Famous Sydney restaurant closed after manager hit with child sex offences

The manager of a Sydney dining institution has been charged with child sexual abuse, forcing the establishment’s sudden and unexplained closure.

Cafe Nino on Ocean Street, Woollahra, remains closed. Picture: John Appleyard

The manager of a Sydney dining institution has been charged with child sexual abuse, forcing the establishment’s sudden and unexplained closure.

Restaurateur Claudio Simonella, 54, from Cafe Nino in Woollahra, is accused of intentionally sexually touching a young girl and assaulting her.

The much-loved eastern suburbs restaurant Simonella and his family has run for decades has been shut for weeks, with no explanation besides a phone message saying “unfortunately we are closed until further notice”.

But The Daily Telegraph can reveal that officers attached to State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad commenced an investigation into the alleged abuse of a young girl, late last year.

Cafe Nino in Ocean Street, Woollahra, is ‘closed indefinitely’ after the manager Claudio Simonella, 54, was charged with child sexual abuse. Picture: John Appleyard

A NSW Police spokesperson said that following extensive inquiries, Simonella was arrested at a home in Woollahra in January.

He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with six counts of intentionally sexually touch a child, and two counts of common assault.

Simonella was granted conditional bail and is due to face court again in May.

A relative on Tuesday said Simonella had no comment to make about the allegations, and added that he “doesn’t want any media”.

Cafe Nino in Woollahra manager Claudio Simonella is due to face court in May, 2024. Picture: Facebook

Cafe Nino has long been a go-to dining venue for both locals and celebrities who enjoy the low-key but intimate atmosphere.

“In the restaurant business, dining fads come and go but tradition will always win out in the end. Our tradition stems from the family recipes perfected over generations that we now proudly serve to you, your family, and friends,” the restaurant’s website read.

Online reviews of the business make mention of Simonella serving the tables while his parents and wife – who are not accused of any wrongdoing – were often seen helping out behind the scenes and in the kitchen.

“A Sydney institution run by a true Italian family,” a review said.

In 2021, Cafe Nino was named among the top restaurants in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

“Cafe Nino is the sort of restaurant everyone wishes was just around the corner. Café Nino is described by their loyal regulars as a “gem of a restaurant”. Serving simple, rustic Italian with their lobster pasta one of their most popular dishes,” one review said.

A staff member at a bottle shop next door to the restaurant said there had been a lot of customers turning up for dinner over the past few weeks, only to discover the closed door.

“I don’t think it will open for at least another 12-months,” the staff member said.

In 2021, Simonella was one of several business owners along Ocean St to oppose a funeral home opening along the strip.

Simonella objected to the proposal, saying it was “completely out of keeping” with the area to introduce a funeral business. He said it would have a “devastating impact” on his restaurant.

In an objection lodged with Woollahra Council, Simonella said there were already parking issues in the area, without “adding hearses”.

However, the council ruled in favour of the funeral business which opened in 2022.

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]