A Tavola Restaurant Group's Sudden Closure

Sydney’s vibrant Surry Hills community was rocked after the esteemed A tavola restaurant group’s sudden closure. The beloved Flour Eggs Water Surry Hills, cherished for 15 years, ceased operations, leaving residents in disbelief.

Led by Chef Eugenio Maiale and his wife Michelle, the A tavola family encompassed several revered culinary establishments, each contributing uniquely to Surry Hills’ gastronomic tapestry. The sudden liquidation, encompassing sister companies and terminating all staff contracts, sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood.

“A tavola was established in 2007 in buzzing Darlinghurst on Victoria Street by chef owner Eugenio Maiale. A tavola quickly earnt a reputation of being one of Sydney’s best places to go for authentic Italian pasta. The long marble table has been filled with loyal and regular diners – all seduced by the simplicity and honesty of Eugenio’s food and especially his love of good pasta. Thank you for the honour of being at our table for the past 16 years.”
A Tavola

Liquidator Shumit Banerjee confirmed the unfortunate termination of employment contracts on December 27, highlighting the daunting task of quantifying owed entitlements, potentially totalling hundreds of thousands of dollars. The collapse appears rooted in a complex blend of factors, from enduring Covid-19 impacts to struggles negotiating viable terms with landlords and suppliers.

A tavola’s legacy transcended mere dining experiences. Its long marble communal table stood as an emblem of conviviality, fostering connections among patrons. The closure of its Darlinghurst origin and the recent shuttering of A tavola Bondi marked the end of an era, leaving an indelible void in Surry Hills.

Chef Maiale’s culinary ingenuity extended to Flour Eggs Water at Tramsheds, a hub of gastronomic delight that enriched the local dining scene. The pandemic pivot to A tavola at Home echoed industry-wide adaptability, catering to the evolving needs of patrons during challenging times.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Flour Eggs Water

Despite the closures, social media remains silent, echoing the unexpectedness of these events. Disabled booking links signal an abrupt halt in operations, amplifying the profound impact on Surry Hills’ culinary landscape.

This collapse follows Okami’s recent voluntary administration, pointing to inflation and pandemic-induced costs, intensifying concerns within the food and beverage sector. As Surry Hills residents grapple with this shocking development, uncertainty shrouds the future of their culinary community.

A Tavola Restaurant Group’s sudden closure marks the end of an era, leaving Surry Hills residents mourning the loss of cherished establishments that formed an integral part of their lives. The repercussions of this collapse resonate deeply, casting a shadow over the local dining scene’s trajectory.

Published 28-December-2023