Iberica Bondi announces closure after three years in business

A popular restaurant in Bondi known to be frequented by influencers and socialites has closed its doors after three years in business.

The owners of Iberica announced the restaurant’s closure on Thursday “with incredibly heavy hearts”.

“Iberica has closed its doors. This is not the ending we had hoped for, and saying goodbye to a place that has meant so much to us is incredibly sad,” the owners wrote on social media.

“From the moment we opened, Iberica was about bringing people together over beautiful food, wine and the warmth of Spanish hospitality.

“We are so grateful to every person who walked through our doors, celebrated with us, shared a meal with us and supported us along the way.

“We are incredibly proud of what we created and of all the memories made within these walls.”

Co-owned by husband-and-wife duo Joaquin Saez and Emily Abay, and run by head chef Ivan Sanchez, the restaurant reportedly entered liquidation earlier this month, according to The Daily Telegraph.

In July 2025 a deed of company arrangement (DOCA) was executed, allowing the business to continue operating as it repaid unsecured creditors, who told administrators they were owed $1.9m at the time.

Financial difficulties were attributed to Covid-19, patrons spending less on nights out, and a dispute with a project manager over the fit-out of the restaurant, which allegedly only arose after the restaurant failed to pay outstanding fees.

Just weeks ago, Aussie music artist Oliver Cronin said Iberica was his “favourite restaurant in Sydney,” and after learning of the venue’s closure, he said it was “heartbreaking”.

Originally published as Iberica Bondi announces closure after three years in business