San Francisco’s Valencia Street Loses Yellow Moto Pizzeria After Three Years

Yellow Moto, a beloved casual Italian pizzeria on San Francisco’s Valencia Street, is closing its doors for good on December 7. Despite their best efforts, the restaurant has been unable to overcome the “significant headwinds” of the past few years, according to a post on their Instagram page. Yellow Moto, which opened nearly three years ago, is the latest casualty in a wave of restaurant closures that have recently plagued the Mission District’s Valencia Street.

The closure follows the departure of several well-loved local eateries, such as Pi Bar, West of Pecos, and Third Culture Bakery. Owner David White, who also co-founded Flour + Water Pizzeria and serves on the Valencia Corridor Merchants Association, cited a troubling 30% drop in business since the summer of 2022. White has mentioned various challenges contributing to the decline, including parking problems, a controversial new two-lane bikeway, and an increase in local drug abuse and vandalism. These issues have made it harder for businesses to operate, leading White to hire private security for the restaurant.

Reflecting on the situation in an interview last year, White expressed frustration and sadness about the shifting dynamics of Valencia Street. While he acknowledged that the area still had much to offer, he also noted that it had become increasingly difficult to remain hopeful for the future.

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