An award-winning Sydney restaurant has announced it is shutting its doors permanently – sparking an outpouring of disappointment from diners.
Ursula’s restaurant in Paddington, helmed by chef and owner Phil Wood and his wife Lis Davies, shared the news on Instagram, confirming their final day of service will be Saturday, May 23.
‘This is not something I ever imagined writing,’ Phil said in a heartfelt note shared to his personal social media.
‘When our lease expires in late May, we will close Ursula’s Paddington,’ he sadly shared.
The news is especially surprising given that Ursula’s has been a darling of the Sydney food scene since opening in 2021.
It’s been consistently recognised in the prestigious Good Food Guide awards and currently holds a two-hat status.
Despite the restaurant’s success and acclaim, Phil explained in a lengthy online letter that the decision to close was made because it seemed like ‘the right moment’.
‘Running a small independent restaurant the way we believe it should be run has become increasingly difficult and, with the lease coming to an end, it felt like the right moment to close this chapter,’ Phil wrote.
After almost five years of operation, hugely popular Sydney restaurant Ursula’s will close on May 23
Chef and owner Phil Wood confirmed the sad news in a post shared to his personal Instagram account
Ursula’s has been consistently recognised in the prestigious Good Food Guide awards and currently holds a two-hat status
Nevertheless, the former Rockpool chef said he was proud of all that the restaurant had accomplished.
‘When we opened Ursula’s, the goal was simple – to create a small independent restaurant generous to its staff and guests, deeply connected to its neighbourhood, and built with care and integrity.
‘I can honestly say, with great pride, that we achieved this.’
His message thanked the ‘extraordinary group of hospitality professionals who helped shape this little restaurant’ as well as the wonderful patrons who had dined with them over the years.
Phil reflected fondly on the ‘uniquely modern Australian’ menu they had proudly served, as well as the vibrant venue that he and Lis had created with the intention to bring ‘colour and fun back to dining’.
‘We’ve loved sharing it with Sydney and those of you who visited us from all around the world.’
Before signing off, Phil called for diners to come in and enjoy one last meal before the doors close for good.
‘If Ursula’s has meant something to you, we’d love to welcome you in before our final service. Let’s toast to the next ten weeks and give Ursula’s the send-off she deserves,’ he wrote.
Ursula’s on Hargrave Street in Paddington has been a popular venue for special occasion celebrations
The venue offered a ‘uniquely modern Australian’ menu in a vibrant setting
A more formal notice about the closure was also shared on Ursula’s Instagram.
The online announcement was inundated with reply messages from devastated diners – including many prominent members of the Australian hospitality industry.
Chef Matt Moran wrote: ‘Sad to hear this legend. But excited to see your next chapter.’
Former MasterChef judge Melissa Leong reflected that she had also enjoyed ‘special memories and moments’ at the venue.
‘The end of a very heartfelt and chic era. Sydney will be poorer for Ursula’s absence,’ Melissa added.
Chef Peter Gilmore, who only recently shut the doors on iconic Sydney restaurant Quay, also replied, noting that ‘the restaurant business is a tough place at this moment in time’.
‘I know whatever you do in the future it will be great, my friend,’ the renowned chef added.
Former patrons were also stunned and saddened by the news.
The announcement about the closure of Ursula’s was met with an outpouring of replies from devastated diners and even revered industry figures
‘A huge loss! One of my favourite restaurants in Sydney,’ read one reply.
‘No!! Ugh, this was easily the best restaurant in Sydney! Devastating.’
Many recounted favourite past meals and celebrations at Ursula’s, while others confirmed they had now locked in bookings to enjoy the restaurant one last time.
‘Such a loss for the neighbourhood. Just booked in for the final night so we don’t miss out,’ wrote one.
‘Just booked a flight from Melbourne especially to eat here one last time.’
Although Phil didn’t reveal whether he has upcoming plans to open another similar restaurant, patrons speculated that they hoped it was on the horizon.
‘An absolute pleasure to have dined at Ursula’s and trust whatever comes next will be another incredible chapter in an already wonderful book,’ one person replied.
‘Hoping this is just the end of one chapter before the start of another,’ agreed another.
In the meantime, Phil and Lis’ other eastern suburbs venue, Cafe Cressida, continues to open for breakfast and lunch.
The popular Woollahra haunt located at Queens Court is renowned for its chic pink decor and scrumptious meals, including all-day breakfast options like crab omelette and potato rosti, or lunch favourites such as miso-glazed salmon and classic chicken schnitzel with coleslaw.
