A beloved Sydney fusion restaurant that was born during Covid lockdowns is the latest to announce its closure.
Warike in Surry Hills was renowned for its “divine” take on Peruvian-Japanese cuisine, with diners raving about “inventive” dishes such as scallop, oyster and kingfish ceviche.
But the dedication to excellence and “impeccable” service proved to be no match for the current economy, which is causing closures in the hospitality sector at an alarming rate.
‘“It is with bittersweet feelings that we announce that Warike’s final service will be on Saturday, September 14,” they wrote.
‘We are immensely proud of our team and all of our incredible achievements.
“However, the achievement we are most proud of is having been a safe space for our team to come together, learn, grow and be motivated to give their best.”
The “devastating” news comes after the departure of chef Hector Chunga three months ago and the closure of its popular sister venue, Lima, a Nikkei restaurant in Walsh Bay.
Warike was co-owned by Luis Guzmán, Valeriya Finogeeva and Héctor Chunga, a close-knit team who turned the humble restaurant into a trendy gastronomic sensation.
Warike, a celebrated Peruvian-Japanese restaurant in Sydney, will close its doors on September 14
Co-owners Luis Guzman (left) and Hector Chung (right, who left three months ago), dedicated themselves to the culinary cause of making Sydneysiders fall in love with Peruvian food.
Former executive chef Hector Chunga previously told FEMAIL that Warike was not just a business venture but was driven by a passion for food and a love for people.
“Hospitality is not just a business, it is much more than that and that is what I teach my team. We take responsibility for the happiness of all our guests,” he said.
Locals and loyal fans of the stellar Surry Hills restaurant, which many hailed as Sydney’s best Peruvian restaurant, were left “heartbroken” to learn that Warike would be the city’s latest closure.
“Oh my God! What sad news! This is definitely my favorite Peruvian restaurant! We will miss Warike,” said one.
“Why?! I’m so happy we were able to visit you… I’m devastated and sad, you guys are amazing and the service, food and atmosphere is 10/10, thank you guys,” another added.
Those lucky enough to visit the award-winning Surry Hills hotspot spoke of one of the best dining experiences of their lives, with “amazing” food and impeccable service.
Fans vowed to never forget the “spectacular” dishes packed with exotic flavours that were presented as if they were “vivid works of art”.
One surprised regular customer ordered 1,000 of the “sublime” lucuma fondant desserts to add to her freezer.
Others congratulated the owners on the remarkable achievement of getting Sydney to fall in love with Japanese-inspired Peruvian food and wished them a bigger and brighter future.
The owners thanked their regular customers, guests and neighbors for their continued support and invited them to “savour” the final moments in the coming days.
“This is a huge loss for Sydney’s food community,” said one.