One of Sydney’s top Italian restaurants has announced its shock closure – less than a year after the third-generation owners sold the family business to friends.
Ezzelinos has been serving classic Italian dishes in Neutral Bay since 1982.
After more than 40 years, the popular family-run restaurant began operating under new management from March 1, 2025.
But on Wednesday night, new owners Christine and Christian penned an emotional post confirming they had shut their doors for good – leaving loyal diners devastated by the unexpected news.
‘With heavy hearts, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close Ezzelinos Italian Restaurant and will not be reopening after the Christmas and New Year break,’ the owners said in an emotional post.
‘This was not an easy choice, but unfortunately the business was no longer viable.
‘We are now entering a new chapter, focusing on our growing family and spending precious time with our little ones.’
The owners thanked diners, friends and family who have supported their restaurant.
Sydney’s Italian restaurant Ezzelinos has announced its shock closure after 40 years
‘Your love and support have meant everything to us,’ the team said.
‘Thank you again for all the memories and support. We wish you all nothing but positivity and happiness.’
Customers are shattered by the closure, with one sharing: ‘So incredibly sad to hear Neutral Bay has lost an absolute gem of a spot. Thank you for all the incredible Italian food over the last eight years.’
‘I’m so so sad to hear this news. I was looking forward to popping in to see you both. Wishing you all love and peace in this new chapter,’ another said.
‘Oh no, so sad to hear this. My partner and I were about to book dinner with you after having a wonderful evening there just a few weeks ago. We wish you all the best and hope we get to see you both again,’ one revealed.
‘Such sad news. Have loved Ezzelinos for the last 13 years. We will miss you,’ another added.
The news come less than a year after the restaurant confirmed it was changing owners on March 1, 2025.
The family-run restaurant has been serving classic Italian dishes in Neutral Bay since 1982
‘It is with heartfelt gratitude and sadness that we announce the end of an incredible era for our family. After more than 40 years… the time has come for us to pass the torch of Ezzelinos Restaurant,’ third generation owners Oz and Aly said.
‘Our story began in 1982, when our parents opened the doors of Ezzelinos Restaurant in Neutral Bay, equipped with hard work ethics and passion for food.
‘For decades, they dedicated themselves to serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, building not just a restaurant, but a place where people felt at home.
‘In 1996, Oz joined the Ezzelinos family and with this, the next generation took on the privilege of continuing our parents’ legacy. We’re honoured to have been part of your lives across three generations of our family.’
The business changed hands after the owners ‘respectfully selected’ a family friend to ‘carry forward the traditions and values’ that have ‘defined’ the restaurant.
The Italian restaurant remained under family ownership for 40 years before being sold
Customers are shattered by the closure, with one sharing: ‘So incredibly sad to hear Neutral Bay has lost an absolute gem of a spot’
At the time of the announcement of the new owners, Christian and his wife Christine told customers they were ‘excited to keep this important family restaurant going’.
‘We have no intention of changing anything with our beautiful Italian restaurant and will keep things going for many many years to come,’ the new owners said.
‘This little Italian restaurant wouldn’t be what it is today without Oz and Ally and we thank you for all the laughs and love you have provided over the past three decades. Just remember this isn’t goodbye it just see you soon.
‘Christine and I know we have big shoes to fill but we will do our absolute best to make sure that everyone that comes through our doors feels like they’re coming home to family.
‘We may be new management, but we are the same family and we want to make sure it always stays in our family. From the Ezzelinos family, the little restaurant with the big reputation.’
Dining and Cooking