Los Angeles’s vibrant dining landscape continues to navigate turbulent waters, with July 2025 marking a period of significant LA restaurant closures. The city’s eateries, already grappling with the lingering economic repercussions that began in 2020, face exacerbated challenges from an industry-wide slowdown. These headwinds underscore the delicate balance restaurateurs maintain in a highly competitive market, often operating on razor-thin margins.
Among the notable establishments ceasing operations is Wes Avila’s Monterrey-inspired steakhouse, MXO, located in West Hollywood. After less than a year, this prominent venture in West Hollywood food shuttered its doors permanently, initially sparking confusion with temporary closure announcements. This development leaves Avila, a revered figure instrumental in shaping the Los Angeles dining scene for years, with only Ka’Teen remaining in the city.
Michael Mina’s Mother Tongue, a sophisticated rooftop restaurant at the fitness club Heimat, also ceased operations in June without official notice. The abrupt closure, accompanied by the removal of its social media presence, surprised many. Mother Tongue had carved a niche for itself with its globally-inspired menu, catering to a high-end wellness lifestyle within the bustling Los Angeles dining landscape.
The fine-dining arena saw its own setback with David Schlossler’s Japanese kaiseki restaurant, Shibumi, closing on July 19. This closure was particularly poignant as it occurred less than a month after Shibumi successfully retained its coveted Michelin star restaurants recognition. Schlossler reflected on the restaurant’s impact since 2015, hinting at future culinary endeavors.
Additionally, Cabra, the popular rooftop restaurant at The Hoxton, is scheduled to close its doors on July 31. Known for its Peruvian-inflected menu featuring dishes like ceviche and skirt steak saltado, Cabra was a vibrant part of the downtown scene. The search for a new operator for The Hoxton’s rooftop space suggests a continued commitment to the dynamic Los Angeles dining experience, albeit with a new culinary vision.
A significant loss for long-time patrons is the closure of Chin Chin, a decades-old Chinese restaurant situated on West Hollywood’s iconic Sunset Strip. While its Brentwood, Studio City, and Las Vegas locations remain open, the West Hollywood staple, famous since 1983 as a celebrity hangout and for its signature Chinese chicken salad, is now seeking a new location, highlighting the evolving nature of the food business challenges.
These widespread LA restaurant closures are symptomatic of a broader struggle within the Restaurant industry news cycle. Factors such as escalating labor costs, soaring rents, and increased ingredient prices collectively batter restaurant owners. The lingering impacts of external events, like past industry slowdowns, further compound these economic pressures, making sustainable operation increasingly difficult for even well-established venues.
The current wave of closures serves as a stark reminder of the persistent food business challenges facing the culinary community. Despite the vibrant and innovative spirit that defines Los Angeles dining, the resilience of its restaurant owners is continuously tested by an ever-changing economic landscape. The city awaits to see how these challenges will reshape its beloved and diverse gastronomic offerings.
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