• Certified Sommelier Antonio Martinez, who in recent years managed Savvy Cellar Wine Bar at the train station’s Castro St. end, is officially becoming the owner as I write this. On a recent visit I was impressed by the cozy, inviting pub atmosphere—not an accident but Antonio’s vision. Check it out!
• Hong Kong-inspired snacks and drinks shop T. Castle (738 Villa) opened in December. T. Castle’s special twist: items like hot dogs wrapped in soft waffles, with creative garnishes seldom seen at ballparks or fast-food chains hereabouts.
• In March, Tandoori Junction, 698 W Dana at Hope, expanded its hours to late nights. Website currently says Sat-Weds nights to 1:30AM, Thurs & Fri to 2:30AM (I’d check with the restaurant to be sure). https://www.tandoorisjunction.com/
• Two new restaurants soft-opened in the large 174-176 Castro restaurant property (long home to Amarin) around April 1. To left, Kitty Noodle House specializes in rice-noodle soup bowls (like ramen but rice-based) and a diversity of sides and small plates. To right, Midnight Kitchen / Shinya Shokudo offers yakitori, Japanese appetizers and other specialties, beers and other drinks.
• Chez TJ, downtown MV’s high-end destination restaurant since 1982 with national notices and Michelin stars, closed abruptly April 14. The MV Voice story has details: https://www.mv-voice.com/food/2026/04/16/chez-tj-closes-after-40-years-serving-mountain-view/
• 475 Castro’s pending Yakiniku Ginza gets nearer to opening by the week. At this writing, bold new signage is out front, work still underway inside.
• No news yet at 110 Castro (briefly Johnny and Sanny’s last year, previously Vida), where a new restaurant has been pending, owners identified as “Mian MTV LLC.”
