As we approach the end of 2025, we kick off our Year-in-Review series, starting with some unfortunate news (but don't worry, brighter stories will follow) as we reflect on various places and businesses in Beijing that have closed down.
**The Rug Sanlitun and Wangfujing**
In January, both the Sanlitun Courtyard No. 4 and Wangfujing locations of The Rug, a well-established dining venue in Beijing, closed their doors. Fortunately, the Chaoyang Park branch remains open, offering a selection of all-day brunch items, Western dishes, and their popular Mapo Tofu Pizza.
**The Rug Chaoyang Park**
Bldg 4, Lishui Jiayuan, Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District
Hours: Sun-Thu, 10am-8pm; Fri-Sat, 10am-9pm
Phone: 010 6325 7152
**La Pizza Shangdu SOHO**
La Pizza shut down its Shangdu SOHO location, which has been replaced by the Italian restaurant SÌPASTA, relocating from Grand Summit. The Solana branch of La Pizza is still operational, offering its signature Neapolitan-style pizzas, pasta, and other Italian specialties.
**La Pizza Solana**
SA-48, Bldg 3, Solana Mall, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District
Hours: 11am-10pm
Phone: 010 5905 6106
**Jing-A Hopson One**
This year, Jing-A closed its Hopson One branch in February, citing lease expiration in an official WeChat post. There are rumors of the Xingfucun branch closing at the end of this year, although no official statement has been made. Despite this, Jing-A maintains several locations in the city and recently opened a new Jing-A Brewing Hub in Zhongjun World City within the CBD.
**Aotu Space**
After more than a decade in Beijing, Aotu Space closed on March 30. Owner Ray Wu mentioned the lease expiration and the decision not to renew it. In June, Wu indicated they were searching for a new location, but there have been no updates regarding that yet.
**Mosto**
In late August, Mosto announced its closure after 18 years in the capital. Established in 2008 by longtime expat Eva Biörck, her husband Molina, and chef Daniel Urdaneta, Mosto became a mainstay in Beijing's food and beverage scene. The former location in Mix Island has now been taken over by Nesto, another Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from the creators of Bistro 108.
**Circle Urban Sanyuanqiao**
In July, Circle Urban closed its flagship Sanyuanqiao store and relocated to ONSITEEE on Xinghuo Xilu. Owner Yan Long stated that the move would enable them to expand their barbecue offerings and facilitate further expansion plans. The Circle Urban locations in the CBD and Haidian, Circle Burger and Circle Taproom, respectively, remain operational.
**ONSITEEE**
106-108 1/F, East Side Courtyard, 16 Nanshiliju, Xinghuo Xilu, Chaoyang District
Hours: Sun-Thu, 11am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 11am-1am
Phone: 178 0139 0601
**TRIBE Nutrition**
In October, TRIBE Nutrition announced the closure of its physical store in Solana, along with its delivery services. Their closure announcement on WeChat mentioned that it was a tough decision, indicating a potential for future reopening.
**CHEERS Sanyuanqiao**
At the end of October, CHEERS closed its Sanyuanqiao location, which had been in operation for a decade. Co-owner Claudia Masüger stated in the announcement that they are exploring new opportunities for a new home and will keep customers updated once a new location is secured. Other CHEERS locations remain open for business.
**Migas Mercado**
Migas Mercado was perhaps the most surprising closure of the year, announcing its shutdown on November 11 after 15 years in Beijing. They cited "rising costs forced our hand" as the cause. Known for their exquisite Spanish and Mediterranean dishes, created by head chef Miguel Zapata, they were equally popular for their lively DJ nights and large terrace parties.
**Bollywood Tales**
The latest closure is Bollywood Tales, part of Dastaan, which announced it would shut down on December 13. Owner Rabiul Baksh cited a drop in customer traffic in recent months as the reason for the closure. However, three other Dastaan branches—Dastaan, Rabiul's Kitchen, and Mumbai Impression—remain open for
As 2025 draws to a close, we kick off our Year-in-Review series for 2025.
