There were so many ambitious, impressive restaurant debuts this fall that it’s safe to say San Francisco’s dining scene has largely recovered its mojo. But that momentum notwithstanding, 2025 was studded with closures large and small, including 50-year North Beach staple Mona Lisa, the Mission’s El Nuevo Frutilandia, and heavy hitters Luce and Osito.
Not all closures are permanent, however. Red Bay Coffee was forced out of its Ferry Building outpost only to open another stand in the marketplace a month later. Elmer Mejicanos’ low-ABV cocktail bar Lilah re-concepted into a Jewish-Mexican spot called Super Mensch. The 115-year-old Chinatown favorite Sam Wo came back to life. And while we await the fate of Anchor Brewing and the Cliff House, 2026 may bring more good news, like the return of Castagnola’s or downtown’s “most beautiful restaurant,” Jack’s…