New sushi and udon in the East Bay, plus a BBQ pop-up lands at Kingfish

Editor’s note: Nosh covers food and restaurant news across the East Bay, and each week we publish one article covering all the restaurant openings and one article covering closings. Have a tip for Nosh? Submit it here.

Bebe’s

BBQ pop-up Bebe’s opened the first installment of what plans to become a weekly appearance at Kingfish last Friday. Stop in next weekend for burgers, the Carolina-style hog sandwich (smoked pork shoulder marinated in a Carolina-style sauce, house slaw, crispy chicharrón, house-made pickles and chiles, Martin’s potato roll) or the mushroom asada sandwich (grilled maitake mushrooms marinated in an adobo rojo, salsa verde, house slaw, homemade pickles and chiles on ciabatta.) Head to Instagram for details; for now, they plan to be at Kingfish Friday nights starting at 5 p.m. Bebe’s at Kingfish, 5227 Telegraph Ave., Oakland

Itani Sushi

Chef Kyle Itani (of Itani Ramen and Yonsei Handrolls, both in Uptown Oakland) has launched another venture in the Town, this time a sushi pop-up — offering fresh rolls, salads, plus Japanese snacks and candy — open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For now, the pop-up will operate through June, but plans for an extension could be underway. Itani Sushi, 326 23rd St., Oakland

Marugame Udon

Marugame Udon, a fast-casual chain serving steaming bowls of udon and tempura, recently expanded to its second East Bay location in Alameda. (The other is on Berkeley’s Shattuck Ave.; you’ll find other outposts in San Ramon, Santa Clara and across the bridge.) Load up on savory, umami-forward noodle bowls topped with sweet beef and soft-boiled eggs, or try a rice bowl like the chicken katsu teriyaki. Marugame Udon, 2249 S. Shore Center 300, Alameda

Pakaoma Thai-Lao Diner

Paying homage to Thai-Lao specialties, Pakaoma (in the former Banana Leaf space in El Cerrito) offers a zesty, colorful menu that runs the gamut from tom yum and pad Thai to spicy Lao sausage and Mieng Pla Tod, or fried whole tilapia. Pakaoma specializes in dishes from the Isan region of Thailand, and dishes are designed to be shared. You’ll also find beer, wine and low-ABV cocktails on offer. Pakaoma Thai-Lao Diner, 11880 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito

Soul Blends Coffee Roasters

What started as a pop-up stand at Lake Merritt and the West Oakland farmers market is now a full-fledged brick-and-mortar coffee shop. Soul Blends Coffee Roasters, which was founded in 2021 and specializes in fair trade African coffee, is opening its first cafe in West Oakland, and holding a grand opening celebration Saturday, March 22, 8 a.m to 4 p.m. with live music, DJ sets, live art, giveaways and more. Soul Blends Coffee Roasters, 3207 Louise Street, Oakland

Sushi Broadway

Another sushi option has arrived in Alameda: Sushi Broadway, on Santa Clara Ave., is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Expect classic sushi rolls and house specials, nigiri and sashimi, lunch entrees like salmon teriyaki as well as udon bowls. Sushi Broadway, 2549 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda 

The Saucy Hut

The Saucy Hut, of Fruitvale food truck fame, is now operating a brick-and-mortar institution in what was previously La Perla’s Oakland restaurant. Crave-worthy indulgences like crab and shrimp egg rolls, hoagies and steak over rice — all drizzled (or dunked) in a healthy dose of spicy Saucy Sauce — are on the menu. The Saucy Hut, 3409 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland 

To The Moon

In case you needed another reason to hit up Telegraph Ave. on a Friday night, here it is. To The Moon, a late-night Korean joint offering goodies like kimbap, corn cheese and fried chicken has opened in the space next to what was previously Daytrip. To The Moon is open nightly from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. To The Moon, 4390 Telegraph Ave. A, Oakland