The Saddest Restaurant Closures to Know in Los Angeles, May 2025
Briefly

The Los Angeles restaurant scene is under severe pressure as multiple factors converge, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and Hollywood labor strikes. The economic environment has been exacerbated by rising costs of labor, rent, and ingredients, along with natural disasters such as 2025 fires leading to significant property damages. Iconic establishments, including the long-standing Papa Cristo's and Guido's, have closed, signaling the challenges faced by restaurants dependent on thin profit margins. Despite attempts to adapt, many are unable to survive the ongoing adversities.
The film industry's recent strike coupled with increasing operational costs has left Los Angeles restaurants grappling with a prolonged downturn, further affected by adverse weather and devastating property losses.
Papa Cristo's, after 77 years, cited rising rent costs as the driving force behind its permanent closure, signifying challenges faced by long-standing establishments in an evolving economic landscape.
Gigi's opened during the pandemic, managing to create a unique fusion of French bistro favorites with Californian flair, yet it couldn't survive the turbulent restaurant climate.
Guido's, a beloved Italian eatery, will close after 46 years, emphasizing the unfortunate trend of long-serving restaurants being forced to shut their doors amidst economic pressures.
Read at Eater LA
[
|
]