Nocturne, Sakura Gone After Leases Ended

Two Babylon Village restaurants have shut down after their leases were ended in a surprising move by their landlord.

French bistro Nocturne and Japanese restaurant Sakura both announced their surprise closures late last week with signs on their doors announcing their closure. Nocturne closed on Thursday while Sakura remained open until Sunday before shutting down.

The two restaurants noted that their leases were ended with the building's landlord. The move seemed to be unexpected as Nocturne had recently announced a new summer menu only about a week before the closure.

The building, which features three spaces, also hosts the recent addition Del Fuego, a Tex-Mex eatery. That restaurant appeared to be unaffected by the lease endings.

Nocturne was a recent addition to the village, having only opened in May 2012. The bistro took part in many village events, including Breast Cancer Awareness Month's Drink Pink campaign, and had successful reviews from news outlets such as The New York Times.

Sakura was opened much longer in the village, offering up fresh sushi and other authentic Japanese menu items. The restaurant was one of at least five Asian restaurants in the business district.

There was no immediate word available on what, if any, new businesses were expected to take up the two spaces on Deer Park Avenue.