You leave town for a few days and the entire restaurant scene changes I came home to discover that the Fort Lauderdale landmark riverfront restaurant, The Downtowner and its next-door venue, Maxwell Room, will close on Sunday, Oct. 6 after 30 years.

Then, on Sept. 15, Nino’s of Boca Raton dished up its last plate of pasta after 42 years of serving the neighborhood. The sudden closure stunned locals and regulars. Since Spring it seems that the closings have outpaced the openings of new eateries. Since March we’ve seen the demise of La Bonne Crepe, Sushi Garage, Cuba Libre, Val+tino and Asbury Ale House. But as season approaches, things are looking up. Here are some places that have recently opened or should be opening soon.

Holy Avocado, founded by Costa Rican native Karla Ibarra, who says she decided to focus on an avocado-centric recovery diet because of all the health benefits ascribed to the fruit after caring for her mother during her cancer treatment. “Avocados truly are a superfood and a superfruit. Not only are they full of minerals, nutrients and healthy fats, but they also improve digestion, improve sleep quality, promote heart health and more,” Ibarra says. In addition to her location on Las Olas, Ibarra plans to open another location at 1520 N. Federal this fall. For more information go to holyavocadousa.com.

A new restaurant and music bar, facing Tunnel Top Park is coming from owner Christophe Bellone. Elba is named after the famous Tuscan Island where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled. It will feature Mediterranean cuisine and will be located at 600 SE 2nd Ct., Fort Lauderdale. There’s no menu on the website, ElbaLasOlas.com.

Oakland Park gets a jolt of New York City glamour with Bondi Sushi, part of a chain that will open at Oaklyn, a new high-rise tower at 3333 N. Federal. The dining room will be distinguished by a Japanese-style cocktail bar and a sweet shop, which will serve Japanese ice cream, rice-cake desserts, sodas and candy. Bondi also operates a Miami Beach outpost. For more info go to BondiSushi.com.

Expected to open in Dec., Embarcadero 41, also called E41, is the creation of the Peruvian-born Vidal family, who have created a boutique eatery serving a fusion menu of Peruvian and Nikkei cuisine. The family already has three other locations in Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, and Boca Raton, and plans to expand to 350 SE 2nd St. in Fort Lauderdale. The menu includes ceviche and tiraditos; hot and cold appetizers, rice and risottos, pastas, makis and chef’s specials. The new location will have a full indoor-outdoor bar and an exclusive wine list. The new E41 will have three areas: a dining room, lounge bar and terrace. For more information go to embarcadero41.us.

Delray Beach is about to have a second Death By Pizza at 15065 S. State Road 7. As if the yummy Detroit-style pies weren’t enough to tempt you. The menu also features Philly cheesesteak eggs rolls, chicken wings, and desserts such as crushed Oreo mud pie. For more information, go to DeathByPizzaDelray.com.