Joe's, BOMBANA, 3 Little Pigs & Tiago: Notable Venue Closures
Coming right on the heels of Sanlitun luxury hotel The Opposite House announcing their impending closure this June, Michelin star winning Italian fine dining restaurant Opera BOMBANA has announced its closure as well, effective this Sunday, Apr 14.
It isn’t just Opposite House and Opera BOMBANA that have thrown in the towel this year, though. Six other notable venues – some of which are near and dear to us here at the Beijinger – have shut as we head into the spring of 2024.
Joe’s Pizza
There was a lot of excitement when New York-style pizza joint Joe’s was set to open in 2022. Having already made a name for itself in Shanghai, the restaurant – which was born in New York way back in 1975 – was ready to bring proper New York pizza-by-the-slice to Beijing’s CBD.
Joe’s opening at Zhongjun World City was big, so big in fact that they went on to be named Beijing’s best pizza in our 2023 Cheesy Pizza Cup. The restaurant also struck up a friendship with Slowboat, doing a number of collabs with the brewery in 2023.
Sadly, Joe’s days in Beijing were numbered. Suspicions started to arise when photos from the restaurant began to disappear, with Joe’s telling patrons they were merely closing for renovations or moving to a new location. After months of waiting, it seems the worst has come to pass: Joe’s has left Beijing citing a volatile market. While their Shanghai branches will remain open for the time being, the pies won’t be slung up north any longer.
Opera BOMBANA
Opening in the lavish Parkview Green Mall in 2013, Opera BOMBANA was Michelin three-star winning chef Umberto Bombana’s foray into the capital, following the success of his 8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana establishments in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Although a meal at Opera came with a hefty price tag – over RMB 3,000 for a bite – it swooned Beijing foodies for its impeccable food and service, with their Panettone being a favorite come Christmastime. This fame soon propelled Opera onto the Michelin star list for Beijing, keeping a Michelin one-star title from 2022 until now.
Sadly, word of the restaurant’s closure came suddenly, first with a one-star review on Dianping complaining of closed doors, next with their Dianping page shutting, and finally with an official announcement on Apr 11. Members of our Beijinger foodies group speculated the closure comes after months of slow business, with videos showing Parkview Green to be particularly empty as of late. Top it off with people spending less on non-essentials recently, and you’ve got a recipe for an end.
3 Little Pigs
Hidden down a nondescript hutong near Zhangzizhonglu, 3 Little Pigs by Andy’s Craft Sausages was the place to go for fantastic Reubens, pulled pork, and of course, expertly made burgers.
The small shop was opened in 2018 by American expat Andy Horowitz following the closure of his popular Andy’s Craft Sausages stand in Yashow. Since its opening, 3 Little Pigs became a mainstay of our annual Burger Cup, and there was always a wait to get in on nights and weekends for those burgers and sandwiches.
Even though Covid didn’t spell the end for 3 Little Pigs, with the restaurant running in spite of Horowitz’s absence, the restaurant suddenly shuttered last month. It’s been about a month and there’s no word on whether it’ll rise from the ashes again, but we’ll have to see.
Tiago
When Tiago first opened their doors in Indigo Mall back in 2015, the first thing that caught our editor’s eye was the fact they showcased all the ingredients they used on their walls for all to see. This, coupled with excellently prepared Italian fare and espresso that had customers swearing off Starbucks, ensured their rising popularity.
A few years – and a few expansions – later, and Tiago disappeared almost overnight in March. A quick search on Dianping returns no results for the restaurant and all its branches. Rumors have circulated that the sudden closure is due to poor performance following Covid.
Keaami by Tiago
An offshoot of Tiago that has also disappeared from Dianping is Keaami. Turning away from Italian, Keaami instead focused on Thai cuisine, and to great success, with the restaurant earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2023. If the rumors about Tiago are anything to go by, it’s safe to assume this closure was due to poor performance following Covid.
TacoGo
Shaking up Beijing’s taco scene when it first opened in 2021 on the top floor of 3.3 Shopping Center in Sanlitun, TacoGo turned heads with their taco truck-inspired restaurant design and grilled meats inside grill-blackened tacos filled with melted cheese. Also the first in the city to champion quesabirria, TacoGo kept it simple to the max. Sadly, despite a seemingly successful expansion, they quietly disappeared from delivery apps and Dianping as of last month, with no word on where they went or if they’ll return.
BBB
Also known as Baby Boom Bar, BBB shook up the city’s nightlife for the few years it saw life from its home in Fangjia Hutong, hosting massive events and regular collabs with nearby bars and other underground clubs. Sadly, the weight of constant Covid restrictions – especially for bars and restaurants – seems to have done them in, with BBB having their last hurrah a few months back.
READ: Sanlitun Hotel & Dining Spot Opposite House to Close This June
Images: The Beijingers, Dianping, courtesy of the venues
