Sushiya, a renowned restaurant on the Sunset Strip that has served as a favored haunt for celebrities and locals for nearly three decades, announced it will close its doors on September 29. The closure marks the end of an era for the West Hollywood dining scene, which has seen a significant number of establishments shut down in recent months.
In a social media announcement, the restaurant stated, "After 28 years as a fixture on Sunset Boulevard, Sushiya will close its doors at the end of September, bringing to a close the last remaining legacy restaurant at Sunset Plaza." The establishment, which first opened in 1998, became known for its late-night service catering to a diverse clientele, including numerous celebrities.
Over the years, Sushiya hosted a notable roster of patrons such as Rihanna, Leonardo DiCaprio, John Travolta, and Stevie Wonder. The restaurant described its closing as the end of a "defining chapter" for the area, noting its consistent presence on Sunset Boulevard despite significant changes to the neighborhood.
The impending closure has elicited disappointment from patrons. "Honestly what is happening," one social media user commented, referencing a trend of increasing business closures in West Hollywood. Another expressed, "Ugh I’m going to miss this SO hard. Beyond love you guys and all the memories at Sushiya." Many praised the establishment for its food, with one fan calling it "The best sushi in LA period!"
Sushiya's closure comes amidst a broader pattern of establishments shutting down along the Sunset Strip and in West Hollywood. Recent closures in the vicinity include Employees Only, The Electric Owl, The Belmont, and Connie & Teds. This trend has led to concerns about the economic viability of businesses in the area.
Data from the city of West Hollywood indicates a challenging environment for businesses. Last year, the vacancy rate for retail spaces stood at 10.3%, with office spaces at 16.3%. Additionally, the city reported a decrease of 300,000 visitors in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, a statistic that affects businesses across various sectors.
One local business owner, Sofi Mamo of A Divine H20, commented on the rising costs impacting small businesses. "A lot of the businesses are struggling to break even because the cost of living is rising and the rent is rising," Mamo stated, noting that her own rent has nearly tripled in two decades. She expressed concern that "every small business, every mom-and-pop, all the small businesses are in danger of extinction."