A pair of once popular eateries have both closed after relatively short runs on Wilshire and Main Street.
On Wilshire, Osteria Del Fornaio has closed after about two years of operation. Over on Main Street, Isla has announced its pending closure after about 18 months in business.
Osteria Del Fornaio opened in April of 2022 after more than two-years of construction on its space at 4th and Wilshire. The Italian restaurant was met with good reviews and occupied a prominent space in the new office building. While diners were giving the restaurant 5-stars as recently as August 4, by the next week others were saying the doors were closed and calls unreturned.
As of Sept. 4, the location is being renovated and according to toddrickallen.com, a new tenant is already preparing to move into the space.
Over on Main Street, another once feted project will close at the end of the month.
Isla started out as a celebrated seafood pop-up restaurant alternating between two Santa Monica sites but found a home in the former Little Prince building sandwiched between two already popular eateries, Augie’s on Main and the Jinya Ramen Bar.
Isla was the second successful collaboration between chef Brian Bornemann and designer Leena Culhane, the duo that created Crudo e Nudo, another post-pandemic pop-up turned permanent restaurant just down the street.
However, the eatery will close on Sept. 21.
In a social media post, the owners cited economic factors affecting the restaurant and larger industry.
"While we are saddened to announce the closure of Isla, we are incredibly grateful for the support and loyalty of our community during the time we’ve been here," they said. "It has been a privilege to give our best to you and to be a part of so many special moments in your lives. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredibly dedicated staff, wonderful purveyors, and the beloved guests who supported us and made Isla such a special place."
They said the restaurant will offer its full menu through closure and will have a final Isla Noches DJ on Sept. 6 with Ned Benson.
"As sad as we are to be closing, we couldn’t think of a more perfect person to play us out. Ned and his partner (and @lorenzarose winemaker) Michèle have been incredibly supportive of me and Brian, as well as all three restaurants we opened since 2021. They are inspiring creatives, super foodies, and beloved friends," they said. "Our hi-fi system has basically run round the clock since it was installed, and that too, is Ned’s doing. Music is such an integral part of giving a space a sense of place, and we’re super grateful to have someone who shares that love and belief to spin Isla’s swan songs. If you’re gonna go out, go out dancing. See you Friday!"
