In today’s dining landscape, San Diego restaurants face challenges like the rising cost of goods, labor shortages, and evolving customer expectations. Everything from longtime city institutions to newer spots unable to find their footing can succumb to a combination of obstacles, although San Diego restaurateurs and chefs remain resilient — just check out Eater’s hot new restaurants map for proof. This column keeps track of all the closings you may have missed.
Carlsbad—Lola 55 announced that its Carlsbad restaurant will close August 10 to its followers on Instagram. In 2019, the Mexican restaurant received Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition for its original location in East Village, which will remain open. In 2022, Lola 55 expanded with a second location in the Beacon shopping center in Carlsbad, occupying a 3,365-square-foot space, showcasing Baja-style tacos and vegetarian options, like mushroom tacos, along with a robust cocktail menu. Owner Frank Vizcarra also operates L55 Tacos and More in Westfield UTC Mall and recently ran a popular temporary taco pop-up during Comic-Con in the San Diego Convention Center.
Oceanside—After operating for 15 years on the main strip in Oceanside, Ty’s Burger House shut its doors on July 21. The longtime burger restaurant served burgers with beef patties and wild game, such as buffalo, venison, and elk. Known for its hand-battered onion rings, the casual spot also served wraps, tacos, and salads. A sign on the door of its Mission Avenue restaurant thanked the community for its support over the years.
Rancho Santa Fe—A well-loved Italian restaurant and wine bar closed in the Del Rayo Village shopping mall, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. After opening in 2010 by a local resident, Tony Smith, who died unexpectedly at the age of 57, Dolce Pane e Vino shuttered its doors. His widow, Erin Smith, continued operating the restaurant, showcasing farm-to-table Mediterranean cuisine including pastas and flatbreads; a retail wine shop also lived on site. When the lease ended on July 1, San Diego restaurateur Garo Minassian, who owns Parc Bistro and Brasserie in Banker’s Hill, took over the space with plans to open a second restaurant.
Oceanside—A casual café for colorful acai bowls and smoothies shut its doors on July 27, according to its Instagram. Known for their vibrant, colorful, fruity items, Northside Shack announced that construction and landlord challenges have “buried” the business in debt. In January 2025, owner Pamela Olvera closed all three locations but eventually reopened the outposts. After a prospective buyer backed out in May, Olvera decided to “call it quits.” Soon, the owner, Pamela Olvera, will also be closing their other two locations in Point Loma and North Park.
Dining and Cooking