Hospitality icon Maurice Terzini says he ignores Bondi Icebergs bad reviews

Hospitality icon Maurice Terzini declares he doesn’t care about any negative reviews as his famous Bondi restaurant Icebergs marks 20 years in business.

On the eve of its 20th birthday, Iceberg’s Dining Room and Bar owner Maurice Terzini has lifted the lid on what it takes to have longevity in the hospitality game - and it involves ignoring critiques.

Terzini, 58, will celebrate the Bondi institution, which has hosted celebrities like Oprah and Leonardo DiCaprio, in December.

To mark the occasion, he’s released a coffee table book that charts the history of the restaurant and its sustained success as one of the best in Sydney.

In the book, the famous restaurateur explains that at a time when people are critiquing venues like never before and expect them to always be perfect, he’s ignoring the criticism.

“The era of the keyboard warrior is dead. I don’t care anymore. In fact, caring about them was diluting the pleasure for the people I do care about,” he writes.

Maurice Terzini has declared the era of the keyboard warrior is dead. Supplied.

“People in a restaurant need to take responsibility too. They need to think while they are out – there is a difference between thinking the meat is a couple of degrees over and ‘I’m sending it back’ – people should think about the ramifications before they ruin the meal for everyone they are sitting with.”

Perched on top of the famous beachside pool, Icebergs Bar and Grill has constantly been one of Sydney’s best restaurants with celebrities like Nigella Lawson declaring it her favourite venue in Sydney.

The iconic restaurant has hosted many events and parties.

The book celebrates the chefs that have worked at the venue, like Karen Martini and Orazio D’Elia and also shares recipes for their famous cocktails, like the No. 8.

However Terzini also believes that while the food and drinks are important, it’s where the venue sits in people’s social lives that motivates him.

Terzini, who founded fashion label Ten Pieces, recently wed jewellery designer Emma Addams at the venue, among the construction, because it’s his “spiritual home.”

Revellers including Sneaky Sounds Connie Mitchell (centre) and Terzini (right) at the famous New Years Day party at Icebergs.

“I think we need to bring back the punk, to take back a little control, to get tougher. We are living creatures and we do sometimes make mistakes … your restaurant becomes a match for your kind of people. Your people will enjoy the humour, the occasional rough edge of imperfection, just as your mates do when they sit at a table with you,” he said.

The restaurant has been closed for months after an extensive million dollar renovation. It was due to open in October, however, will now start service on December 14, exactly 20 years to the day after the first service. It will then also host its famous New Years Day party in 2023.

Icebergs Dining Room and Bar announces book celebrating 20 years and opening date.

Terzini revealed he had planned to step away from the restaurant on its 20th anniversary, however has become reinvigorated by the changes.

“I’ve seen the renovations and I’m more excited. It’s going to change the course of my life,” he said. “When I walked into the new kitchen I realised I can’t leave now.”

Icebergs Dining Room and Bar 2002 – 2022 is available on December 1.