Los Angeles restaurant wave sees closures of celebrated eateries

A wave of restaurant closures has hit Los Angeles this summer, shuttering at least eight well‑known establishments. Notable closures include the 30‑year‑old Vietnamese‑fusion spot Crustacean in Beverly Hills, which closed after the landlord changed plans, and West Hollywood’s Connie & Ted’s, which cited the lingering effects of the pandemic, rising costs and a tough market. Wolfgang Puck’s rooftop venue Merois also closed, as did the upscale Italian Nerano and the popular seafood hotspot Nerano Beverly Hills.

Meanwhile, the city’s dining scene continues to showcase celebrity‑chef venues that remain open and influential. Guides highlight Wolfgang Puck’s Spago and CUT in Beverly Hills, Nobu Matsuhisa’s Nobu Los Angeles, David Chang’s Majordomo in Chinatown, and Nancy Silverton’s Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza, underscoring the contrast between enduring institutions and the recent string of closures.

The closures reflect a broader strain on Los Angeles restaurants, where escalating operating costs and lingering pandemic impacts are pushing even long‑standing venues out of business.