It’s official:Â Â Prado Restaurant, at 244 N. Larchmont, is closing. Owner Chef Javier Prado told the Buzz that after 28 years on Larchmont, Saturday, November 24 would be the last day of service.
We’ve heard from many readers saddened to hear the news of the closing, and so has Prado. He told us the restaurant is mostly booked between now and the 24th, but he is still accepting reservations, so people are welcome to try to come by. But don’t be upset if you get turned away in these final days.
While gratifying to see the outpouring of support, Prado said he wished more people would have come to the restaurant earlier. Prado said the building’s owner has been steadily increasing the rent, with shorter and shorter leases, which has put more pressure on the restaurant to cover its costs. With the most recent rent increase notice, Prado said, the landlord offered an out, so Prado decided to close down. Prado said he is still going to keep the catering business going…and after a short break, he may even re-open in the neighborhood if he can find a spot where he can afford the rent.
Prado Restaurant has been part of the neighborhood for decades because Prado knows what he is doing. He told us that most restaurants close with the first year, but Prado is from a successful restaurant family. His family also owned Cha Cha Cha, and his brother has been running the kitchen at The Ivy for decades. At one point, Prado told us, 13 of his 14 siblings worked in the kitchen at the Ivy. And his sister’s sons operate Pinches Tacos in Culver City (it also operated on Larchmont for several years).
Prado said he would keep up posted on what comes next. In the meantime, stop by if you can before they close on Saturday. We wish them well and hope to see them back in the nearby neighborhood soon.
