But there are many reasons to be optimistic about the city’s fortunes once the pandemic has eased and life has regained a little more normality.
Plans are still being made to open new venues and businesses, and some have even managed to launch in recent times despite all the upheavals of 2020.
Here are 12 places you can look forward to visiting.
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9. Isabellas
Isabellas, on Alma Street in Kelham Island, will be an Italian-inspired venue - the picture shows its home before its transformation. The owners describe Isabellas as a 'classy coffee bar by day serving breakfast and lunch' and a 'cocktail bar/wine bar/tapas small plates restaurant by night'. Photo: Google
10. The Trading House
The Trading House restaurant and bar - run by the New World Trading Company which also operates The Botanist in Leopold Square - is moving into the podium-style building in Charter Square that is part of the Heart of the City II development, a prime location for the day its opening arrives. Photo: Google
11. Native
Native, on Gibraltar Street close to Kelham Island and opposite Shakespeares pub, will be a restaurant and bar led by Sharrow Vale Road's J.H. Mann fishmongers - seafood will be very much on the seasonal menu when customers can dine in. Photo: Google
12. Banner Hops
Sophie Wood opened speciality bottle shop Banner Hops on Ecclesall Road South the day before the second national lockdown began in England. The shop sells regional drinks including local ales, craft beers, and a selection of gins from Yorkshire and Derbyshire, as well as beers from European countries including Belgium, Germany, Holland and Spain. Photo: Tony Johnson