As the year draws to a close, the top restaurant openings and closures have been rounded up. Among the top openings are Enrique Olvera’s ATLA in New York, Spago in Beverley Hills, and Denver’s The Wolf’s Tailor, while closures included Danny Meyer’s iconic Union Square Cafe in New York, April Bloomfield’s The Spotted Pig, also New York, which faced allegations of sexual harassment, and Gjelina Take Away in Los Angeles.
Restaurant Roundup: The Top Openings and Closures of the Year
Top Restaurant Openings
As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to reflect on the top restaurant openings that have graced us with their presence. Here are some of the best:
1. ATLA
Enrique Olvera’s second restaurant in New York City opened in March and has been a hit among locals and visitors alike. The stylish space in NoHo serves up modern Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and creative cocktails.
2. Spago
Wolfgang Puck’s iconic Beverly Hills restaurant got a makeover earlier this year and reopened in September with a new look and menu. The updated space features an expanded outdoor garden and bar area, while the menu boasts Puck’s signature California cuisine with a modern twist.
3. The Wolf’s Tailor
This trendy Denver restaurant made waves when it opened in April with its inventive small plates and unique cocktail program. The industrial-chic space feels like a hidden gem in the RiNo neighborhood, and the fusion of Italian and Asian flavors has diners raving.
Top Restaurant Closures
Unfortunately, not all restaurants made it through the year. Here are some of the closures that left a void in the food scene:
1. Union Square Cafe
Danny Meyer’s iconic New York City restaurant closed its doors in December 2017 after 30 years in business. The location reopened in a new space in 2016, but the original location still holds a special place in diners’ hearts.
2. The Spotted Pig
The beloved New York City gastropub faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct this year, leading to protests and calls for a boycott. Chef April Bloomfield stepped down from the restaurant, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for this once-iconic establishment.
3. Gjelina Take Away
This popular Los Angeles grab-and-go spot announced its closure in October after eight years in business. Fans of the Venice location will still be able to get their fix at the original Gjelina restaurant just down the street.
These are just a few of the openings and closures that made waves in the restaurant world this year. We can’t wait to see what 2019 has in store.