Italian Restaurant Chain Officina 00 Closes: What Happened?

The hospitality sector in the UK has faced relentless pressure over recent years, with rising costs and changing consumer behaviour forcing many beloved restaurants to shut their doors. Among the most notable closures in 2025 was Officina 00, a London-based Italian restaurant group known for its artisanal pasta and contemporary Italian menu.

By June 2025 all three of its sites in Old Street, Fitzrovia and Covent Garden had permanently closed, much to the disappointment of diners and insiders alike.

What Was Officina 00 Known For in London’s Dining Scene?

Officina 00 had established itself as one of London’s standout experiences for contemporary Italian cuisine. Co‑founded by chef Elia Sebregondi and business partner Enzo Mirto, the brand brought traditional techniques together with a modern dining approach.

The concept centred around freshly made pasta notably using Italian “00” flour, a finely milled type prized for its silky texture and a menu that celebrated both classic and inventive dishes. Diners could watch chefs at work in an open kitchen, and locations were designed to feel lively yet welcoming.

On review sites such as Tripadvisor, Officina 00 had garnered positive feedback, typically scoring well with London diners appreciative of its quality and atmosphere.

When and How Did Officina 00 Announce Its Closure?

In late June 2025 the restaurants closed suddenly, with the announcement shared by the brand on Instagram. In his statement, co‑founder Elia Sebregondi said the decision came after a period of struggling with “many challenges”, despite efforts to keep the business running.

Sebregondi thanked staff and customers for their support, noting that cooking remained his passion even as he reflected on what had happened.

The closure came as part of a broader wave of restaurant closures in London during 2025, affecting venues across many price points and cuisines.

Why Did Officina 00 Shut Down All Locations?

The official statements did not detail specific financial figures, but the language from Sebregondi pointed to operational pressures that the business could not overcome. Given the context of the UK restaurant industry at the time, several broader factors likely played a role:

• High running costs: Restaurants across the UK have reported sharp rises in energy bills, rent and ingredient costs, squeezing margins.
• Declining discretionary spend: Cost‑of‑living constraints have reduced the frequency with which many diners eat out.
• Tight labour markets: Recruitment and staffing shortages have made it harder for hospitality venues to operate efficiently.

While exact figures for Officina 00’s financial performance have not been disclosed publicly, these sector‑wide pressures provide a backdrop to its permanent closure.

How Have Customers and Staff Reacted to the News?

Reaction from regular diners on social platforms was one of sadness and surprise. Fans of the restaurants lamented the sudden loss of all three sites, with many noting they had planned to visit the venues again soon.

Staff responses have been quieter, with few public statements. In his own message, Sebregondi paid tribute to his team’s dedication and thanked the wider community for embracing the food and experience his restaurants offered.

What Does Officina 00’s Closure Say About the UK Hospitality Industry?

Officina 00’s permanent closure represents a broader trend within the UK hospitality landscape. Many independent and smaller dining concepts have struggled in recent years:

• Several respected London venues have also closed in 2025, from casual eateries to fine‑dining restaurants.
• Rising costs, from ingredient prices to business rates and energy, have made sustaining profitability increasingly difficult.

Analysts and industry voices have pointed to a combination of economic headwinds including inflation, wage pressures and insufficient policy support as key contributors to the current environment.

Are Other Italian Restaurants in London Also at Risk?

The closure of Officina 00 is painful but not unique. Other Italian venues and independent restaurants have faced similar fates, including long‑established eateries such as Locanda Locatelli a Michelin‑starred restaurant that closed permanently in early 2025 after more than two decades in London.

This suggests that even well‑recognised names in Italian cuisine have struggled, especially where costs and changing dining patterns converge.

Could Officina 00 Return in the Future?

In his Instagram announcement, Sebregondi spoke of looking to the future with positivity and still pursuing creative culinary endeavours. While there has been no official announcement about reopening or new ventures under the Officina 00 name, the brand’s legacy and the founders’ passion for food could fuel future projects.

This might take the form of pop‑ups, collaborations or new restaurant concepts shaped by lessons learned from the Officina 00 journey.

What Can Diners Learn From the Fall of Officina 00?

The closure underscores several broader lessons for diners and restaurateurs alike:

• Support local restaurants early and often – frequent visits help sustain smaller venues.
• Plan visits sooner rather than later – beloved spots can disappear quickly.
• Understand dining patterns are shifting – delivery, takeaway and hybrid models are increasingly relevant.

It also highlights that a great concept, even one with acclaim and loyal customers, can be vulnerable without a strong buffer to absorb economic shocks.

Conclusion

Officina 00 will be remembered for its inventive Italian cuisine, its warm hospitality and its influence on London’s contemporary dining landscape. While the closure reflects the harsh realities many restaurants face today, it also reminds us of the importance of innovation, community support and resilience in hospitality.

As the industry continues to adapt, diners can honour Officina 00’s legacy by celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship that defined its short but memorable run.

FAQ

Why is the UK hospitality industry struggling in 2025?

Economic pressures such as rising costs for energy, ingredients and staffing have significantly impacted restaurants’ ability to remain profitable.

Was Officina 00 profitable before it closed?

There have been no public disclosures of profitability. The owners cited “many challenges” in operational conditions that led to closure.

Who owns Officina 00?

Officina 00 was co‑founded and led by chef Elia Sebregondi and business partner Enzo Mirto.

Are there similar pasta restaurants to Officina 00 in London?

Yes.  London is home to many Italian kitchens and pasta‑focused eateries, ranging from casual trattorie to high‑end destinations.

Did Officina 00 offer takeaway or delivery before closure?

While some restaurants diversify with takeaway/delivery, there are no widely reported details on Officina 00’s delivery operations before closure.

How did Officina 00 differ from traditional Italian chains?

Officina 00 focused on artisanal pasta made on‑site and a chef‑driven menu, unlike many Italian chain restaurants that offer broader, more standardised menus.

Are restaurant closures increasing across the UK?

Yes, 2025 saw a number of high‑profile and independent restaurant closures across the UK, signalling ongoing challenges for the sector.