A running list of restaurants that have recently closed in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.
Author Archives: Tovin Lapan
As Nosh editor, Tovin Lapan oversees food coverage across Oaklandside, Berkeleyside and Richmondside. His journalism career started in Guadalajara, Mexico as a reporter for an English-language weekly newspaper. Previously, he served as the multimedia food reporter for the San Diego Union-Tribune, and covered a variety of beats including immigration and agriculture at the Las Vegas Sun and Santa Cruz Sentinel. His work has also appeared in Fortune, The Guardian, U.S. News & World Report, San Francisco Chronicle, and Lucky Peach among other publications. Tovin likes chocolate and seafood, but not together.
Posted inNosh
The top 12 East Bay food stories of 2025
It was a flavorful year, with dinner parties, Michelin stars, ice cream revivals and breakfast comebacks.
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The best restaurant in the East Bay is a ‘neighborhood treasure’ that prompts inter-continental travel
For the second year in a row, Bombera, Dominica Rice-Cisneros’ Dimond District restaurant, takes home the Nosh Award for Best Restaurant Overall.
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‘Tinis and weenies’ take the title
After winning the 2024 Nosh Award for best new bar, Tallboy, the Temescal “martini dive bar,” claims the overall award in 2025.
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The East Bay’s best new restaurant wins over diners with dedication to the details
Garrett Morris and Renzo Roca opened Lucuma in Downtown Oakland with a mission to stand out from other Peruvian restaurants.
Posted inNew Restaurants
Three years after sparking protests, Bar Panisse opens in Berkeley this week
The Alice Waters project that displaced César in July 2022, to the dismay of many, is ready to debut.
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At East Bay’s best new bar, the community is as vibrant as the cocktails
When the owners of Baba’s House expanded by opening a bar above their snack shop, they hit a sweet spot with an inventive, tea-based drink menu and warm, welcoming vibes.
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For special occasions, it’s hard to beat Chez Panisse
For the second year in a row, Alice Water’s Berkeley restaurant is Nosh readers’ top choice for celebrations.
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The East Bay’s best breakfast is served at this decade-old diner
Breakfast classic and creative
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Growlers, grub and good times: The East Bay’s favorite beer garden does it all with a death motif
Ghost Town’s Laurel location attracts a crowd with award-winning beer, big salads and juicy burgers, and a spacious, skull-adorned beer garden.
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In coffee-crazed East Bay, one cafe and roaster comes out on top
Mother Tongue Cafe & Bar is two years old, but its success is built on owner and roaster Jen Apodaca’s two decades of experience roasting beans.
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At the East Bay’s best wine bar, the bathroom wins as much praise as the French vibes and vintages
A newcomer on the scene, La Loulou crushed the competition and elicited effusive praise from Nosh voters.
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Former pandemic pop-up rises to claim East Bay’s best bakery title
Joyce Tang has built Bake Sum into a nationally acclaimed pastry powerhouse in the five years since it opened. Nosh readers voted it the best bakery of 2025.
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Vote now for the 2025 Nosh Awards
Enter your vote for 10 categories covering East Bay restaurants, bars, bakeries, cafes and more.
Posted inNew Restaurants
Starter Bakery offers new indulgences with Albany expansion; a smash burger spot soft opens in Richmond
Plus, new noodle soup, late night lounge, and breakfast spots land in the East Bay.
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2025 Nosh Awards: Nominate your favorite East Bay spots
The Nosh Awards are bigger than ever this year, with four new categories celebrating the best in East Bay food and drinks.
Posted inRestaurant Closures
Seawolf shuttering soon, auctioning off memorabilia and more
The pub in the Jack London Square neighborhood is also home to Willie’s Kitchen from Wilson Mendez.
Posted inNew Restaurants
A market opens a restaurant, and a restaurant opens a market
Pizzeria da Laura and Middle East Market have both expanded into neighboring spaces to offer something different to customers.
Posted inNosh
Baltic Kiss closes after turbulent few months
An eviction notice was posted on the Point Richmond restaurant and music venue that owed thousands in back rent and wages according to legal filings.
Posted inNosh Features
Baltic Kiss may have found a lifeline, but lost the trust of some employees along the way
As a March 9 deadline to pay back rent looms and employees seek thousands in unpaid wages, the owners of the eclectic Point Richmond restaurant are optimistic about staying open.
