Tracking the loss of new and old restaurants in San Diego
In the current dining landscape, San Diego restaurants face challenges like the rising cost of goods, labor shortages, and evolving customer expectations. Everything from longtime city institutions to newer places unable to find their footing can succumb to a combination of obstacles, although San Diego restaurateurs and chefs remain resilient — just check out Eater’s hot new restaurants map for proof. This column keeps track of all the closures you may have missed.
Del Mar— Cucina Enoteca closed its doors in mid-March after nearly 12 years in the Flower Hill Promenade. In a statement shared with Eater, Urban Kitchen Group owner Tracy Borkum attributed the closure to “substantially increased property taxes.” The hospitality group’s other restaurants, including Cucina Urbana, Artifact and Craft Café at Mingei Museum, The Kitchen at MCASD, Gold Finch, and Morena Provisions, remain open while Cucina Enoteca searches for a new location in North County.
Carmel Valley— Taiwanese shaved ice dessert shop Icekimo shuttered its location in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center. “It was a great location, but the operating expenses were too high. Such a tough time for many businesses,” says owner Robert Yang. Icekimo also shuttered its Eastlake outpost. The flagship location in the Convoy District remains open. In April, a new Icekimo food truck will be available for booking via Instagram…