7 Notable Bay Area Restaurant Openings to Know This February

This is a list of the Bay Area’s most notable restaurant and bar openings, with new updates published once a week. Did we miss something great? Please, drop us a line.

February 6

NOB HILL — A titanic restaurant from Bay Area celebrities is set to open Friday, March 7. Meski comes from trio Draymond Green of Warriors dominance, Sobre Mesa chef Nelson German, and Meskie’s Kitchen and Garden restaurateur Guma Fassil. The San Francisco Chronicle reports the menu will blend Caribbean, Dominican, and Ethiopian foodways.

JACKSON SQUARE — Once upon a time Cassava was an Outer Richmond mainstay, then it was a Columbus Avenue powerbroker. With no less glitter or panache, the upscale Japanese restaurant has migrated to Battery Street as a konbini operation. Chef Kris Toliao and partner Yuka Ioroi are serving Japanese breakfast fare including sandwiches on milk bread provided by Andersen Bakery.

MARINA — The longtime go-to for porterhouse and martinis Izzy’s Steaks & Chops will return to Chestnut Street on Wednesday, February 12. Per the San Francisco Chronicle, chef Daniel Lucero is in-house zhushing up the menu alongside the posh remodel that closed the restaurant in fall 2023.

OAKLAND — Alameda Vietnamese go-to Bacogai just opened a sister location. Mon Superette on Piedmont Avenue serves take-away favorites including fresh rolls and crab cake sandwiches. The San Francisco Chronicle spotted the opening.

BERKELEY — On President’s Day weekend, the East Bay’s Homemade Cafe will rise from the ashes. Chef-owner Collin Doran told East Bay Nosh his neighbor — and fan of the restaurant — Rohit Singh stepped in to back the restaurant’s bills. Fans should expect a more fast-casual counter-service approach with a somewhat reduced menu.

BELMONT — Newcomer Amara debuted in late January from power couple Ajay Walia and Reena Miglani; The pair also run Rasa and Saffron. The Mercury News reports this third outfit features ingredients and flavors from Turkey, Morocco, and Greece. Think lamb racks bedecked by herb salad and green zhoug.

TAHOE — Bowl Incline, the boujee bowling alley and hotspot for chef Sam Choy’s chops, just got an upgrade. Lane 17 Lounge will take over the floor above the business’s current restaurant Ohana Diner. The Tahoe Daily Tribune reports the hope is for the new lounge to provide a casual yet upscale experience for guests.