Carlton’s Italian icon The Olive Jar closes after 40 years

An Italian eatery famous for its serenading waiters is the latest Carlton restaurant to pull the pin and another casualty in Melbourne’s crumbling hospitality scene.

Another stalwart Italian restaurant is closing after 40 years.

The Olive Jar told its loyal customers it was pulling the pin — a week after longtime Carlton restaurant La Luna Bistro and grocer, Enoteca Sileno revealed they were closing after 25 and 70 years trade respectively.

The Rathdowne St restaurant is best known for its serenading waiters as much as its pasta and red sauce.

Owner Giovanni Mico shared the news of the closure on social media last week.

“It is with a mixture of emotions that we share this news: after over 40 years, The Olive Jar family has decided to bid farewell and embark on a new journey,” he wrote.

The Olive Jar is closing after 40 years of trade.

“We hold dear the countless memories we have shared with you and extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support throughout the years.”

“As we step back for a well-deserved break, we look forward to the possibility of serving you once again in the future.”

“Stay connected with us through our Facebook page, and until we meet again, thank you for being a part of our story.”

The Olive Jar is the fourth Carlton restaurant to close in a matter of months — and among the hordes across Melbourne as restaurateurs crumble under cost of living pressure.

Last week TV chef Adrian Richardson announced the closure of his celebrated La Luna restaurant after 25 years of trade.

He told the Herald Sun the industry should stop “bitching and moaning” about the dire state of the city’s hospitality scene and “figure out how to make it work”.

Earlier this month Enoteca Sileno, run by John and Rosemary Portelli, revealed it was calling time on the bricks and mortar side of its booming Italian grocery and wine empire of 70 years on June 1.

In February, La Porchetta’s iconic Carlton store closed after more than 40 years of trade.

The restaurant is one of many to close across town in recent weeks.

Last month, stalwart CBD restaurants Izakaya Den and Gingerboy also closed after decades of trade.