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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 biweekly column keeps track of all the closings you may have missed.
Tuetana Taqueria— Chef Priscilla Curiel decided to close her beloved bone marrow and birria taco shop to focus on her newly opened Mujer Divina Brunch Cafe next door. Her birria can be found in the burritos and campechanoes next door at Mujer Divina Burritos and Coffee House, while the iconic tuetano tacos are still available for catering orders.
Hob Nob Hill— On March 3, the iconic Banker’s Hill restaurant was sold to new owners, Creative House, a commercial real estate and development firm. Hob Nob Hill has been serving breakfast and lunch for more than 80 years. The good news is that Creative House tells Eater San Diego that the restaurant will reopen soon with the same recipes used for decades, including their 81-year-old French toast recipe.
Tealightful Café— The Clairemont Mesa boba and Vietnamese snack shop shuttered its doors as the owner focuses on her health. Signs have already been replaced on the storefront, and a new Chinese restaurant, Tasty House, will take over the space.
Carnitas Uruapan— On May 1, the La Mesa outpost of the popular Mexican restaurant will be closing its doors due to landlord issues. Its second ___location on El Cajon Boulevard remains open, serving slow-cooked carnitas, shrimp enchiladas, chicharrons, camarones rancheros, and breakfast burritos.
Harbor Breakfast— The Little Italy breakfast spot, known for its biscuits, flapjacks, and breakfast burritos closed its doors in January. Gooseberries Kafe, located in Hillcrest, will take over the space and open its second ___location with its normal menu and a few classic Harbor Breakfast dishes.
Zen Asian Bistro— The Taiwanese restaurant next to the 7-Eleven on Sabre Springs Parkway in Carmel Mountain is slated to close on May 31 to focus on the Zen Skydeck concept, which will open in mid-June. Located in Del Mar Highlands Town Center, the new Zen will have a full bar with several television screens, along with an expanded menu including its Taiwanese beef noodle soup, double-fried pan noodles, and shrimp dishes.
