Monday heartbreak as TWO hugely popular Sydney restaurants announce shock closure in a matter of days

Two of Sydney ‘s best-known waterfront dining spots are closing their doors for good – and it’s not because of poor performance. 

Saké and El Camino Cantina, both located at the bustling Manly Wharf, will shut down on Monday, 30 June, marking a major shake-up in Sydney’s hospitality scene. 

The decision to close the popular restaurants is part of a broader commercial strategy by hospitality powerhouse Hunter St. Hospitality, which also owns Rockpool Bar & Grill and The Bavarian. 

‘It was a commercial decision – [Manly Wharf owner Artemus Group] made a wonderful offer. We had 15 years left on the lease,’ Hunter St. Hospitality CEO Frank Tucker told The Sydney Morning Herald. 

Tucker, who stepped into the top job last year, said the company is shifting its focus from chain expansion to cultivating ‘unique venues’. 

He confirmed plans to open three new Japanese restaurants over the next year, though they are unlikely to operate under the Saké name. 

The closure follows the earlier exit of The Bavarian at Manly Wharf, a sister venue to the soon-to-close restaurants. 

When that lease expired earlier this year, property owner Artemus Group took over the site and transformed it into a seafood restaurant, Felons Seafood. 

Artemus Group, which famously revitalised Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves, has been pouring millions into Manly Wharf since acquiring the site for $110million last year

Saké and El Camino Cantina, both located at the bustling Manly Wharf, will shut down on Monday, 30 June, marking a major shake-up in Sydney’s hospitality scene 

The new venue is helmed by rising culinary star Luke Bourke, a Rockpool alumnus, and opened its doors last Friday.

Artemus Group, which famously revitalised Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves, has been pouring millions into Manly Wharf since acquiring the site for $110million last year. 

The hospitality heavyweight has already taken over venues including Manly Wharf Bar and Hugos Manly, the latter reportedly purchased for $20million. 

The closure of Saké and El Camino frees up even more space for Artemus to expand. 

While there’s been speculation around the addition of a large function venue, no official plans have been confirmed. For now, one of the only remaining non-Artemus tenants on the wharf is Merivale’s Queen Chow. 

Locals have expressed dismay at the closures, with many shocked to see two much-loved eateries disappear from the scenic harbourside strip. 

The news is yet another sign that Sydney’s hospitality scene continues to evolve, with big players making bold moves.