[category]
[title]
After 13 remarkable years of bringing the briny flavors of New England to the heart of Southern California, West Hollywood’s premier seafood destination, Connie & Ted’s, will officially close its doors on July 1, 2026.
View this post on Instagram
Opened in 2013 by Chef Michael Cimarusti (of the three-Michelin-starred Providence) alongside co-owners Donato Poto and Crisi Echiverri, the restaurant served as a casual, heartfelt counterpoint to fine dining. Named after Cimarusti’s grandparents, Constance and Edward Pointon, the eatery was famous for its architectural wave-shaped roof and an unyielding commitment to culinary craftsmanship.
Connie & Ted’s operated on a strict "no shortcuts" philosophy: every baked good, cracker, garnish and sauce was made from scratch in-house—except for the Heinz ketchup, because as Cimarusti famously noted, "Heinz just does it better." From never-frozen Maine lobster rolls to nostalgic clam cakes inspired by his grandmother's hand-written recipe, the restaurant treated seafood with absolute reverence.
Like many mid-tier dining institutions, Connie & Ted’s fell victim to a perfect storm of economic pressures. Cimarusti and Echiverri cited soaring seafood costs alongside West Hollywood’s minimum wage of $20.25—one of the highest in the country. However, the ultimate blow was a prolonged dip in sales, exacerbated by the compounding effects of the pandemic, the 2023 entertainment-industry strikes and the devastating 2025 regional fires that drastically shifted local dining habits.
Ahead of its final service, the restaurant gave its loyal community a chance to say goodbye with a celebratory, one-night-only One Last Cast farewell dinner. The special multi-course event featured Connie & Ted's most beloved favorites. Lucky diners reminisced over dishes like the Tuna Unmelt with tuna tartare, Angels on Horseback and a luxurious Truffled New England Clam Chowder paired with their iconic clam cakes.
While the physical doors on Santa Monica Boulevard are closing, the legacy of Connie & Ted's sustainability, genuine hospitality and unparalleled raw bar will live on in L.A. culinary history. Angelenos have until July 1 to stop by for one last legendary meal.