West Hollywood, California — A popular restaurant that became closely associated with West Hollywood’s influencer and dining scene is preparing to close its doors after more than five years in business.
Queen Violet, the Asian fusion restaurant at 8543 Santa Monica Blvd., announced its closure with a sign posted outside the restaurant this week.
“To Our Queen Violet Family,” the message begins. “Thank you for your love and support over the past 5+ years. We’re so grateful to have you with us as we begin our new journey.”
The restaurant confirmed that its last day of business will be August 31, giving regular customers only a short window to return to the venue one more time.
Influencers Say Goodbye to a Photogenic Favorite
Queen Violet developed a devoted following after opening in fall 2021, particularly among influencers and social media personalities.
The restaurant’s heavily decorated entrance and floral-filled patio became recognizable backdrops for photos and social media posts. Its aesthetic helped make the venue about more than just its food, turning the restaurant into a destination for diners looking for an Instagram-worthy experience.
The closure quickly prompted emotional reactions from customers and local personalities.
“So sad. Such a gorgeous venue. Always lovely presentation. Very kind staff. My fav drunken noodles. But def excited to try their new spot,” TV host Kayla Becker, who has more than 600,000 Instagram followers, wrote in response to the news.
For longtime customers, the closure marks the end of a restaurant that became part of the neighborhood’s social scene during its five-plus years.
Why Is Queen Violet Closing?
The exact reason for the closure has not been publicly disclosed.
However, the restaurant’s 2,600-square-foot property had previously been placed on the market. The space was listed for sale in January 2025, with an asking price of $255,000.
The listing included a Type 41 beer-and-wine license and cited monthly rent of approximately $13,000.
The property was promoted as a fully built-out restaurant space with a French colonial-inspired indoor and outdoor design. Its distinctive entrance, wrought-iron details and location were highlighted as major selling points.
The permitted operating hours were listed as 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, potentially allowing a future restaurant or retail business to take over the location.
Chef Sara Thongchoet Built Queen Violet From the Ground Up
Queen Violet was led by chef and owner Sara Thongchoet, whose culinary journey began long before the West Hollywood restaurant opened.
According to the restaurant’s website, Thongchoet began hosting dinners at her apartment in 2010, experimenting with traditional and new recipes while developing a growing community around food.
As those dinners became increasingly popular, she eventually outgrew her home kitchen and brought that passion for hospitality to Queen Violet.
The menu featured a mix of Asian-inspired dishes and trendy favorites, including avocado toast, truffle fries, butterfly pea cocktails and crispy Brussels sprouts.
Restaurant Had Strong LGBTQ+ Community Ties
Queen Violet’s connection to West Hollywood’s LGBTQ+ community was also an important part of its identity.
Located in the Rainbow District, the restaurant openly supported the LGBTQ+ community. Its name carried an additional connection to Thailand, where violet represents the LGBTQ+ community rather than the rainbow.
That connection helped make Queen Violet part of the broader cultural and social fabric of the neighborhood.
Fans Are Directed to the Team’s New Restaurant
Although Queen Violet is closing, its culinary team is encouraging customers to continue supporting its newer venture.
The closing announcement directs fans to BKK TABLE, located at 8101 1/2 Beverly Blvd.
The new restaurant describes itself as offering authentic street-style dishes with bold flavors, designed to give diners a taste of local-style food in Los Angeles.
BKK TABLE is also available for delivery through DoorDash, giving Queen Violet fans another way to continue enjoying the team’s food after the West Hollywood restaurant closes.
For now, customers have until August 31 to visit Queen Violet and experience the floral-filled restaurant before its five-year run officially comes to an end.
Did you ever visit Queen Violet, or do you have a favorite West Hollywood restaurant that you would hate to see close? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
