Lafayette's Newest Restaurant Is Officially Open

Photo byBay Area Telegraph

Lavash restaurant in downtown Lafayette, California was there, and then--seemingly overnight--it was gone.

The Mediterranian staple of Mount Diablo Blvd closed quickly, but there was almost immediately good news--a new restaurant was coming in its place!

That new restaurant has opened almost as quickly as Lavash closed. One day there was a permit application on the window, and the next day, people were dining "al fresco" on the outdoor patio and schmoozing in the semi-open interior.

The new restaurant is El Talpense. It's a Mexican cuisine place that originally had a location in Berkeley. The new Lafayette restaurant is the second location, and seems a bit more casual than the first.

Photo byBay Area Telegraph

I stopped by recently and took a peek at the new place. El Talepense put up a new sign on the exterior right away, and the whole front and inside are decorated with colorful paper banners. It feels like walking through the Mission District!

Lavash's exterior patio and landscaping are all still intact, but the cuisine has certainly shifted! El Talpense serves a huge menu of different tacos (from street tacos that cost about $5 to pricier and fancier options) as well as Mexican entrees and drinks.

The restaurant seems to be doing well, with at least 15 people dining there at lunch on a random Wednesday.

I'm definitely going to stop by and try the food. Want to know if it's any good? Join my free 925 News newsletter and I'll let you know as soon as I visit!