‘Thought we were on a winner’: Popular Japanese restaurant Umaii on Currie St closes its doors

A highly-rated Japanese restaurant in the CBD has been forced to close their doors – with staff only given 24 hours’ notice.

Highly-rated Adelaide restaurant Umaii will shut its doors for the final time after Saturday night’s dinner service.

The acclaimed eatery, located on Currie St in the city, announced the surprising news in an emotional email, with management thanking diners for their continued support.

“It is a very surreal feeling, however, it is one we are seeing occur all too often,” said venue manager Aki Edmonds in an email to customers.

Mr Edmonds told The Advertiser that staff were only notified of Umaii’s impending closure on April 19, just a mere 24 hours before Umaii’s last hurrah.

“It was unforeseeable and as we serve our last guests it is bittersweet,” Mr Edmonds said.

“The restaurant has always been an extension of our home and has let our guests feel a part of our world.

“It is really sad as we thought we were on a winner, and I think our head chef, Chester, had nailed it on the head with the menu.”

Sashimi platter at Umaii Japanese restaurant, Adelaide

Chester Chan, owner/chef at Umaii Japanese restaurant, Adelaide

Interior of dining room at Umaii Japanese restaurant, Adelaide

Earlier this month, Umaii received a glowing review in SA Weekend, with its standard of cooking described as “remarkable” by reviewer Simon Wilkinson.

Mr Edmonds said that the closure is a reflection of the current hospitality climate in Adelaide with several other popular venues also being forced to shut down.

“We are seeing it happen far more frequently and it’s a real shame because Adelaide not only boasts great food and beverages but I think we are also becoming the epicentre of hospitality,” Mr Edmonds said.

The restaurant has also been forced to cancel their Bluefin Tuna Masterclass which was scheduled as part of Tasting Australia.

As the staff complete their last service on Saturday, Mr Edmonds said they will look back on the good times they shared with each other and their patrons.

“This culinary exploration has been wild, fascinating but beautifully inspiring. Thank you for being a part of this journey we will never forget,” he said.