, 2215 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley
El Cerrito restaurant closure
Sweet Potatoes Up Beet Cafe
09.11.26: A coffee shop in El Cerrito has closed. Sweet Potatoes Up Beet Cafe served smoothies, lattes, scones, sticky buns, donuts, bagels, and more. Yelp now lists the restaurant as permanently closed. A new branch of Cafe Buenos Aires has opened in the location. Sweet Potatoes Up Beet Cafe, 6401 Fairmount Ave., El Cerrito
Emeryville restaurant closure
Peregrine Cafe
10.01.26: Saturday, Sept. 26 was the last day in operation for the trailer parked in the Emeryville Hyatt House parking lot. Peregrine sold poutine, beignets, breakfast sandwiches, BLTs and more. “[T]he time has come…I look forward to the next adventure. Stay tuned and check peregrinecafe.com for more updates,” an Instagram announcement reads in part. Peregrine Cafe, 5800 Shellmound St., Emeryville
Oakland restaurant closures
Baba’s House and 13 Orphans
09.04.26: After five years in downtown Oakland, Baba’s House and 13 Orphans shared that they will be closing its doors after September: “We’re not shutting down the business, just the shop,” chef Eman Garcia said. Garcia shared with Nosh that the group still plans to organize pop ups and be involved in the community. The food and event space serves Asian American food, primarily Filipino and Cantonese dishes, plus snacks. There are still a few events for the month of September, including the last day of formal service on Saturday, Sept. 5, farewell parties on Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept. 12, a “Tea and Tiles” mahjong event at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center September 19, and a 13 Orphans x Buggy dinner on the 26th. Baba’s House and 13 Orphans, 410 15th St., Oakland
Pagarung Thai Cuisine
09.04.26: A Montclair Village Thai restaurant in Oakland has closed, the East Bay Times reports. Pagarung Thai Cuisine had been there for over 20 years, but had sporadic hours since the COVID-19 pandemic. A new restaurant is slated to open there Oct. 1. Pagarung Thai Cuisine, 6200 Antioch St., Oakland
Raj Indian Cuisine
09.24.26: Thanks to a Nosh reader tip, we have learned Raj Indian Cuisine, which first opened on Piedmont Avenue in 2003, is now closed. A visit on Sept. 24 found the restaurant shutdown and work was being done on the interior, and a white banner has been hung across the facade declaring: “Open Soon New Management Himalayan Family Kitchen.” The new restaurant will be called Yak & Spice. Follow Nosh for updates on its opening. Raj Indian Cuisine; 4086 Piedmont Ave., Oakland
