Seaside Japanese Joint Ichi Ni St Kilda Has Been Sold and Is Shutting Down at the End of This Week

After serving Japanese izakaya-style eats and incredible sushi by the beach for 15 years, Ichi Ni St Kilda is closing its doors for the final time on Sunday, February 18. This comes as a shock to many, as loyal fans only have a few days left to visit. Ichi Group Directors Paul Adamo and Vince Sofo made the tough decision to sell the waterfront site, and now plan to focus on the younger sibling Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya.

"Our goal is to reunite the St Kilda team with our beloved sister venue at 127 Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, which has been thriving for nine years and where your Ichi Ni favourite dishes will soon live," said Adamo.

This is a silver lining of sorts, as some of the staff will keep their jobs and contribute to the Fitzroy site. Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya is one of Melbourne's best Japanese restaurants and home to some of the city's best sushi — and this can only improve with some of St Kilda's dishes and staff finding a new home up north.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff, both past and present, who have contributed to shaping our legacy. To our supportive suppliers, who we have worked with through the good and the bad. And most importantly, to our cherished guests who have dined with us over the years, we offer our sincere thanks," the Ichi Ni team shared on Instagram.

"Each of you have played a vital role in our journey, occupying our thoughts day in and day out. Your support has made us stronger, and we have learned invaluable lessons that we eagerly anticipate in carrying forward to Fitzroy," the post continued.

"We invite you to join us in our final days, but if we miss the chance to bid you farewell, we warmly welcome you to visit us in Fitzroy... lots of love and arigatou!"

Find Ichi Ni St Kilda at 12 The Esplanade, St Kilda until Sunday, February 18. For more information, head to the venue's website.