Melbourne's Highly Lauded Restaurant Shik Has Suddenly Closed Its Doors

One of Melbourne's best new restaurants has suddenly closed its doors. The closure of Restaurant Shik, run by owner and chef Peter Jo, was announced today on Instagram.

Opening just over a year ago, the laneway restaurant was known for pairing ambitious Korean fare with an impressive list of natural wines. Jo — who's affectionately known as Kimchi Pete — worked as a sommelier in some of Sydney's top restaurants before he moved into the kitchen.

Restaurant Shik was highly reviewed across the board, our reviewer called it "constantly evolving" fare that "can't be pigeon-holed by tradition", and it was nominated for Concrete Playground's Best New Restaurants of 2018.

In a post on the chef's personal Instagram, Jo revealed that he had been evicted from the Niagara Lane space and the building repossessed. But, it doesn't spell the end for Shik — instead, it's the "beginning of the next chapter". "Thank you for all the support to all guests, suppliers and friends," says Jo. "Shik will continue."

While there's no word yet on what this next venture may be, you might see Jo return to one of his previous stomping grounds — which include Belles Hot Chicken and Sydney's Momofuku Seiobo — or bring back one of his ever-popular collabs and pop-ups.

Restaurant Shik is now closed.

Images: Kate Shanasy.