Five Iconic Eateries That Closed Permanently

Noma, the famed Danish restaurant which has claimed the title of world's top restaurant several times, recently announced that it will shut down to transform itself into "a pioneering test kitchen" dedicated to "food innovation and the development of new flavours." Chef Rene Redzepi's restaurant will close by winter 2024 and reemerge as Noma 3.0, the Copenhagen eatery said on its website. However, not all restaurants are lucky enough to remerge from the ashes. Here's a look at five famous eateries that shut down completely.

The Original McDonald's, California
With more than 37,000 locations globally, it is evident that McDonald's is not going anywhere. However, the first McDonald's drive-in, founded in San Bernardino in 1948, is no longer an eatery. Richard and Maurice McDonald gave up the right to use their family name when they signed a franchise agreement with Ray Kroc in 1961. Albert Okura, a restaurateur, had the original fast food establishment dismantled and converted into a museum in 1971.

Café de Paris, London
Café de Paris, a rare survivor of London's 1920s nightclub boom, featured performances by Louise Brooks, Marlene Dietrich, Dita Von Teese, and countless other cabaret dancers. It is located just off Piccadilly Circus and on the border between Chinatown and Soho. Sadly, it was bombed during World War II but miraculously survived and became a postwar pioneer of the capital's nightlife. However, Café de Paris declared in December 2020 that it was time for its farewell due to the pandemic.

Sergi de Meià, Barcelona
Sergi de Meià, a pioneer of slow cuisine, left Barcelona due to the pandemic with more than just an excellent brick-and-mortar eatery. The hallmark of Catalan cuisine partnered closely with over 30 reliable regional vendors to get the best products. The dishes on the menu skillfully merged the familiarity of grandma's cooking with the inventiveness of a scientist.

Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant, Singapore
Due to the Covid-19 epidemic, the famous Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant on Keppel Road, Singapore,&nbspmade its final turn. After producing dim sum lunches for 43 years, it finally shut its doors. Launched in 1977, the Chinese restaurant served Beijing cuisine and was situated 60 metres above ground on top of cylinder-shaped wheat silos. Executive chef Chan Sung Og, employed at the establishment when it first opened, oversaw the kitchen. Peking Duck and Shredded Scallops With Fish And Egg White were two of its most well-liked meals.

21 Club, New York City
The famous 21 Club in New York City presided over 52nd Street for over a century, transforming a subterranean tavern into one of the most renowned and exclusive restaurants where the city's elite gathered. The eatery, instantly recognised due to a row of cast iron lawn jockey sculptures, represented New York's heritage. The 21 Club closed in December 2020 after having previously held debutante balls, the private wine collections of several U.S. presidents and celebrities, and more.

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