Wabi on Rose, a sushi restaurant on Rose Avenue in Venice Beach, has closed after six years in business. The restaurant announced the closure Tuesday in a social media post.
“After many wonderful years of serving the community, we are permanently closing our doors,” the restaurant said. “Heartbroken to say goodbye but grateful you were part of our Venice love story.”
The closure appears to have come with little to no notice. A photo posted to Reddit on Tuesday showed a note taped to the restaurant’s door. “It is with a heavy heart we have to announce our closure. To everyone who walked through our doors and brought us joy we thank you,” the note read. The restaurant’s phone number is no longer accepting calls.
Wabi had become known in the neighborhood for its crispy tuna rice and tiger rolls, as well as its trendy pink takeout bags and boxes.
Customers reacted with surprise online. “Absolutely GOBSMACKED. the westside loves you Wabi,” one commenter wrote. Another said, “This is really a huge bummer. I used to love taking people here for good sushi on the west side. Such unique rolls and drinks unlike anywhere else.” A third asked, “When is the last day!?!? Like today?? Omg”
A long run on the Westside
Wabi’s history in Venice stretches back further than its six years on Rose Avenue. The restaurant originally operated on Abbott Kinney Boulevard for 19 years before that location burned down in a fire in December 2018.
In April 2020, Wabi reopened on Rose Avenue, offering takeout and delivery as the pandemic took hold. Its contemporary Japanese menu was led by executive chef Rain Pantana.
Part of a broader trend
Wabi’s closure adds to a string of recent restaurant shutdowns across Los Angeles. Cinque Terre West, an Italian restaurant also located on Rose Avenue, closed in June and relocated to Texas after operating at that spot for only a year, following the destruction of its previous location in the 2025 Palisades fire. VooDoo Doughnut, a Portland-based chain, closed its Venice Beach location in June after just one year in business.
