One of LA’s biggest sushi joints, Michelin-Starred Shunji Japanese Restaurant, might be moving from its 12244 W Pico Blvd location to Santa Monica at 3003 Ocean Park Blvd, where Zabie’s closed down late last month. The news of Shunji’s future came from a recent liquor license filing, which listed the above address as the new one. As for Zabie’s, the news of its closing came from the still operating website.
“It is with much love we announce that we will permanently close the doors to Zabies on Wednesday, November 25. We have loved being part of the Sunset Park community for the past 25 years. Watching your families grow and evolve and keep coming back has filled our hearts. Thank you for welcoming us and allowing us to be a part of your many special moments both big and ordinary. We wish everyone continued health and happiness as we continue through this pandemic together,” the website states.
The current Shunji Japanese Restaurant location exists inside the original Chili Bowl on Pico Ave, which was recently considered for heritage status with the Land Use Management Committee but that’s been delayed.
According to Eater LA, the ongoing pandemic is what slowed the process down significantly. A dilemma between the owner and the city followed suit, which culminated in the property owner actually suing the city, due to too much time passing without any clear answer. There’s also no word on when Shunji Nakao’s restaurant will be heading to Santa Monica.
