The restaurant scene in Los Angeles is facing significant upheaval.
This summer, the city experienced a harsh wave of closures that affected everything from long-established celebrity haunts to new ventures that hadn’t quite made it through their first year.
Between May and late July, at least eight well-known restaurants shut down or paused operations. They reopened for one last day on Wednesday, marking the end for some major names.
Crustacean
One of the most notable closures is Crustacean in Beverly Hills, a chic fusion restaurant that has catered to Hollywood elites for over 30 years.
The flagship location, launched by the Ann family in 1995, was famed for its secret garlic noodle recipe, picturesque koi ponds, and a roster of celebrity clientele. However, the restaurant has permanently closed since July 29. Elizabeth Ann, the CEO of the family-run House of Ann, mentioned that the new landlord has “other plans” which unfortunately don’t align with the restaurant’s operations.
Connie & Ted
Nearby, Connie & Ted’s, which offered an upscale slice of New England fare in West Hollywood, shut its doors on July 1 after more than a decade in business.
Since it opened in 2013, this popular eatery became a local go-to for dishes like buttery lobster rolls and lavish seafood spreads. Unfortunately, it struggled to navigate the restaurant industry’s challenges, citing pandemic legacies, rising costs, and tough operating conditions in Los Angeles as culprits in a farewell message.
Melois
Nerano
In Beverly Hills, Italian eatery Nerano closed on July 25 after a successful decade. Opened by brothers Carlo and Andy Brandon Gordon in 2016, it was a notable establishment alongside others like Toscana.
Drake’s Hollywood
In another twist, Drake’s Hollywood, which has been around for only three years, abruptly closed the week of July 20. Reports suggest the last paychecks were handed out as the restaurant emptied.
Cinque Terre West
Venice has not been spared either, with Cinque Terre West closing its Rose Avenue location in June as owners Marlo and chef Giambattista Vinzoni transitioned to Texas. Their original restaurant had suffered a major setback due to a devastating fire in 2025.
VooDoo Doughnut
VooDoo Doughnut, the quirky doughnut chain from Portland, also closed its Venice Beach location in June just a year after opening. Locals were surprised by the sudden shut down of a late-night favorite known for its unique flavor offerings.
Dialogue Café
Moreover, Dialogue Café, a West Hollywood favorite among influencers, encountered serious issues when a water main broke earlier this month. With property damage affecting homes and businesses, the café’s future remains uncertain. They shared on Instagram that reopening “is not likely to happen anytime soon” while assessing the extensive damage.
