News Summary
Nusr-Et, the famed steakhouse owned by Nusret Gökçe, has closed its Beverly Hills location after four years of operation. This follows the shutdown of its Las Vegas branch earlier in 2025. Known for its luxurious menu items and celebrity appeal, the restaurant was part of Gökçe’s ambitious global expansion plans. Despite initial success, Nusr-Et has faced various controversies and operational challenges, with only two locations still running in the U.S. as Gökçe looks toward future openings in international markets.
Beverly Hills – Nusr-Et, the popular steakhouse owned by Nusret Gökçe, known as Salt Bae, has closed its Beverly Hills location as of June 4, 2025. The restaurant, which opened its doors in 2021, operated for four years before shutting down, amid global expansion plans for the brand.
Prior to the closure in Beverly Hills, the Las Vegas location of Nusr-Et had already shut down in early 2025, although plans are in place for it to reopen elsewhere in the city. This marks a significant moment for Gökçe’s restaurant chain, which has rapidly expanded since its inception.
Salt Bae rose to notoriety in 2017 when a viral video showcased his flamboyant method of slicing steak and theatrically sprinkling salt. His iconic look, featuring tight white T-shirts and tiny sunglasses, quickly became a symbol of his brand’s luxury dining experience.
Menu Highlights and Unique Offerings
Nusr-Et’s Beverly Hills menu featured a selection of upscale items, including the must-try mustard-marinated Amor steak, the decadent wagyu Woww steak, and the signature tomahawk steak. Additionally, diners could indulge in a Golden Experience menu, which included extravagant options such as a 24-carat gold-coated tomahawk steak priced at $950 and a four-pound wagyu New York strip steak that cost $2,000. Unique creations like meat sushi, served atop sushi rice with Parmigiano, added to the restaurant’s intriguing culinary offerings.
Controversies and Operational Challenges
Despite its initial appeal, Salt Bae’s restaurant chain has encountered several controversies over the years. In 2019, the brand faced accusations of tip-skimming, which stirred up concerns among staff members. Additionally, a 2021 lawsuit concerning employee misclassification was dismissed, but it further fueled discussions around the restaurant’s business practices. Gökçe himself faced criticism in 2023 when he was banned from the U.S. Open Cup for kissing the World Cup trophy.
The Beverly Hills location, marked by an extravagant opening that attracted several celebrities, including Jason Statham, did not achieve the same level of excitement or public interest as some of Salt Bae’s previous restaurant openings. The establishment also faced backlash regarding adherence to health protocols, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which raised questions about safety measures in place.
Current Status and Future Plans
As of June 2025, only two Nusr-Et locations remain operational in the United States: in Miami and New York City. Despite the closures, Gökçe has ambitious international expansion plans in the works, with new locations slated to open in Mexico City, Rome, and Ibiza.
Nusr-Et emerged in 2010 when Gökçe opened his first restaurant, targeting a limited audience. The brand’s success skyrocketed following his viral fame, leading to a global expansion that included the opening of the Beverly Hills location after an initially planned site in the Arts District was scrapped.
The continued evolution of Nusr-Et reflects the highs and lows of the restaurant industry, where celebrity chefs can cultivate strong brand identities but also face challenges in maintaining operational success. Salt Bae remains a notable figure in culinary pop culture, though the future of his brand will depend on the reception of new locations and ongoing public interest.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Eater: Salt Bae’s Nusr-Et Steakhouse Beverly Hills Closing
- Jerusalem Post: Viral Chef Salt Bae to Open New Branch in Beverly Hills
- The Takeout: Salt Bae Opens Nusr-Et Steakhouse in Beverly Hills
- Hispanatolia: Bad Times for Turkish Chef Salt Bae, He’s Closed His Restaurant in New York
- Los Angeles Magazine: Salt Bae in Los Angeles
- Wikipedia: Nusret Gökçe
