Mai's Restaurant Closed in San Francisco

The long-running Richmond District establishment shuttered after 47 years of service.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Dining Out

Gouache-painted editorial illustration showing the architectural facade of a classic San Francisco storefront, evoking the nostalgia of a long-standing local business. — Mai’s Restaurant in San Francisco’s Richmond District has closed permanently after 47 years of service, marking the end of a long-standing neighborhood tradition. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Mai's Restaurant at 316 Clement St. has closed permanently. The beloved local staple ceased operations on October 1, 2026.

Why it matters

The closure marks the end of a multi-decade run for a neighborhood dining fixture. Its departure removes a long-standing culinary presence from the local Richmond District community.

Located at 316 Clement St., the restaurant served the Richmond District for 47 years. It originally opened in 1979 and underwent a temporary closure in December 2025 for owner surgery.

The players

Mai's Restaurant

A long-standing dining establishment that operated in San Francisco's Richmond District for 47 years.

The details

The permanent closure was confirmed through a prerecorded message on the restaurant's phone line and an announcement shared on Nextdoor. This ends a tenure that spanned nearly five decades at its Clement Street location.

Mai's Restaurant opened its doors in 1979.
The restaurant temporarily closed in December 2025 for owner knee replacement surgery.
The business served its final meal on October 1, 2026.

Culture Shift

The closing of this 47-year-old restaurant follows the broader pattern of long-term local business closures in San Francisco. It highlights the shifting landscape of heritage dining spots in the city's established neighborhoods.

Residents of the Richmond District will need to find alternative dining options for the specific cuisine previously offered at 316 Clement St. The closure removes a long-time fixture from the neighborhood's daily rotation of food establishments.

The takeaway

The end of a multi-generational local business often signals a change in the character of a neighborhood street. Residents who frequented long-running establishments can look for similar community-focused businesses to support as the local dining scene evolves.