{"id":105639,"date":"2025-12-23T01:07:05","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T01:07:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/105639\/"},"modified":"2025-12-23T01:07:05","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T01:07:05","slug":"the-saddest-closures-in-san-diego-december-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/105639\/","title":{"rendered":"The Saddest Closures in San Diego, December 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today\u2019s dining landscape, San Diego restaurants face challenges like the rising cost of goods<\/a>, labor shortages<\/a>, and evolving customer expectations. Everything from longtime city institutions to newer places unable to find their footing can succumb to a combination of obstacles, although San Diego restaurateurs and chefs remain resilient \u2014 just check out Eater\u2019s hot new restaurants map<\/a> for proof. This column keeps track of all the closures you may have missed.<\/p>\n

Barrio Logan\u2014 One of Barrio Logan\u2019s longest-running Mexican restaurants, Las Cuatro Milpas<\/a>, closes its doors after operating for 92 years, according to CBS 8<\/a>. Since 1933, the family-run restaurant has sold lard-fried tacos, rice, and beans, catering to loyal customers who often lined up down the block. At the end of December, the cash-only restaurant will serve its last taco and the building will be sold to the neighboring church, putting an end to the restaurant\u2019s challenges of paying back taxes.<\/p>\n

South Park\u2014 On December 28, Matteo, a restaurant venture from the Buona Forchetta<\/a> hospitality group, will close its doors. Opened in 2019, the community-focused bakery<\/a> held fundraisers for local schools and hosted classes in its event space. The restaurant will be taken over by Carbon Angela\u2019s Kitchen<\/a>, which has another location in the same neighborhood. In June 2025, the South Park outpost of Buona Forchetta was raided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, which led to temporary closures and reduced hours, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune<\/a>. The Buona Forchetta locations have all resumed regular hours.<\/p>\n

Chula Vista\u2014 Mmm\u2026Cakes<\/a> has shuttered its doors right before Thanksgiving. The family-run bakery operated in the Third Avenue Corridor in Chula Vista since October 2021. \u201cInflation was a major factor for our closure, aside from it being an uphill battle trying to open it during COVID. Delays in city permits also made it extremely costly. Also, people aren\u2019t spending as much, so breaking even was difficult,\u201d owner Jose Barajas tells Eater. The restaurant made custom cakes and brunch dishes like Japanese curry chilaquiles, apple strudel pies, and mango Taj\u00edn cheesecakes.<\/p>\n

Oceanside\u2014 A daytime spot, Rose Caf\u00e9<\/a>, shuttered its doors on Coast Highway in Oceanside. The caf\u00e9 sold coffees and breakfast favorites like cinnamon roll pancakes. After being open for less than two years, the restaurant decided to close. Its website made the announcement: \u201cAfter much reflection, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors permanently.\u201d On December 27, the restaurant will close out with a moving sale and dance party.<\/p>\n

La Jolla\u2014 The casual beachside restaurant Caroline\u2019s Seaside Caf\u00e9<\/a> is temporarily closed due to maintenance at the adjacent Scripps Seaside Forum. The breakfast and brunch restaurant with ample patio dining on La Jolla Shores will reopen on January 21, 2026. Part of the GRNFC Hospitality Group, Candor by Giuseppe, Enoteca Adriana, and its catering arm remain open.<\/p>\n