A trendy Italian cafe in Sydney has suddenly closed its doors after the manager was charged with child sexual abuse offences.
Claudio Simonella, 54, who worked at Café Nino in Woollahra, is accused of intentionally sexually touching a young girl and assaulting her.
His family ran the popular restaurant for decades before it mysteriously closed weeks ago.
Café Nino gave no explanation for the closure, only a voicemail on their answering machine saying “unfortunately we are closed until further notice.”
Claudio Simonella, 54, who worked at Café Nino in Woollahra, is accused of intentionally sexually touching a young woman and assaulting her.
Officers attached to the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad began investigating the alleged abuse in December last year.
A New South Wales Police spokesperson told WhatsNew2Day Australia that Simonella was arrested at a house in Woollahra in January.
He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with eight offences, including six counts of intentionally sexually touching a child and two counts of common assault.
Simonella was granted conditional bail and is expected to appear in court again in May.
The restaurant was named among the best in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in 2021
Café Nino has long been popular with locals and celebrities for its classic dishes and intimate atmosphere.
“In the restaurant business, fads come and go, but in the end tradition always prevails,” the website reads.
‘Our tradition arises from family recipes perfected over generations that we now proudly serve to you, your family and friends.’
The restaurant was named among the best in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in 2021.
