Australia’s high cost of living has claimed a cool Peruvian fusion restaurant withing six months of opening its doors, despite receiving rave reviews.
Lima Nikkei Restaurant & Bar, in the wealthy harbourside suburb of Dawes Point in Sydney‘s CBD, opened to huge hype in October 2023.
The unique eatery fused Japanese and Chinese influences with traditional Peruvian cuisine known as Nikkei and Chifa.
Despite the constant positive reviews from customers, restaurant management confirmed they had been forced to close down immediately.
Posting to Instagram, the owner of the 100-seat venue Luis Guzman said it struggled amidst high interest rates and inflation, with running costs becoming too much.
The high cost of living has claimed cool Peruvian fusion restaurant Lima Nikkei Restaurant & Bar within just six months of opening
Posting to Instagram, the owner of the 100-seat venue Luiz Guzman said it struggled amidst high interest rates and inflation, with running costs becoming too much
‘Our continuously increasing operational costs, ingredients, rent, etc just didn’t make it feasible for us to remain open,’ he wrote.
‘Your unwavering love for our food, warm smiles, and kind words have meant the world to us and kept us going through the most of difficult times.’
He also acknowledged other restaurants are also feeling the pinch, encouraging diners to book.
‘It is hard times for everyone out there so if you have a favourite venue, try within your means to support them.’
Devastated customers overwhelmingly showed their support for the restaurant and team.
‘Oh no! This was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Sydney,’ one wrote.
‘I loved all the food, drinks and the atmosphere. Miss you already,’ another said.
‘I had the best food and dining experience EVER here!! Going to miss this place a lot, best of luck for your future endeavours,’ one diner wrote.
Other diners were upset they never got to try its food and had missed out.
‘I was so keen to try it out on my visit to Sydney (from the Outback!),’ one wrote.
Fans of the restaurant will be pleased to know Mr Guzman will still be sharing his unique culinary skills in Sydney.
Lima Nikkei Restaurant & Bar, in the wealthy harbourside suburb of Dawes Point in Sydney’s CBD opened to huge hype in October 2023
Despite the constant positive reviews from customers, restaurant management confirmed they had been forced to close down immediately
Fans of the restaurant will be pleased to know Luis Guzman will still be sharing his unique culinary skills in Sydney
Lima Bar and Cevicheria, a small seafood-focused venue at Bondi in Sydney’s east, will be launching with a soft opening in mid-January.
Mr Guzman is optimistic about the new Bondi eatery, with The Daily Telegraph reporting it will complement his existing restaurant Warike in Surry Hills, Sydney.
A spate of popular restaurants have closed recently due to the current economic climate.
Italian restaurant, Andiamo Trattoria, closed its Abbotsford, Sydney premises in January, after failing to negotiate with the landlord.
All-you-can-eat Japanese chain, Okami, announced in December it would be placing 16 of its 50 national restaurants into voluntary administration.
Iconic establishment A Tavola, a Sydney pasta restaurant open for 15 years went into liquidation at the end of 2023.
Other Sydney casualties include Flour Eggs Water Surry Hills, Meatball Haven Palle, and home delivery service A Tavola at Home.