Beloved West Hollywood Eatery Sushiya to Close After Nearly 30 Years
Another notable restaurant is set to close in West Hollywood, as Sushiya announces its final day of operations on September 29. The establishment has been a fixture on the Sunset Strip for almost three decades, and its unexpected closure adds to the growing list of beloved dining spots shutting down in Los Angeles.
In a statement shared on social media, the restaurant expressed, “After 28 years as a staple on Sunset Boulevard, Sushiya will close its doors at the end of September, marking the end of the last remaining legacy restaurant at Sunset Plaza.”
The restaurant reflected on its legacy, stating that its closure signifies the end of a “defining chapter” for the upscale portion of the city.
Over the years, Sushiya has remained consistent, staying open late for regular patrons and newcomers alike, nurturing a sense of community that many came to cherish. They mentioned that while Sunset Boulevard has transformed significantly, Sushiya held onto its roots, welcoming familiar faces and generations of diners who considered it their spot on the Sunset.
In its early days, Sushiya was a hotspot for celebrities. A-list stars like Rihanna, Leonardo DiCaprio, and John Travolta were among the many who dined there, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere. Fans of the restaurant expressed their dismay over the news, with one user commenting, “Honestly, what is happening?”—a sentiment reflecting the prevailing trend of closures in the area.
Another fan articulated a heartfelt farewell, saying, “Ugh, I’m going to miss this SO hard,” while others praised the quality of the sushi, echoing sentiments like, “The best sushi in LA, no contest! See you tonight.”
Sushiya’s closure is part of a broader trend impacting the Sunset Strip, which has seen numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs announcing their shutdowns in recent months. Notable closures include the celebrity hangout Employees Only, Electric Owl, and others that once thrived in the area.
But beyond the eateries, the larger situation on the Sunset Strip paints a concerning picture. This summer, a stroll along the iconic corridor highlighted many closed businesses and a generally gloomy atmosphere. According to city council data, the Sunset Strip ranks among the most expensive areas for retail in the Los Angeles region, following closely behind Rodeo Drive and Melrose Avenue.
Business owners, like Sofi Mamo of A Divine H20, shared insights into the challenges they face. She noted that her rent has nearly tripled over the past two decades, as many small businesses struggle against rising living costs and expenses. “It feels like every mom-and-pop shop is on the brink of disappearing,” she lamented.
In 2022, West Hollywood reported a retail vacancy rate of 10.3% and a staggering 16.3% for office spaces. Compounding this, the area has also seen a decrease in visitors, with 300,000 fewer attendees recorded in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year.
