Los Angeles’s restaurants continue to face difficult headwinds, starting in 2020 with the onset of a global pandemic and exacerbating with the Hollywood labor strikes in 2023, which led to an industry-wide slowdown that’s continued into 2026. From the lingering effects of the Hollywood strikes to rising costs (labor, rent, ingredients, etc.), many factors continue to strain restaurant owners operating on razor-thin margins. Los Angeles restaurants also continue to struggle with the impact of the 2025 fires, including slow business and devastating property loss, as well as the ongoing effects of ICE enforcement. Here are notable restaurant closures from March 2026. For more closure news, read our past closure coverage.
Cole’s French Dip — French Dip legend Cole’s maybe, sort of, closed for real this weekend as it searches for a new buyer. The 117-year-old restaurant bade farewell over its closing weekend on March 28 and March 29 with collaborative French dips and sides with restaurants including Jitlada, Father’s Office, and Found Oyster. Over the last century-plus, Cole’s, along with Philippe the Original, have both staked claims as the inventor of the French dip sandwich. Cole’s hopes to reopen once a new buyer comes in but has no timeline yet.
Pip’s on La Brea — Los Angeles’s popular Black-owned jazz club Pips on La Brea closed on March 28 after 16 years. Over the years, the Mid-Wilshire restaurant became beloved for its nightly live music and Sunday jazz brunches. In advance of the closing, Pips founder, Derrick “Pip” Pipkin, set up a GoFundMe to help staff cover living expenses.
