friday fives

friday five

were we the last to know? though we did see it coming: espresso roma seems to be no more (all locations?). now open at 1549 hopkins street in berkeley is new hopkins cafe, with an updated menu and signage but the same look and staff. ($5 says regulars will still and forever call it 'roma.') photo berkeley eats.

five area stories of note.

who's been to the new iteration of pho k&k, now called pho & banh mi k&k? the longtime southside favorite for vietnamese cuisine has moved to 2517 durant avenue, unit c (upstairs) in berkeley. thanks to a tipster for the update.

we might purchase anything modeled by this gentleman. (instagram)

not one, but two berkeley pizzerias, rose pizzeria and pizzeria da laura made it to this list. (also flour + water in san francisco.) (50 top pizza excellent pizzerias; and here are the 50 top best of the u.s. (sf's tony's #3!))

masa is having quite a moment. (nytimes)

speaking of – duck confit tamales on the menu tomorrow at cafe bolita. (instagram, watch stories for weekly menus.)

bonus: teachers, campus aides, school librarians, administrative staff – this one's for you. (instagram/mad oak)

postscript: the menu at ~~**espresso roma**~~ **hopkins cafe**. thanks to tipsters, we estimate the former **espresso roma** was in the hopkins space for at least 30 years, but we would love if someone could tell us the exact opening year. photo berkeley eats.

may 29, 2026 (more news and events; please feel free to share and credit berkeley eats; as always, tips so welcome.)

updated.

food, news, tips, treats.