One of Oakland’s most cherished dining icons, The Rendez-Vous, closed its doors on June 27. The restaurant opened in mid-2022 with a goal of reviving bistro dining in Bushrod.
Highlights
- The Rendez‑Vous abruptly closed its doors on June 27, 2025, citing unforeseen circumstances.
- The team cited unforeseen circumstances behind the sudden closure.
- However, the owners are open to serious inquiries about the space.
The Rendez-Vous Says Goodbye
The owners shared news of the closure on Instagram. They described the restaurant as an artistic haven and shared how hard it was to say goodbye. The owner-couple, Johnelle Mancha and Brian Hill, ran the sleek restaurant that served French dishes such as Nicoise salad with tuna loin, beet-cured halibut, and a traditional coq au vin.
The owners reflected on the artistic haven they built, adding that it will be difficult to see it go. Unexpected events led the popular Oakland restaurant to the sudden decision.
Named one of the 10 most beautiful restaurants of 2022 in the Bay Area, the restaurant’s interiors beautifully blended vintage and contemporary furnishings. The owners tastefully decorated the place by thoughtfully repurposing objects from chandeliers to murals.
Patron Reactions to Closure
The restaurant had become a local favorite, making the sudden news of its closure especially surprising for Bushrod residents. “I love this place, I will miss y’all. When is the last day of service?” a user inquired.
“This place was a gem in Oakland it’s hard to see a place so genuine go,” another comment read. One heartbroken user left a comment saying, “You built a world within a world, so special. THANK YOU for creating something so beautiful.”
One patron praised the offbeat space and thanked the team for “amazing meals, cocktails, playlists and top notch service.”
What’s Next for The Rendez-Vous
The closure post on Instagram revealed that the sudden decision was caused by unforeseen circumstances. The owners revealed that no new concept is currently planned for the space.
The sudden loss of The Rendez-Vous represents the end of what was one of the more beautiful places to sit down and dine in Oakland. It had been a bit of a creative retreat, and many memories will be engraved in the hearts of those who visited and worked at the diner.
