San Francisco’s vibrant dining community was hit with a restaurant closure wave. Multiple renowned restaurants like Oken, Millennium, and Gold Palm have permanently shut down.
5 San Francisco-Area Restaurants That Closed
Five restaurants, including longtime establishments and newer openings, closed in May 2026. Here is the detailed list:
Millennium
A 32-year-old plant-based restaurant on College Avenue in Oakland closed. Millennium Restaurant was founded by executive chef Eric Tucker and Alison Bagby in 1994. It was a long-running vegan staple in the neighborhood.
The menu offered multiple popular vegan items like cauliflower steak, a variety of salads, and coriander and arborio-crusted oyster mushrooms. Although it has closed, the owners plan to return with a new concept.
- Closing date: May 16, 2026
Ristobar
Located in San Francisco’s Marina District, Ristobar closed after 22 years. The restaurant served its final dinner on Memorial Day on May 25.
It was known for its rustic Italian cuisine and craft drinks. Pastry chef Gary Rulli and his wife, Jeannie, owned the restaurant; along with that, the couple also operated the Emporio Rulli bakery, cafe, and wine shop in Larkspur.
- Closing date: May 25, 2026
La Grullensa
La Grullensa, a family-owned Mexican restaurant, closed its doors on May 25. The 35-year-old authentic Mexican restaurant was operated by the Galindo family.
It was located in East San Jose. In the closure post on social media, the restaurant team shared an appreciation note and said, “For over 35 years, this place has been so much more than a restaurant—it has been a home filled with laughter, memories, and the incredible community that all of you helped build.”
- Closing date: May 25, 2026
Gold Palm
Oakland restaurant and bar, Gold Palm, served its final dinner on May 27. The restaurant, founded in 2024, offered classic cocktails and pub fare.
In the closure announcement, the restaurant team cited economic struggles and rising costs as the reason for its sudden closure. Moonglow, the cocktail bar of the restaurant, continues to serve the community.
- Closing date: May 27, 2026
Oken
Oken, on Claremont Ave in Oakland, bid farewell on May 31. The Asian-fusion restaurant shut down after only one year of service. Operated by chef-owner Albert O.K., Oken opened its doors in May 2025.
The menu included Korean-Japanese fusion cuisine, along with Vietnamese influence and modern California-style technique.
“The restaurant industry is tough, and we are not big on making excuses or elaborate sad stories,” cited the restaurant team in the closure announcement post.
- Closing date: May 31, 2026
With these closures, the Bay Area dining scene saw the loss of several long-running and newer restaurants.
