Someone recently told me that I have their “Dream Job.” Another person asked how I avoid gaining too much weight.
Why? Because I get to visit pretty much every new restaurant that opens in the 925, test the food, and photograph/write about it.
Here are the 7 most exciting new spots that opened in the 925 this year.
1) Alora Social (San Ramon)
When Chow closed down at City Center after a brief run, we were sad. The space is beautiful! Thankfully, Alora Social swooped in quickly and made it their own.
Alora Social serves Mediterranean food with a Turkish flare. Big spreads of grilled meats, a very tasty burrata, and baklava served with ice cream round out this spot.
- Address: 6000 Bollinger Canyon Rd, Suite 1100, San Ramon, CA 94583
- Website: https://www.visitalora.com/alora-social
2) Khaki (San Ramon)
I haven’t personally tried Khaki yet, but it’s on my list It’s an upscale Indian “bar and canteen” concept from the teams behind Curry Up Now and Michelin Guide-approved Tiya.
It’s also at City Center in San Ramon, and is fast becoming a popular stop for a classy lunch.
- Address: 6000 Bollinger Canyon Rd, Floor 2, Unit 2601, San Ramon, CA 94583
- Website: https://www.wearekhaki.com/
3) Original Joe’s (Walnut Creek)
For years, Walnut Creek diners watched construction and waited — and in mid-August, Original Joe’s finally opened its first East Bay location at Broadway Plaza. A damaging fire shuttered the restaurant for over a month, but now it’s back and in full swing.
This is an icon of old school Italian food. The portions are ginormous, the cocktails ample as well, and the environment classy and classic.
- Address: 1300 S. Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
- Website: https://www.originaljoes.com/walnut-creek
4) PiddeG (Walnut Creek)
Readers kept telling me I needed to stop by the new PiddeG Turkish spot in Walnut Creek and check out their signature flatbreads.
I did just that–and discovered a tasty new dish I had never tried before. Think of a pizza, but with Turkish spices and a thinner, chewier crust.
Also, they have tons of beautiful Turkish delight and tasty, sweet tea.
- Address: 2979 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
- Website: https://www.piddeg.com/
5) Stereo41 (Walnut Creek)
I’m proud to say that the Bay Area Telegraph got the original scoop on Stereo41. From building permits filed for a former PGE office in downtown Walnut Creek, we discovered that this restaurant would have such features as a dedicated DJ booth.
Now, Stereo41 is open, with a menu featuring Japanese and Middle Eastern fusion food and–indeed–a nightclub atmosphere with live DJs and even a disco ball.
- Address: 1535 Bonanza St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
- Website: https://stereo41.com/
6) The French Spot (Concord)
Concord finally got the kind of bakery-cafe opening people obsess over: French pastries, careful craft, and a soft opening that drew immediate attention.
People come for the pastries, yes. But based on my visit, the bread is the real standout here. I think it’s better than Tartine. And it’s right here in our backyard!
- Address: 785 Oak Grove Rd, Suite G-3, Concord, CA 94518
- Website: https://www.thefrenchspotsf.com/
7) Shemroon Cafe (Orinda)
Downtown Orinda was down to one coffee shop when Starbucks closed. Now, Shemroon has filled the space with tasty Turkish coffee, rosewater cream puffs, and tons more sweets and caffeinated drinks.
The owners are there running this cafe by the Orinda Theatre, which opens early (by East Bay standards) to serve BART commuters.
- Address: 2 Orinda Theatre Square, Suite 108, Orinda, CA 94563
- Website: https://orindatheatresquare.com/store/shemroon-cafe
