{"id":153763,"date":"2026-01-28T20:02:07","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T20:02:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/153763\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T20:02:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T20:02:07","slug":"the-saddest-restaurant-closures-in-san-diego-january-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/153763\/","title":{"rendered":"The Saddest Restaurant Closures in San Diego, January 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the current 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

Chula Vista\u2014 On December 21, the second outpost of Common Theory<\/a>, located in Millenia, a mixed-use development in Chula Vista, closed. The original location in the Convoy District that has James Beard\u2013nominated speakeasy Realm of the 52 Remedies<\/a> hidden inside remains open. \u201cDespite our best efforts, the challenges became too great to overcome. Millenia is a beautiful, growing neighborhood, but opening in a new development brought unexpected hurdles. An incomplete plaza limited foot traffic and visibility, and the parking that was originally planned never materialized, making visits inconvenient for many of our guests. Several long-promised projects meant to support the area were delayed, leaving independent restaurants like ours without the infrastructure needed to thrive,\u201d the team behind Common Theory Chula shared in an Instagram post<\/a> announcing the closure. Its sister Korean barbecue restaurant, Sura KBBQ and Shabu<\/a>, also remains open.<\/p>\n

Encinitas\u2014 After being open for less than a year, A Little Moore Caf\u00e9 shuttered its doors after a fallout between childhood friends, according to Coast News<\/a>. Deon Dickey and Andy Vasquez partnered with the cafe\u2019s former owners to do an extensive remodel before opening; they later closed following a public disagreement on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. Coast News reports that both parties have filed lawsuits against each other, with the case scheduled for a jury trial on April 17, 2026.<\/p>\n

La Jolla\u2014 The only San Diego storefront of Sprinkles has shuttered its doors, along with all the Sprinkles locations across the country<\/a>. Founded by Candace Nelson, the cupcake empire was sold to a private equity firm in 2012. Bakers, frosters, and front-of-house employees were informed of the closure the day before its final day of operation on December 31, according to NBC7<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Miramar\u2014 The anchor restaurant, brewery, and tasting room for Ballast Point<\/a> closed in December, according to San Diego Beer News<\/a>. A Ballast Point tasting room in Little Italy remains open as the only San Diego outpost; there are other locations throughout California. In spring 2025, nonalcoholic brewing company Athletic Brewing<\/a> purchased Ballast Point\u2019s headquarters, which includes 600 seats in a 107,000-square-foot facility. Other Ballast Point taprooms may possibly open in San Diego in the future.<\/p>\n

North Park\u2014 On January 31, modern Asian comfort food restaurant Common Table will have its last service. The team made the announcement in an Instagram<\/a> post: \u201cWhile our time here was short, it was incredibly meaningful. This isn\u2019t goodbye\u2014just a pause. Something new is cooking so stay tuned.\u201d The restaurant on 30th street opened its doors on October 18, replacing Rising Sun Collective, a Japanese bakery, caf\u00e9, and brewery, which closed after the sudden passing of its co-owner.<\/p>\n

North Park\u2014 MAKE Projects<\/a>, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training refugee women with work-life skills, has temporarily closed its North Park restaurant. MAKE trainees work in the restaurant; its menu served global cuisine, such as Afghan chicken, red lentil sambusa, and North African shakshuka. The new location on Felton Avenue in San Diego\u2019s Normal Heights neighborhood is \u201cstill in construction\u201d with an opening date planned soon, says founder and executive director Anchi Mei. The MAKE farm remains open for CSA and volunteer events.<\/p>\n

North Park\u2014 A Roman restaurant, located on University Avenue and Utah Street, has closed its doors. A press representative for Known for pastas prepared in its 15-month pecorino cheese wheel, Cacio e Pepe Trattoria Romana<\/a> had replaced Seventh House<\/a>, an astrology-themed restaurant, in spring 2024.<\/p>\n