In 2025, the food scene in Tri-Valley experienced both change and resilience. Some long-loved restaurants have closed, while new places popped up, bringing fresh flavors to the table. For instance, Stable Café, originally slated for closure, managed to secure a new contract to keep serving delicious breakfast and lunch. Their menudo is a weekend favorite, and tamales are available by reservation.
In Pleasanton, KatsuMe Sushi and Grill took over Sozo Sushi. Their lunch bento box, priced at $14.99, offers hearty portions, and they also feature a unique version of spring rolls. Korean bulgogi with spicy pork barbecue adds an exciting twist to the menu. Meanwhile, the local go-to for Szechuan cuisine, Huey Wang, delights regulars with favorites like Mongolian beef and broccoli beef in hot garlic sauce.
In the coffee scene, Starbucks made headlines by closing six locations, leading to a surge of interest in local coffee shops. Philz has become a local favorite, attracting pour-over fans. There’s also a growing trend of Arabic coffee culture, with Delah Coffee opening in Dublin and Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. making waves in Pleasanton.
This year, Asian buffets flourished. Nikuya Stone Grill replaced the China Lounge, offering a unique stone-grilling experience. Over in Dublin, the East Bay Buffet brings variety to diners, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Exciting new establishments are also coming, like Aama’s Kitchen, which specializes in Nepalese and Indian cuisine. Their momo dumplings and butter chicken are highly anticipated. Another interesting addition is Pippal, an Indian restaurant run by supermodel Jatin Bunty Grewal, which has already created a buzz with its modern spin on regional specialties.
Meanwhile, the pizza scene has heated up. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Corner Slice Shop in Livermore has taken the title for the best pepperoni pizza in the area. Additionally, Much Ado About Pizza in Pleasanton has again made it to Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants, with one of the owners’ daughter even winning a youth pizza contest.
On the beverage side, women-run wineries have been shining. Darcie Kent and Rosie Fierro both gained recognition, landing spots in the “Top 100 Women-Owned Wineries in the U.S.” by Zoe Report. Concannon Vineyards, now under new ownership, continues to offer exceptional wines, and it’s worth noting that local wineries are increasingly focused on sustainable practices and community engagement.
In the brewery scene, the closure of Gilman Brewing Co. paved the way for new ventures like Union Jack Lounge and Kitchen. This spot, bringing British cuisine into the mix, is backed by the owners of Oyo restaurant, offering another exciting dining option.
As we reflect on 2025, it’s clear that while the food and drink landscape in Tri-Valley is evolving, the community’s love for diverse culinary experiences remains strong. Let’s hope for an even brighter and tastier 2026!
