Long-standing San Francisco sushi spot, Sushi Zone, has announced its closure on Market Street on July 12, 2025, due to a landlord’s lease non-renewal, with plans to relocate, while a new concept, Dante's Inferno, prepares to open in its former space.

Sushi Zone, a fixture on Market Street for nearly three decades, will close its doors on July 12, 2025, at 1815 Market St in San Francisco. The closure, as stated by the restaurant, is due to the landlord's decision not to renew their lease. In its place, a new rooftop restaurant and bar concept, Dante’s Inferno, from Dante Buckley and The Divine Comedy LLC, is slated to open.

The original "Sushi Zone And Deli" was registered on January 13, 1998, under the ownership of Aoyama Kimiaki, establishing its long-standing presence in the neighborhood. For years, the restaurant, known for its accessible price point and precise sushi, cultivated a loyal following. "After proudly serving the San Francisco community since 1997, Sushi Zone will be closing its doors on July 12," the restaurant announced via Facebook. "This decision comes with a heavy heart, as our landlord has decided not to renew our lease, making us to leave the space we've called home for nearly three decades."

While its absence will be felt, Sushi Zone has indicated intentions to reopen in a new location, with the East Bay mentioned as a possibility. "This isn't goodbye forever — just a pause… We hope to reopen soon in a new space where the Sushi Zone spirit can live on," the restaurant stated, confirming it is "actively looking for a new location."

The property owner of 1815 Market Street, Siamak Akhavan, declined to renew Sushi Zone's lease, paving the way for the new establishment. Dante Buckley, operating through The Divine Comedy LLC, submitted permit applications for Dante's Inferno. The Divine Comedy LLC was registered on July 1, 2023. Further specifics regarding Dante's Inferno's seat count or initial price point are not yet available as the project requires additional planning and construction. This transition underscores the ongoing dynamics in San Francisco's dining scene, where established local favorites can be displaced by new restaurant ventures.