Sydney restaurants that closed down in 2024

The Harbour City has had to farewell a number of top restaurants after another tough year for the hospitality industry. Here are some of the Sydney venues that closed down in 2024.

Club Rose Bay closed in August. Picture: Tom Parrish

As 2024 draws to an end, it’s been a year marked by restaurant closures. The hospitality industry has always faced tough times but covid, followed by staff shortages, followed by a cost-of-living crisis took its toll on some of the city’s best restaurants.

And then of course, there were those who decided that regardless of the story raging around them, this was the year to hang up the apron.

Here are some of the Sydney restaurants that closed in 2024.

CLUB ROSE BAY

It was later announced Merivale would take over the venue. Picture: Tom Parrish

On Thursday, August 29, Club Rose Bay was celebrating the grand opening of their new Italian Bistro, Villaggio. On Friday morning, the doors to Club Rose Bay were locked and staff terminated after it went into receivership. However, this didn’t signify the end of the waterside club, with The Daily Telegraph revealing Merivale boss Justin Hemmes was set to take over the struggling venue.

WARIKE/ LIMA

Sydney lost gems in Peruvian restaurants Warike and Lima.

Closures hurt, especially when it’s an independent operation that’s bringing something new to the Sydney dining scene. Peruvian-born Luis Guzman opened restaurants Warike in Surry Hills in 2023 and Lima at Walsh Bay to showcase his home. Unfortunately, increasing costs forced him to close down. “It is hard times for everyone out there, so if you have a favourite venue, try within your means to support them,” Mr Guzman said at the time.

COMEDOR

Comedor closed suddenly this year.

The new Inner West restaurant closed its doors suddenly just weeks after winning a controversial bid to serve takeaway food and drinks in a public park. Mexican restaurant Comedor shut just five months into trading, with the business “closed until further notice” following the resignations of key staff. Diners hoping to experience the popular Newtown venue were instead greeted by an Instagram post from the restaurant, which said: “We sincerely apologise to those with bookings, and look forward to welcoming you again soon.”

LUCKY KWONG

Kylie Kwong announced her retirement this year. Picture: WISH/Katie Kaars

The announcement saw her restaurant Lucky Kwong close.

In May, Celebrity chef Kylie Kwong shocked the industry with her retirement announcement. She closed down her Eveleigh restaurant Lucky Kwong saying “these last 24 years have really tested the mettle of one’s character, drawing out strengths I never knew existed, and have instilled deep values which continue to guide my path. I hold immense gratitude for all of you who have supported my staff and I along the way, and for all of your energy and encouragement”.

TETSUYA

Tetsuya Wakuda called time on his Sydney restaurant this year. Picture: Christian Gilles

Tetsuya restaurant in Sydney. Picture: John Fotiadis

It was last call for the living legend that changed Australian cuisine forever this year. Despite plans to relocate to a new site, Tetsuya’s closed permanently after 37 years. In a statement on the closure, chef/owner Tetsuya Wakuda explained, “Our plans to relocate Tetsuya’s to a new site after it closes at the end of July have unfortunately not worked out and I have made the very difficult decision to permanently close the restaurant after 37 years of business”.

PETERMAN/ FISH BUTCHERY / CHARCOAL FISH

People flocked to Charcoal Fish on the last day of trading. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

It’s been a big year for Josh and Julie Niland. Not only did they open their new hotel Grand National, moving the famed Saint Peter into the venue, but they also opened Fysh in Singapore. However, it wasn’t just venues they were opening. Earlier this year they called time on Fish Butchery in Paddington and Charcoal Fish in Rose Bay, drawing crowds eager to try Niland’s mind bending seafood one last time. Just this month the duo also announced they would close Peterman in St Leonards after two years, stating “the past 12 months have been extremely challenging for independent businesses within the hospitality industry”.

SNACK KITCHEN

Snack Kitchen was a joint venture with restaurateur Maurice Terzini and his son, Sylvester.

Famed Icebergs restaurateur Maurice Terzini opened the Potts Point, pop up wine bar Snack Kitchen with his son Sylvester. However after four months Terzini closed down the bar when construction work began on the building. Terzini told The Daily Telegraph he has plans to resurrect the concept.

BISTROT 916

Bistrot 916 in Potts Point shut its doors due to construction works.

The French bistro in Potts Point, run by Dan Pepperell, Andy Tyson and Michael Clift, revealed in May the venue was being forced to close due to an impending “wrecking ball” – with its Potts Point site set to be demolished. After three years, in November, they had their last service. And there are plans to move the restaurant into the CBD.

BOTSWANA BUTCHERY

The Martin Place steak restaurant was owned by Good Group Australia and was just one of many to close down when the fine dining restaurant chain collapsed in May, owing $23 million to creditors and terminating all 200 staff.