- Petermen seafood restaurant will close its doors permanently
- The fine dining restaurant with capacity for 60 people will be open until Sunday, December 15.
One of Australia’s top chefs has announced his dual-function restaurant will close its doors for good after an “extremely challenging” year.
Josh Niland and his wife, restaurateur Julie, have revealed the imminent closure of their Petermen seafood restaurant in St Leonards, on Sydney’s lower north shore.
The 60-seat fine-dining restaurant, led by chef Tom Foster, will remain open until Sunday, December 15.
“Our time at Chandos St, St Leonards, has brought us and our team so much joy, and we have welcomed the most incredible guests,” Josh said in a statement.
‘However, the last 12 months have been extremely challenging for independent businesses within the hospitality industry.
‘Unfortunately, Julie and I have had to make the decision to close Petermen. Our last day of trading will be Sunday, December 15.
Josh Niland and his wife, restaurateur Julie, have revealed the imminent closure of their Petermen seafood restaurant in St Leonards, on Sydney’s lower north shore.

The restaurant, led by chef Tom Foster, will remain open until Sunday, December 15.
The couple opened Petermen in February 2023, following the successful Saint Peter fish restaurant and takeaway Fish Butchery.
“We are incredibly grateful to our team who will continue to be with us at Saint Peter and Fish Butchery,” Josh said.
“Many thanks to our suppliers, our amazing guests and everyone who has helped make Petermen a special dining restaurant.”
Diners have expressed sadness at the shocking closure, with one recent customer saying: “This is the worst day of my life.” Some of the best food I have ever eaten. I never saw this coming. RIP.’
“This is terrible news,” said another.
“So sad, it was the most amazing meal,” one shared.
“As a small business owner and manager, I know how difficult it is for small businesses to survive in Australia,” added another.