LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA — We finally have a name.
When Round Table closed down earlier this year–quite abruptly–locals were hoping a new restaurant would take its place.
Yesterday, we observed that construction was beginning on the prominent spot. With a dumpster on site, workers were tearing everything out of the interior. We also learned from someone on site that the new restaurant would serve Chinese cuisine.
Now, we’re learned more. The City of Lafayette has confirmed to Bay Area Telegraph that the incoming restaurant is called Joy Bao.
In an email to Bay Area Telegraph, the city’s communications analyst and public information officer said the city has approved interior tenant improvements for “a Chinese dumpling restaurant, Joy Bao” at that location.
That confirms two important things: the old Round Table space is staying in the restaurant world, and Lafayette is getting a new dumpling spot.
What We Know About Joy Bao
The city described Joy Bao as a Chinese dumpling restaurant, which is a little more specific than the early information we had yesterday, when we reported only that a Chinese restaurant appeared to be replacing Round Table.
A public business listing for Joy Bao Lafayette LLC also shows an active California LLC registered to 3637 Mt. Diablo Blvd., the same address as the former Round Table Pizza. The listing says the LLC was incorporated on June 30, 2025.
It’s tied to a Chunlei Zhu, although it’s unclear if that person is the owner or an agent for the restaurant’s parent company.
There does not yet appear to be a public menu, opening date, or website for the Lafayette restaurant. But the city’s confirmation that interior tenant improvements have been approved is a meaningful step forward.
The Round Table closure hit a sentimental nerve for a lot of locals.
Joy Bao will obviously be something very different. But that may be part of what makes this one worth watching. Downtown Lafayette already has a small Chinese food scene, including longtime restaurants like The Great Wall on Golden Gate Way and Uncle Yu’s on Oak Hill Road. The Great Wall describes itself as serving Korean-Chinese fusion along with Chinese cuisine, while Uncle Yu’s describes its food as fine Chinese cuisine with a modern twist.
A dumpling-focused restaurant would add a different lane to that mix.
No Opening Date Yet
For now, the biggest remaining question is timing.
The city has confirmed the restaurant name and concept, but we do not yet have an opening date. We also do not yet know whether Joy Bao will be a quick-service dumpling shop, a sit-down restaurant, a takeout-friendly neighborhood spot, or something more upscale.
We’ll keep digging! Join our free 925 News newsletter so we can keep you updated.
