Since the first spark on January 7th, 2025, the Palisades and Eaton Fire has caused unprecedented loss and destruction across California. The high winds, intense drought, and hot temperatures created a deadly combination that has razed almost 40,000 acres.
Known for unique and creative eateries, Los Angeles is admired worldwide as a cultural hub for all things food related. The fires leveled countless irreplaceable restaurants that regularly feed locals, celebrities, and tourists alike. These are just a few of the beloved spots that perished in the fires.
(featured image via Kit Leong/Adobe Stock)
Moonshadows
Located right on the beach in Malibu, Moonshadows served customers for nearly 40 years before the Palisades Fire burned it down on January 8th. Before their tragic end, Moonshadows served mouthwatering, world-class seafood with stunning ocean views.
The restaurant shared on the website: “While the flames took our walls, they can never take the memories, laughter, and love shared within them.”
Cholada Thai
Down the road from the beloved Moonshadows was Cholada Thai, a cozy beach shack eatery that offered traditional Thai cuisine.
The owners, a husband-and-wife chef duo, stated: “It has been a true pleasure to create food and memories for the community for over two decades.” As of January 31st, the restaurant has raised $131k of its $150k GoFundMe goal to rebuild.
Reel Inn Malibu
Another beach-side favorite, Reel Inn, was part of the Malibu community for 36 years before the fires began. It was within walking distance from the Santa Monica Boardwalk and had a plethora of quirky decor, funny signage, and colorful Christmas lights.
Before the Reel Inn existed, a Greek fishing family established the location a century earlier. It’s just one of countless historical and meaningful buildings lost to the fires.
The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop
In 1972, Rena Shay broke through the mold when she bought The Little Red Hen and became a black female business owner in Altadena, California. Over 50 years later, this beloved historical restaurant was lost to the Eaton Fire.
The diner-style eatery served southern-style soul food that was well-loved by the community.
Side Pie
Owner Kevin Hockin transformed Side Pie into an Altadena community staple using a former loading dock, a massive wood-fired oven, and psychedelic branding that would make any Instagram feed look cooler.
Started during the pandemic, Side Pie only had a few years of serving delicious pizza and hosting courtyard concerts before the neighborhood went up in smoke.
Fox’s Restaurant
Fox’s Restaurant had been open since 1955, offering classic diner cuisine in an iconic red brick building.
Now, all that stands is the restaurant’s fox mascot sign guarding the ruins of a once-beloved community staple. The owners, Paul and Monique, intend to rebuild what was lost.
Amara Kitchen
Founded in 2013, Amara Kitchen prides itself on offering healthy, feel-good eats. Its Altadena location featured a bright white, cafe-style interior juxtaposed with colorful and creative dishes.
The restaurant is now down to one location in Highland Park, where the owners, via Instagram, state they are “eager to serve food made with love and hope.”
