kat's kitchen opens in berkeley

we were excited to visit new, family-owned kat's kitchen during this week's soft opening, as, like many locals, we had been tracking their progress (since january) at the former, 36-year rick & ann's restaurant space at 2922 domingo avenue in berkeley's claremont neighborhood.

the new family of owners – maya and victor maravilla, who have three children, and who named kat's kitchen for maya's spirited and beloved late mother – took their time with their refresh and vision, fully making the space their own with the help of friends, family and contractors, while being careful to keep the spot's welcoming magic.

this is the maravillas' first restaurant, and a labor of love, though victor was in food and hospitality with a.g. ferrari for ten years, and went on to lead the well-known, high-end italian grocery's catering team. when a.g. ferrari shuttered in 2017, after 98 years, victor joined maya at the family law firm headed by her mother, attorney kathy 'kat' fisher, who passed away in 2024.

'my mother was a pioneer in her field, an adventurous spirit, a wonderful cook and a dedicated community servant,' said maya. 'victor and i wanted to channel her spirit into this new venture.'

along with various improvements to the back of house, the maravillas sanded and restained the original wood in the dining room, removed and replaced seating, and put in lovely new floors. they also took their time finding the right person to helm the kitchen, and found him in chef michael fornasero, who grew up on a farm in southern california, and whose bay area resume includes foreign cinema and A16.

unveiled this week, the refreshed dining room is spotless and inviting, with warm woods, fresh flowers and abundant natural light through windows that famously frame the claremont hotel. welcoming service, an approachable menu and roomy, appealing dining nooks, some with throw pillows, spaced around the open kitchen lend family-friendly comfort. there is even a little list of specials for kids under 10.

the maravillas are committed to the local community, and stock and serve goodies from a long list of area purveyors – star meats sausage, onnbon and asha teas, alameda soda co. sodas, cote west wines, gluten-free cult crackers and mariposa baking company breads, 'and honey from makers who literally live and operate in the claremont neighborhood,' adds maya.

this week begins breakfast, brunch and lunch service (lunch starts in a couple of days), and soon, the neighborhood destination will transition into a sparkling, comfortable wine bar in the evenings. (reminder: this is a soft opening and things might pivot here and there as they get up and running, watch instagram).

kat's kitchen is at 2922 domingo avenue in berkeley.

october 22, 2026 (tips welcome (thank you!), more brunch, updated kid stuff)

updated.