Floreat's Gustoso Restaurant, Visited by Daniel Ricciardo, Suddenly Shuts Down
The Floreat Italian restaurant Gustoso, which gained attention after a visit from Formula 1 legend Daniel Ricciardo, has abruptly closed its doors without any prior warning. Located in the leafy Floreat Forum shopping centre in Perth's western suburbs, the eatery ceased operations this week, leaving the local community and nearby businesses in a state of surprise and confusion.
Sudden Closure Leaves Locals and Businesses Stunned
Floreat Forum management has confirmed that the owners of Gustoso made the decision to permanently close the restaurant, but they have not disclosed the reasons behind this sudden move. The restaurant's Facebook page has been taken offline, and Google now lists the establishment as "permanently closed." Local residents only realized something was amiss when they found themselves unable to make reservations at the popular dining spot.
Neighboring businesses reported that they noticed Gustoso was unusually closed throughout the Easter break, which raised initial concerns. The family-owned restaurant had been a fixture in the community since its opening in December 2023, quickly becoming a favorite among locals and attracting high-profile diners like Daniel Ricciardo.
Daniel Ricciardo's Memorable Visit Highlighted
In February, Daniel Ricciardo, who is of Italian descent, visited Gustoso with his family, creating a buzz around the restaurant. The owners proudly shared photos of the visit on social media, and staff member Elena expressed her delight at serving the star, noting that he was "absolutely lovely" and thoroughly enjoyed the food. This visit had positioned Gustoso as a notable dining destination in Perth, making its sudden closure even more puzzling to patrons and the wider public.
Broader Trend of Restaurant Closures in Perth
The mysterious shutdown of Gustoso is part of a larger trend affecting the Perth dining scene in recent months. Several other establishments have also closed, including Fremantle's Young George bar and restaurant, which held its final service last week after facing a "difficult few years." Owner Susan Whelan cited the cost-of-living crisis and the closure of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge as significant factors in their decision.
Additionally, Wellington Street restaurant Fleur is set to close later this month after six years of operation, as the owners shift their focus to other endeavors. In another notable development, the award-winning Crown Perth restaurant Bistro Guillaume has closed after 14 years, amidst a series of dining changes at the Crown Perth complex, such as the opening of the Urban Food District.
The owners of Gustoso have been contacted for further comment on the closure, but no additional details have been provided at this time. The sudden end of this beloved Italian eatery has left many wondering about the challenges facing the local restaurant industry and what the future holds for dining in Perth.
