Wabi on Rose to Close Permanently in Santa Monica

The popular dining destination at 512 Rose Avenue will serve its final meals on October 24, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Dining Out

Gouache-painted illustration of a minimalist wooden outdoor dining patio under warm light, evoking the closing of a local community venue. — Wabi on Rose, a notable Santa Monica restaurant on Rose Avenue, will permanently close its doors on October 24, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Wabi on Rose, located at 512 Rose Avenue, is set to close permanently on October 24, 2026. The restaurant has been a fixture in Santa Monica since its opening in 2020.

Why it matters

The closure marks the end of a culinary project led by Sam Marshall and Tricia Small, who established the brand following the loss of their previous venue. It represents a significant change for the local Rose Avenue dining scene.

Wabi on Rose is located at 512 Rose Avenue in Santa Monica. The restaurant officially opened in 2020 after the owners' previous establishment, Wabi Sabi, was destroyed by fire in 2018.

The players

Sam Marshall

Sam Marshall is a co-owner of the restaurant who previously operated the Wabi Sabi location in Venice.

Tricia Small

Tricia Small is a co-owner who collaborated on the development of the Wabi Sabi brand and the subsequent Wabi on Rose location.

The details

The restaurant was founded by Sam Marshall and Tricia Small, who gained recognition for creating expansive outdoor dining spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. This site served as a successor to their earlier concept, Wabi Sabi, which was formerly located at 1635-1637 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice.

2018: The original restaurant Wabi Sabi burned down.
2020: Wabi on Rose opened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
October 24, 2026: Wabi on Rose closes permanently.

Culture Shift

The closure of Wabi on Rose follows a pattern set by the 2018 destruction of the Wabi Sabi restaurant. This transition reflects the volatility often experienced by independent dining concepts as they navigate shifts in local real estate and consumer preferences.

Patrons planning to visit the restaurant must complete their dining before the final service on October 24, 2026. After this date, the location at 512 Rose Avenue will no longer be available for reservations or walk-in service.

The takeaway

The end of Wabi on Rose serves as a reminder for diners to support local establishments while they are active. Residents are encouraged to check alternative dining options in the area to replace their frequented spots.