This Week in Food: New Ventures and Closures in the Bay Area
This week, the Bay Area food scene is buzzing with updates, from exciting new restaurant openings to unfortunate closures. Here’s a recap of key developments affecting local dining.
Rich Table Expands with New Ventures
The Rich Table team, renowned for their culinary excellence, has taken over the former O-toro Sushi space at 205 Oak Street. The new establishment, tentatively named Rich Table Bistro, will mark their third venture within a block in Hayes Valley, joining their original restaurant and the RT Rotisserie. While specific details about the new bistro remain under wraps, it’s clear that co-owners Evan and Sarah Rich are actively extending their culinary footprint.
Opening of Side A
In Potrero Hill, a fresh American bistro called Side A has opened in the historic Universal Cafe space. Booths and a DJ area promise a vibrant atmosphere. The menu features California-inspired comfort food, including:
- Bone marrow burger
- Fried chicken cutlet with honey mustard sauce and chicories
Currently in soft opening, reservations will be available starting May 15 via Resy.
New Jewish Deli on the Horizon
A new Jewish deli-inspired restaurant named Super Mensch will soon replace Lilah on Chestnut Street in the Marina. This venture from the team behind Causwells aims to bring a full bar and a unique dining experience when it opens this summer.
Chubby Noodle Closes its Doors
In a recent development, Chubby Noodle in North Beach has permanently closed. Known for its $54 bottomless brunch, the restaurant recently relocated to 510 Union Street but ultimately could not sustain operations anymore. Owner Pete Mrabe’s future plans for the Cabo San Lucas location remain unclear.
KIS Cafe Opens in Hayes Valley
Also in Hayes Valley, the highly anticipated KIS Cafe opened on Wednesday, taking over the space left by Petit Crenn. The establishment features a cozy, moody environment with a new lounge area. Chef Luke Sung, known for his work at Domo Sushi, will lead the kitchen with dishes such as:
- Steamed mussels
- Chicken liver mousse
- Aged hanger steak with chimichurri
Upcoming: Daytrip Counter in Oakland
Oakland is gearing up for the opening of Daytrip Counter, scheduled for May 7. This new restaurant will feature tantalizing salad options to complement their signature “juicy” roast chicken. Menu highlights include:
- Basil Caesar Salad
- Club Med Salad with lemon tahini dressing and gigante beans
- Crispy Spicy Salad with haricot verts and a savory shallot granola
Pomella to Close After Five Years
In more sobering news from Oakland, Pomella, a cherished Middle Eastern restaurant on Piedmont Avenue, will close its doors on May 26. Owner Mica Talmor cites rising costs and diminished business viability as the driving factors behind this decision.
Kukje Supermarket Praised
Critic MacKenzie Chung Fegan has highlighted the quality of dishes at Kukje Supermarket in Daly City. She notes that its in-house restaurant offers delicious options that rival newer Korean markets, praising the sundubu-jjigae (soft-tofu soup) and the large-format galbi-jjim (braised short ribs). “It’s hard to argue with a heaping mound of fork-tender short ribs smothered in melty cheese,” she states.
