Foodies in Perth’s north-east have been left heartbroken as a family-run restaurant revealed it will shut after more than a decade.
Amaretto’s in Ellenbrook, located on Ellen Stirling Parade, has been a local favourite in the community since first opening its doors in 2015.
Its European-inspired menu has made it a popular hotspot for celebrations, with Amaretto’s describing itself online as a perfect place to “share good food and great times with your loved ones”.
The family-run establishment shocked patrons on Monday when they posted a Love Actually-inspired video on their social media announcing their plans to close the restaurant.
“If you’ve ever walked through our doors, shared a drink, or made a memory here, this is for you,” the staff began.
“After 10 incredible years, Amaretto’s will be closing its doors — it’s not an easy decision, but one made with care and pride.
“We’re choosing to finish on a high — with full hearts, and so much gratitude.
“To our team, past and present: you are everything. To our community, you made us what we are: a hidden gem, a local favourite, a place full of love . . . let’s finish strong together.”
The two-minute video ended with two staff members downing a pint together in honour of the local joint.
Owner Naomi Mayne told PerthNow the closure was due to leasing issues at the Ellenbrook Central shopping complex.
“Our closure comes following a decision by our landlord not to continue our tenancy as part of a broader change in direction for the centre,” she said.
“While we respect that commercial decisions are made for many reasons, it is an outcome we do not fully understand or agree with as a small independent business that has poured so much into the local community over the past decade.
“For now, our focus is on finishing this chapter the best way we know how — with great food, great service, and giving our customers a chance to enjoy Amaretto’s a few more times before we close our doors.
“As for the future, we are taking some time to process everything and explore what comes next.”
Their video on Monday quickly gained traction among the Ellenbrook community, with regulars expressing their shock over the sudden news.
“This is so sad to hear, another fabulous family restaurant gone,” one diner said.
“Really can’t believe this — so many memories made here,” another upset local wrote.
“It won’t be the same in Ellenbrook without you,” someone else added.
The restaurant will close its doors for the last time on June 30, with regulars encouraged to come in for one final meal at the establishment.
The Ellenbrook eatery is the latest in a string of restaurants across Perth that have closed in recent months.
Brunch hotspot Dux Restaurant announced they would be shutting their Como eatery last week due to increased rent — just days after Swanbourne burger joint Upperhand Burgers closed its doors for the last time.
Fremantle’s Young George bar and restaurant shut in April after a “difficult few years”, with Wellington St restaurant Fleur similarly closing shop after six years serving the community.
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