Los Angeles’s restaurants continue to face difficult headwinds, starting in 2020 with the onset of a global pandemic and exacerbating with the Hollywood labor strikes in 2023, which led to an industry-wide slowdown that’s continued into 2026. From the lingering effects of the Hollywood strikes to rising costs (labor, rent, ingredients, etc.), many factors continue to strain restaurant owners operating on razor-thin margins. Los Angeles restaurants also continue to struggle with the impact of the 2025 fires, including slow business and devastating property loss, as well as the ongoing effects of ICE enforcement. Here are notable restaurant closures for the end of 2025. For more closure news, read our past closure coverage.
Sip & Sonder — Inglewood’s beloved Black-owned coffee shop and third space, Sip & Sonder, closed on December 31. Although Sip & Sonder no longer has a brick-and-mortar location, owners Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas will still be roasting and distributing their coffee.
Sprinkles — Owner Candace Nelson closed all the remaining locations of her once-booming cupcake empire, Sprinkles, including its famous ATMs. Nelson announced the sudden closure in an Instagram post on December 31, writing, “Today is Sprinkles’ final day.”
Brennan’s — Brennan’s, the Marina Del Rey Irish pub that was famous for its turtle races, closed permanently on December 27. The bar, which opened in 1972, was a common target for animal rights activists who protested the turtle races over the years.
Superfine Playa — Dina and Steve Samson’s Playa Vista restaurant Superfine Playa closed on December 31, 2025. The Samsons’ remaining restaurant, Rossoblu, will continue serving Superfine pizza on Sundays.