In today’s dining landscape, San Diego restaurants face challenges like the rising cost of goods, labor shortages, and evolving customer expectations. Everything from longtime city institutions to newer spots unable to find their footing can succumb to a combination of obstacles, although San Diego restaurateurs and chefs remain resilient — just check out Eater’s hot new restaurants map for proof. This column keeps track of all the closings you may have missed.
Banker’s Hill— On October 7, Barrio Star shuttered after serving Mexican soul food for 17 years; the restaurant announced its closure on Instagram. Known for its pineapple habanero margaritas and dark chocolate chicken tacos, the casual spot next to Balboa Park had been a longtime favorite in the community.
Kearny Mesa— More than six years ago, Shancheng Lameizi Hot Pot landed in the Convoy District, offering cook-your-own hot pot meals in broths that ranged from spicy malatang to comforting bone broth. In late September, the restaurant, an outpost of a Beijing-based Chinese chain, closed its doors. Remodeling has begun for a new restaurant concept, Mikiya, a Wagyu Shabu restaurant, which started in Temple City, California. It’ll be the first location in San Diego for the all-you-can-eat wagyu concept, which quickly brings dishes to the table via an automated ordering system for less than $100.
La Jolla— In the La Jolla Shores neighborhood, Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill and Oysters closes its doors on Saturday, November 1. The oyster spot from George Hauer and Trey Foshee originally replaced Galaxy Taco, another restaurant they owned, in October 2021. Its lease expires on December 31, but the owners have decided to conclude their service in the Kellogg building. In recent weeks, the kitchen team has paid homage to Galaxy Tacos with a trio of tacos (fish, birria, and mushroom) and a house margarita for $28. Foshee’s Georges at the Cove remains open near La Jolla Cove.
Little Italy— Camino Riviera closed its doors at a north Little Italy location formerly home to two San Diego icons, Airport Lounge and El Camino, the latter of which stayed open for 16 years. During the pandemic, SDCM Restaurants (Kettner Exchange, Waverly, Whaling Bar, Grass Skirt, Captain’s Quarters) acquired the restaurant. Eventually, they transformed the space into a home for artists and musicians while also offering a broad Latin menu. Despite a new roof and other sound mitigation measures installed in the restaurant and bar beneath an airport flight path, neighbors — some of whom moved in during the pandemic — filed noise complaints against the restaurant, according to owner Matt Spencer. “While it is heartbreaking to say goodbye to Camino Riviera, we remain incredibly proud of what we built there and grateful for the loyal guests who supported us throughout the journey,” Spencer says.
La Jolla— After opening its doors in August 2024, the Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant Comedor Nishi has closed. Other Mexican and Japanese restaurants and bars owned by Showa Hospitality include Taco Stand, Convoy Music Bar, and Himitsu. A new wallet-friendly brunch place from the family behind Cotija’s Taco Shop and Cazadores Mexican Food plans to open a new restaurant in its place in spring 2026, according to What Now San Diego.
Mira Mesa— A Japanese shabu and sukiyaki spot known for its AYCE premium meats closed its San Diego location on September 29. MoMo Paradise, which opened in San Diego in 2020, made the announcement on Instagram. Other Los Angeles-area outposts in Rowland Heights, Torrance, and Arcadia remain open, while an Irvine location is set to open soon.