If you’ve ever driven along Westlake Avenue, heading north or south along Lake Union, you’ve noticed China Harbor. Its towering shiny black facade and circular gold door frame — which my kid once mistook for a cruise ship — has been a landmark since it opened in 1994, offering what it called the “tastiest view of Seattle.”

The family-owned Chinese restaurant, which changed hands in 2019, shared in a Facebook post that it is closing: “Five years ago, with a deep love for the restaurant industry, a passion for sharing traditional Chinese cuisine, and confidence in the Seattle community and economy, we took over the historic China Harbor Restaurant.” 

Despite hosting more than 400 private events — weddings, political rallies, and family gatherings — and serving more than 500 guests on their busiest days, the new owners faced significant challenges. These included the pandemic, labor shortages, inflation, and structural issues that temporarily closed the building in 2021. “This decision was not made lightly and comes with heavy hearts, but we believe it is the right choice at this time,” they wrote.

The owners expressed deep gratitude to customers and staff for the countless memories created over the years. The fate of the lakefront space and banquet room remains unknown.