A beloved Sydney fusion restaurant that was born during the Covid lockdowns is the latest to announce its closure.
Warike in Surry Hills was famed for its ‘divine’ take on Peruvian-Japanese that had diners raving about ‘inventive’ dishes such ceviche of scallop, oysters and kingfish.
But the dedication to excellence and ‘flawless’ service proved to be no match for the current economy, which is seeing closures across hospitality at an alarming rate.
‘It’s with a bittersweet sentiment that we announce Warike’s final service will be on Saturday 14th September,’ they wrote.
‘We’re immensely proud of our team and all our incredible accomplishments.
‘However, the proudest achievement of all is to have been a safe space for our team to come together, learn, grow and feel motivated to do their best.’
The ‘devastating’ news comes after head chef Hector Chunga’s exit three months ago and the closure of their popular sister venue, Lima, a Nikkei Restaurant in Walsh Bay.
Warike was co-owned by Luis Guzman, Valeriya Finogeeva and Hector Chunga, a close knit team who turned the humble eatery into a buzzing dining sensation.
Warike, a celebrated Peruvian-Japanese restaurant in Sydney is set to close its doors on September 14
Co owners Luis Guzman (left) and Hector Chung (right, who left three months ago), were devoted to the culinary cause of making Sydneysiders fall in love with Peruvian food
Ex-executive chef Hector Chunga previously told FEMAIL that Warike wasn’t just a commercial enterprise, but was driven by a passion for food and a love of people.
‘Hospitality is not just a business, it is much more than that and that’s 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 eatery, which many dubbed the best Peruvian in Sydney, were ‘heartbroken’ to hear of Warike as the city’s latest closure.
‘OMG!! Saddest news! This is by far my favourite Peruvian restaurant! Warike will be missed,’ one said.
‘Why!? I’m soooo glad we made it to visit you guys…Devastated and sad, you are awesome and service, food and ambience is 10/10, thank you guys,’ another added.
Those lucky enough to visit the awarded Surry Hills hot spot spoke of one of the best dining experiences of their life, with ‘incredible’ food and impeccable service
Fans vowed to never forget the ‘spectacular’ dishes bursting with exotic flavours that were plated like they were ‘vivid works of art’.
One shocked regular asked for 1000 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 regulars, guests and neighbours for unwavering support, and invited them to ‘savour’ the final moments in the coming days.
‘This is such a huge loss to the Sydney food community,’ one said.
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