Beloved Michelin-Star Restaurant Closes Due To Rent Issue

A popular Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco is preparing to close its doors for good this weekend.

Osito, which earned its one Michelin star in December 2022 after opening a little more than a year prior, will serve its final meal on Sunday, chef and owner Seth Stowaway told The San Francisco Standard.

While Stowaway says the restaurant remained "very busy," its monthly rent of $15,000 became too expensive.

"Our landlord just wasn’t interested in making it work. They feel that the space is worth what it’s worth,” Stowaway said.

Offering "All live fire, coastal California dining" and "Bringing #firetotable cooking to the Mission" according to its Instagram profile, Osito began with a single tasting menu before expanding to four-course and a la carte options.

“We are proud of the restaurant that we created and grew from the ground up in 2021,” Stowaway said in a statement to KRON4. “Less than a year after opening, Osito won our first Michelin star and since day one, we’ve been proud of the food and service that we were able to provide our guests. While the restaurant had seen many iterations throughout the years, this was a great restaurant. 

"I am full of joy that we are closing our doors at a time where we are busy and serving things we are super proud of. Unfortunately, the economy in San Francisco does not always make it sustainable for restaurants and for that reason, we must close our doors. I’m sure you’ll hear more from us in the future.”

This Sunday, Osito will serve Mother's Day brunch to conclude its service, offering a menu of grilled pork loin with creamed collard greens, johnny cakes with roasted cherries and fermented honey, smoked corn cake and more.

Just three weeks ago, Osito had announced it was bringing its brunch menu back for the spring and summer, but obviously plans have changed.