What is actually happening on Alexandra Road right now?
In just two weeks, we’ve seen three major pillars of the Richmond food scene crumble. First, it was the fine-dining favorite Little Karp, then the retirement of the legendary Seto Japanese Restaurant, and now, the heavy hitter has fallen: Manzo Izakaya closed for good on March 12, 2026.
Three closures in fourteen days on a single street. At this point, we have to ask: is Eat Street cursed, or is the “new era” of Richmond dining just that brutal?
A 26-Year Legacy
Manzo wasn’t just a place to grab a snack; it was a Richmond institution. They posted a heartfelt goodbye notice on their door and website, thanking the community for “26 beautiful years” of laughter and friendships. For over two decades, they were the go-to spot for modern Japanese cuisine and those famous robata skewers.
The Journey Continues (At a Different Spot)
The good news is that the “Manzo craftsmanship” isn’t disappearing entirely. While the Alexandra Road location is gone, the team is shifting all their energy to their sister restaurant, Manzo Itamae (located over on Capstan Way).
They’re even launching new weekly specials and chef-driven creations to mark the transition. So, if you’re craving that specific Manzo vibe, you’ll just have to drive a few minutes further north to continue the journey. You can check out their sister location and menu here.
The “Eat Street” Shakeup
It’s honestly getting a little spooky walking down Alexandra Road lately. Seeing three “Closed” signs on the same block in such a short window feels like the end of an era for Richmond’s most famous food street. Whether it’s rising rents, retirement, or just a change in the wind, the landscape is shifting faster than we can keep up with.
Have you guys been to the sister location, Manzo Itamae, yet? Does it hit the same as the original Alexandra spot, or is the OG vibe irreplaceable?
