Crane & Turtle is Closing Its Doors in Late April

Acclaimed Petworth restaurant Crane & Turtle is closing its doors after less than two years in business.

The decision comes because executive chef Makoto Hamamura and pastry chef Katy Kinch, who are married, are relocating to New York. The restaurant considered trying to find a new chef for Crane & Turtle, but ultimately decided against it, a spokeswoman told Eater. "Chef Makoto...is so intertwined in the identity and success of the restaurant that no replacement will do," the restaurant said in a statement. Its last day of business will be Sunday, April 24.

Crane & Turtle's unique blend of Japanese and French cooking was embraced by diners and critics alike. It was nominated for Eater Awards in 2014 and 2015.

The restaurant is located at 828 Upshur Street NW; sister bar Petworth Citizen, located across the street, will remain open. The owners are in the process of brainstorming new concepts for the space once Crane & Turtle closes.

The restaurant plans to treat its final weeks in business as a celebration. "We are proud of the work we have done to create a unique dining experience that combined all of our team’s passions: chef-driven inventive cuisine, engaging service, exceptional wines and beverages, thoughtful design, and most importantly, camaraderie and community," the team said in its statement. "We feel truly honored to have been a part of special moments in our guests’ lives ranging from engagements to birthdays to a memorable night out with dear friends."

The restaurant also expressed gratitude towards both its workers and the Petworth neighborhood. "We would like to especially applaud all of our remarkable staff that has worked so diligently everyday. Crane & Turtle could have never accomplished the high degree of critical acclaim without each and every one of you. We cannot thank Petworth enough for welcoming us with open arms and not only being loyal patrons, but becoming our friends."