‘Bittersweet’: Sydney fine-dining restaurant Cirrus Dining to close
A fine-dining Sydney establishment has announced it will hold its final service after an eight-year run, in more bad news for foodies.
In more bad news for Sydney’s restaurant scene, fine-dining establishment Cirrus Dining has announced it will close after an eight-year run.
The seafood-focused waterfront venue in Barangaroo will have its final service on September 1, co-owners Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt, of the Bentley Restaurant Group, said in a statement on Thursday.
“This is a bittersweet decision for us. Whilst we wanted to extend our lease, we were unable to strike a deal with our new landlord,” the duo said.
“Although this is disappointing, it has opened the door for new opportunities which will be announced soon.”
Cirrus is the latest closure to hit the Barangaroo development, which lost Mexican-inspired eatery Tequila Daisy in May due to cost-of-living pressures. Japanese-Korean pop-up restaurant Soot also shut its doors early.
Savage and Hildebrandt said they were “immensely proud of what we have achieved at Cirrus”, including currently holding the title of the Australian Wine List of the Year.
To “celebrate” its final month, Cirrus will hold a handful of events, and trading until September 1 will continue as normal.
“This latest closure should be a reminder of how important it is to support the hospo industry, which is feeling the crunch of the cost-of-living crisis – as much as, or more than, us all,” delicious. Australia editor-in-chief, Krysia Bonkowski, told news.com.au.
“We can’t afford to wake up to what we had only when it’s gone.
“Of course, we’re sure Brent and Nick will be working on new and exciting things, and we are in their corner.”
The news left many diners shocked.
“Wow. I’ve had so many stellar meals there. I felt it stood alone in the fine seafood realm, a very special restaurant. One that I will miss and a deep loss for Sydney,” one person wrote on Instagram.
“What a shame such an amazing restaurant is closing … Will miss Cirrus a lot,” another said.
While a third commented: “Sorry to hear this guys, what a loss for the Barangaroo area.”
The Bentley Restaurant Group also operates French restaurant Monopole and Asian-inspired King Clarence, both in Sydney’s CBD.
It comes at a fraught moment for the hospitality industry, with new data this week showing that cafes and restaurants across Australia failed at the fastest rate on record last financial year.
As consumers pull back from discretionary purchases, the daily costs of running an eatery, including those associated with food and energy, have soared, as have interest rates, pushing popular businesses to the brink.
According to the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC), cafes, restaurants and small retailers registered disproportionate growth in insolvency appointments in the 12 months to June 30 this year.
The number of food services collapses skyrocketed by 50 per cent to a record 1667, compared to a previous high of 1114 in the 2023 financial year.
Restaurant and Catering Australia CEO Suresh Manickman said it was one of the toughest periods the sector has ever faced.
“Higher interest rates, cost of living pressures on the up, more expensive produce and the cost of energy are all having an impact,” Mr Manickman told The Australian.
“Compared to this time last year, people have less money in their pockets and a reduced ability to pay and go out, and there lies the problem the sector is facing.”