friday five

five area stories of note.

berkeley's cafe brusco made the chronicle's roster of 2025's most beautiful new restaurants. (the chronicle)

eater looks ahead to local openings in the new year, including f+w pizza and meyhouse. (eater sf)

san francisco-based tea hut quietly opened last month in the former mad seoul counter spot in berkeley. (daily cal)

emeryville's gearing up for the january 31 opening of tokyo central and its on-site restaurant, the handroll factory. (e'ville eye)

temp closed: the barbary in oakland closed for holiday construction two months back, and has since been dark and quiet (and the website has lapsed). we reached out to the owners with no response. we will update if we hear otherwise, but for now it is closed. the barbary is at 3332 grand avenue in oakland.

january 2, 2026