Los Angeles-Based French Bistro & Wine Bar Zinqué Ends Run In San Diego's Little Italy

After five years in business, Los Angeles-based French bistro, café, and wine bar Zinqué has closed its San Diego location in Little Italy.

Originally founded in Los Angeles in 2011 by Marseille native Emmanuel Renaud, Venkataramana Arimilli, and Howard Brady, Zinqué is an all-day French café and bistro that grew to eight locations at its height. The restaurants offer modern and traditional French-inspired dishes for brunch, lunch and dinner, as well as fresh baked breads and pastries.

The 3,000 square-foot San Diego outpost, located at 2155 Kettner Boulevard within the AV8 mixed-use development, opened in September 2019 as Zinqué’s southernmost branch. The restaurant closed quietly without much announcement other than a note on the door. This closure marks the second recent restaurant exit from the AV8 building, with nearby "fine-casual" burger bar Bun & Patti also closing its doors in the past month.

"Dear valued customers, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of this restaurant," reads the notice posted on Zinque's entrance. "We are deeply grateful for your support and patronage over the years. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Merci."

Zinqué Restaurant & Wine Bar continues to operate locations in Venice, West Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Malibu, Century City, and Scottsdale, AZ. For more information, visit lezinque.com.

Originally published on October 27, 2024.