1372 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Over the summer, we learned that Onigilly Japanese Kitchen would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek, and they are now open. As a big onigiri fan, I had to check it out and wasn’t disappointed. The miso tuna onigiri was delicious, and I look forward to trying more flavors including natto, ume, unagi and more. Check out their menu here.
1375 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek
La Fontaine Cuisine Provençale opened recently in downtown Walnut Creek where Burma Unique used to be. Check out their menu here.
From their website:
La Fontaine combines French & Italian cuisine to present you with a vibrant menu that is made with local and seasonal ingredients.
La Fontaine restaurant and bar was established in 2013 in Mountain View, California by Executive Chef, Hasan Yildiz and General Manager, Eric Albuz.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for pointing out that according to the Macerich’s (owner of Broadway Plaza) latest earnings call, Pinstripes, the entertainment center with bowling, bocce ball, and a restaurant, will be coming to Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut creek. Check out the San Mateo location info here. Read more about the Pinstripes business model and what they’re all about here.
Check out the epic Day of the Dead display at the Locust St. restaurant Dia y Noche in downtown Walnut Creek. Stunning!
1315 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
La Fogata Mexican Bar & Grill has closed in downtown Walnut Creek.
1321 Locust St, Walnut Creek
In March, we learned that Pleasant Hill-based coffee shop Rooted would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek, and they have now opened. Check out their menu here. They have a great logo; I tried their avocado toast, aka “Avocado Dream”, and it was delicious, as was their iced cold brew coffee and cinnamon donut. I look forward to going back soon!
Main Street Plaza, Walnut Creek
A couple of weeks ago we learned that the bakery and matcha café, Third Culture, makers of the Mochi Muffin, would be opening at Main Street Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek, and they have now opened. I tried a yuzu butter mochi donut and four types of mochi muffins (original, matcha, ube, and black sesame), which were all delicious. One intriguing element was how they hand whisked the matcha into the drink which I thought was really cool!
Photos of the merchandise shop and yuzu butter mochi donut and matcha drink after the jump…
Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center
Crescent Bistro, a new restaurant featuring “locally sourced, high quality ingredients, and craft cocktails” is coming soon to Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center. Check out their menu here.
From their website:
Chef Brad is an industry veteran that has spent time at award winning restaurants Va de Vi Bistro in Walnut Creek, Revival Bar + Kitchen in Berkeley, and Esin in Danville. Crescent Bistro is his first venture into ownership, and he will offer seasonal California cuisine featuring local produce and a variety of flavorful small plates complemented by craft cocktails in a relaxed bistro setting.
La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
Mangia Ristorante Pizzeria has closed at La Fiesta Square in Lafayette. Look for SLIVER Pizzeria to open in this spot soon. Check out their menu here.
Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Southern Comfort Kitchen opened in the Downtown Pleasant Hill shopping center. Check out their menu here. When I visit I think I’ll try the chicken and sausage Jambalaya. Mmm, Jambalaya!
From their website:
Take a tour of authentic New Orleans Cajun cuisine, right here in the Bay Area! Southern Comfort Kitchen, run by 3 brothers all the way from New Orleans, is ready to satisfy your cravings for the finest food on Earth! Visit us at the Restaurant in Castro Valley, Pleasant Hill or at the Food Trucks that travel all around the Bay Area.