Last week I hosted the Attenzione opening and congratulated the team on their decision to take a punt and deliver a new dining room to Sydney. It’s a mammoth feat at any time, but it feels particularly big right now.

Reporting on venue closures has become a more frequent task amid news of rent hikes, fewer diners (with smaller budgets) and the increased cost of produce. Across the board, it’s contributing to venue owners experiencing burnout. Regardless of size or style of venue, our hospitality teams are saying it’s the “most challenging market” they’ve ever operated in.

In June we shared 16 Sydney venues that closed in 2024, and here are another seven joining the ranks.

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Cirrus, Barangaroo

The bright seafood-forward bistro – from the Bentley Group (Monopole, King Clarence, Yellow) – took over the old Noma site in 2016. But eight years later, despite its accolades, final service has been called for Sunday September 1. In a statement, the group said they were “unable to strike a deal” with the new landlord. A few of Sydney’s favourite chefs chimed in when the news hit Instagram. “One of the best seafood restaurants in the world,” wrote Morgy McGlone of Bar Copains; while Merivale exec chef Dan Hong opted for emojis: “😢❤️🙌”.

Lola’s Italian, Bondi

Lola’s was the beachy, level-one restaurant with a foosball table and a winning menu. Opening in 2021, the dining room was awash with blue, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking over the beach. Spaghetti with clams? A whopping cotoletta alla Milanese? A $49 set menu? All of it excellent. But with the current climate in hospitality (increased cost of produce and smaller customer spends) and slow winter trade, co-owners Marco Ambrosino and Manny Spinola decided to close.

Beau, Surry Hills

In late July, Nomad’s laneway wine bar sibling called a hurried final service – it was to close following service the next day. Opening in 2023, just 200 metres from Nomad, Beau was the more casual offering – but with a 600-bottle wine list. It’s not the end for the space though, with the group noting they’re “currently exploring other opportunities”.

Kawa, Surry Hills

This unassuming Crown Street cafe closed quietly in May, taking its affordable avocado toast ($6.50!) and generous serves of soups, salads and revved-up brunch fare with it. The charm of the spot was in its unassuming, mismatched fit-out: vintage iron folding chairs with blankets, a modest facade, and a blackboard of specials. (The Broadsheet office misses it dearly.) The space is making way for an outpost of Paripe, the Chippendale tapas bar. Soon it’ll be the place for conservas, tortillas and a range of Spanish drops.

King Dynasty, Chatswood

The massive Cantonese restaurant favoured for its yum cha service, inside Chatswood’s Westfield, is another casualty in the wave of closures being forced by rent hikes. It closed in May after “unavoidable challenges in lease renewal”.

“Our journey has been one of dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to serving our beloved community,” read a statement on the restaurant’s Instagram. “This decision was not made lightly, and we are profoundly grateful for the support and love shown to us by our patrons, friends, and partners over the years. While this marks the end of one chapter, it is also the dawn of a new beginning. We are not saying goodbye but rather see you soon, in a new form, with fresh ideas, and renewed energy.”

Calita, Bondi

This teeny Baja-leaning eatery pushed fish’n’chip tacos, excellent Margs and fresh ceviche with views over the waves. The food was great and the vibes were breezy, but the venue – by Milpa Collective (Sonora, Carbon) – is no more. Instead, the space is welcoming Pocket, a stop for “plates, sips and coffee” by the Makaveli team.

Sammy’s, Careel Bay

Sammy Bizarro opened his eponymous cafe at Careel Bay Marina last year – and it was an immediate hit with locals. With spectacular water views, it was a pared-back pit stop for coffee and a bolognaise jaffle, whether you were a local or taking a northern beaches daytrip. But the family-run cafe shut up shop this winter.