MasterChef star suddenly closes popular restaurant after less than two years: 'Terrible'

In some sad news for foodies, famed Aussie Chef and MasterChef regular Josh Niland has announced that his two-hatted restaurant, Petermen, will close for good on December 15th, just two years after it first opened. Josh and his wife Julie opened the eatery in St Leonards, Sydney in February 2023.

The 60-seat restaurant quickly became a hit with locals and celebrities alike, with Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver counted among some of the famous faces who dined there during its tenure. The menu was designed to "champion the growers and producers that seek to elevate the standard and change the culture of how we consume food."

In a statement about the closure, Josh wrote, "Our time on Chandos St, St Leonards, has brought a lot of joy to us and our team, and we have welcomed the most incredible guests.

"However, the past 12 months have been extremely challenging for independent businesses within the hospitality industry. Sadly, Julie and I have had to make the decision to close Petermen. Our last day of trading will be Sunday, December 15."

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He concluded, "We wish to thank the local community for all their support. We are incredibly grateful to our team, who will continue with us at Saint Peter and Fish Butchery. A big thanks to our suppliers, incredible guests, and everyone who has assisted in making Petermen a special restaurant to dine in”.

Fans react to Petermen closure: 'Terrible'

Fans of the fish-forward restaurant were quick to react, expressing their sadness at the loss of such a gem.

"So sad was the most amazing food," one person wrote.

"I’m so sad, I enjoyed wonderful meals there," another lamented. "So few good restaurants this side of the bridge."

"This is terrible news!" another added.

Josh and Julie Niland to open new restaurant on Hamilton Island

The news comes after the prestigious chef, who also owns the acclaimed restaurant St Peter, was forced to close two other venues earlier in the year. Rose Bay’s Charcoal Fish and Paddington’s Fish Butchery were both shuttered at the end of March.

It's not all bad news for the chef couple, however, as they prepare to open their brand-new restaurant at The Sundays – a $30 million luxury boutique hotel launching on Hamilton Island in 2025.

"Julie and I fell in love with the entire vision behind The Sundays,” Josh told Time Out. “It reflects so much of what we value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings. We can’t wait to introduce a dining experience that feels connected to the island and its incredible natural environment.”

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Fans of the celebrity chef, who became the first Aussie chef to win the James Beard Award back in 2020, can still enjoy his offerings at Saint Peter in Paddington, which this year moved to the Grand National Hotel from its original premises on Oxford Street.

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