Here’s a round-up of the latest food and drink news in Emeryville.
A new “virtual” restaurant is making waves, while a Matcha café is moving from pop-ups to a permanent spot. Plus, we have a fresh pizza joint taking over an old favorite, and Comeback Cafe is back in business.
Peet’s Coffee Situation
Good news for Peet’s fans! The Public Market location in Emeryville is staying open, despite the brand’s recent decision to close up to 30 locations in the Bay Area by this month.
On another note, Denny’s plans to close around 150 “underperforming” restaurants across the country by the end of 2025. This decision is part of a major restructuring effort by the company.
New Pizza Spot: Pizza Gallery
Pizza Gallery has opened at the corner of Hollis Street and 66th, taking over where Rotten City Pizza used to be. Owner Ahmad Bakhtary is putting his creative twist on the menu, featuring pizza names inspired by famous artists, like The Truffle Monet and Da Vinci Pesto. Prices for their 18-inch pizzas range from $32 to $38. Bakhtary hopes to expand the menu to include more dishes like kabobs and Middle Eastern desserts.
Exciting Virtual Dining: Go Banh Mi
Also new to the scene is Go Banh Mi, a virtual restaurant operating out of Lanesplitter Pizza on San Pablo Avenue. Instead of a physical storefront, it will deliver delicious Vietnamese sandwiches. This trend of virtual dining is on the rise, allowing restaurants to maximize their kitchen spaces. Popular restaurants are increasingly adopting this model, and Go Banh Mi is expected to launch its online ordering system soon.
Comeback Cafe Returns
For those who love traditional cafes, Comeback Cafe is back and better than ever! After a makeover, they are serving a variety of Vietnamese comfort food, including banh mi sandwiches and pho. They have revamped their menu and even have a new Instagram presence.
For the Love of Matcha Set to Open
Finally, For the Love of Matcha is taking over the old Dee Spot Cafe location, aiming to establish a permanent space after popular success at local farmers’ markets. Known for its high-quality matcha, sourced from Japan, they plan to offer pastries alongside their drinks. They are set to open in early 2026, and demand for matcha is growing as people seek healthier beverage options.
Upcoming Grand Openings
Keep an eye out for the grand opening of Tokyo Central and its embedded restaurant, The Handroll Factory, on January 31 and February 1. The excitement around this event has been building for years, and there will be special activities and performances.
With so many new and exciting options, Emeryville’s food scene is buzzing!
