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Ezzelino’s Closes in Neutral Bay After More Than Four Decades

Ezzelino’s has closed permanently in Neutral Bay, bringing to an end a long-running Italian restaurant that first opened in the suburb in 1982.

A Long History In Neutral Bay

Ezzelino’s began operating in Neutral Bay more than four decades ago and maintained a continuous presence in the local dining scene for over 40 years. Located on Military Road, the restaurant became known for serving Italian pizza and pasta and operated as a family-run business throughout its history.

The restaurant was managed across three generations of the founding family before changing hands in 2025. Over time, the venue underwent three changes to its street frontage while continuing to trade within the same suburb.

Neutral Bay restaurant — Photo Credit: Ezzelino’s/Facebook

Ownership Change In 2025

On 1 March 2025, ownership of the restaurant transferred to Christine and Christian, who took over from the third generation of the founding family. The business continued operating under the existing name following the handover.

Less than a year later, the restaurant ceased trading and did not reopen after the Christmas and New Year break.

Closure Announcement

The owners confirmed in January 2026 that the closure was permanent. They stated that the decision followed difficulties in maintaining the business’s viability, leading to the restaurant shutting its doors for good.

Public statements issued at the time confirmed there would be no reopening after the holiday period.

Italian restaurant Sydney — Photo Credit: Ezzelino’s/Facebook

Community Reaction In Neutral Bay

News of the closure prompted a strong response from customers and local residents. Messages shared publicly reflected disappointment at the loss of a long-standing restaurant and appreciation for the years it operated in Neutral Bay.

Several comments referred to recent visits, planned bookings, and long-term patronage, indicating the restaurant remained active shortly before closing.

Recognition Shortly Before Closure

Despite its closure, the restaurant continued to receive recognition in 2025. Ezzelino’s was listed as a finalist in the Outstanding Restaurant category of the North Shore Local Business Awards during the same year.

Next Steps

Following the closure, the owners indicated they are moving into a new phase focused on family life. No further announcements have been made regarding the future of the business.

The closure marks the end of a restaurant that operated continuously in Neutral Bay for more than four decades.

Published 10-Jan-2026

High N’ Dry Brings Flame-Grilled Burgers to Neutral Bay

Photo Credit: High N’ Dry

Popular burger brand High N’ Dry has expanded its footprint to the North Shore by bringing its signature flame-grilled wagyu beef and retro vibe to a new venue in Neutral Bay.

A Neighbourhood Destination

Opening its third Sydney location in late 2025, the business took over a space on Rangers Road, positioned directly across from Woolworths. Co-founder Ben Kagan explained that the team specifically looked for a site tucked away from the main strip.

The goal was to create a local institution rather than feeling like a large chain on a busy highway. The owners felt the area shared a similar demographic to their first permanent site in Leichhardt, making the move across the bridge a natural next step for the growing brand.

From DJs to Dining

The road to Neutral Bay began more than 10 years ago when founders Andrew Saliba and Kagan worked as a DJ promotion team. Their focus shifted to hospitality after they hosted a burger event at a Paddington pub that drew bigger crowds than their music events. This success led to a pop-up and eventually a permanent venue originally called “Down N’ Out.”

However, the business faced a major hurdle when the American chain In-N-Out Burger took legal action over the name. After a brief stint as “Nameless Bar” and the challenges of the pandemic, the duo rebuilt and launched the High N’ Dry brand.

Flame-Grilled Favourites

While many current burger joints focus on “smash” patties, High N’ Dry separates itself by serving thick, flame-grilled wagyu beef blends. Kagan noted that the flame grill provides a smoky flavour that smash patties cannot replicate.

The menu features the classic single beef burger with American cheese and secret sauce, alongside spicy options like the Nashville Hot Chicken burger. The kitchen also caters to non-meat eaters with Southern Fried Tofu and mushroom burgers.

Art and Atmosphere

The new venue operates as a fully licensed bar, offering 15 craft beers from New South Wales breweries without requiring a food purchase. The interior reflects a mix of food and nineties pop culture, featuring illustrations by artist John Payne.

To complete the look, the space showcases large-scale graffiti by artist ‘Dizzy,’ designed to resemble a gritty subway corridor.

Published Date 08-January-2026

Neutral Bay Bakery My Little Cupcake Closes After 22 Years

Photo Credit: My Little Cupcake/Facebook

A long-established bakery in Neutral Bay has closed permanently, with My Little Cupcake confirming it will not reopen in 2026 after more than two decades in operation.

Closure Confirmed After Christmas Eve 2025

The Ben Boyd Road business ceased trading on Christmas Eve 2025, ending a 22-year presence in the Neutral Bay retail area. The closure was announced publicly through the business’s social media channels.

Over its years of operation, the bakery became known for cakes and cupcakes made on site, as well as in-store experiences that attracted repeat customers from across Sydney.

Neutral Bay bakery — Photo Credit: My Little Cupcake/Facebook

Reasons Given For Ending Trade

The decision to close was attributed to several factors occurring at the same time. These included the end of the shop’s lease, the building being prepared for sale, and an ankle replacement surgery of the owner scheduled for early 2026.

Together, these circumstances led to a decision to retire rather than continue operating the business. No plans were announced to reopen the bakery in another location.

Other Retail Departures Noted In The Area

The closure was reported alongside other business exits previously identified in Neutral Bay, including Dymocks, Pearsons Jewellers, Merrigal Gifts, Ezzelinos Italian and a long-standing discount store. No additional details were provided on the timing or circumstances of those closures.

Property Details At Ben Boyd Road

Property records cited in reporting show the site occupies a 330 square metre landholding. The land was last valued at $1.95 million and is zoned for low-density residential use. At the time of reporting, no sale listing had been recorded.

Photo Credit: My Little Cupcake/Facebook

Community Response And Reflections

The announcement prompted an outpouring of responses from customers, former staff and local residents. Many shared memories of birthday cakes, weddings, children’s milestones and regular visits spanning multiple generations. Messages consistently expressed appreciation for the role the bakery played in personal celebrations, along with well wishes ahead of retirement and surgery.

An End To A Long-Running Chapter

With the business closed and the property yet to be listed for sale, the future use of the site remains undetermined. For now, the closure marks the end of a 22-year chapter in Neutral Bay’s local retail landscape.

Published 2-Jan-2026

Pocket Pizza Opens Largest Venue Yet In Neutral Bay

Photo Credit: Pocket Pizza/Facebook

A long-established Northern Beaches pizza venue has expanded to Neutral Bay, with Pocket Pizza opening a new dine-in location on Young Street, marking its first move onto Sydney’s Lower North Shore.

Expansion Beyond The Northern Beaches

Pocket Pizza was founded in 2015 by friends Ben Pichon and Dylan Eisenhut, initially operating from a small site near Manly Corso. The business later relocated to a larger premises on Pittwater Road as demand grew, establishing itself as a regular dining option for locals across the Northern Beaches.

The business expanded further in 2022 with the opening of a second venue in Brookvale. A third location followed in Avalon the next year, extending Pocket Pizza’s footprint further north before its decision to expand beyond the beaches.

The Neutral Bay opening represents the brand’s fourth venue overall and its first on the Lower North Shore.

Pocket Pizza Neutral Bay — Photo Credit: Pocket Pizza/Facebook

New Venue Details In Neutral Bay

The Neutral Bay site is located at 24 Young Street, on the corner of Young and Grosvenor Streets. The premises was previously occupied by Pocket Pita Pop Up and later El Guapo Cantine before being taken over by Pocket Pizza.

The Neutral Bay venue opened around 18 December 2025, with reservations being accepted through OpenTable ahead of the launch period.

Neutral Bay pizza — Photo Credit: Pocket Pizza/Facebook

Menu And Dining Format

The Neutral Bay location offers the same Italian-American menu associated with Pocket Pizza’s earlier venues. This includes New York-style pizzas and pasta dishes, with items designed for shared dining.

Menu listings include fusilli with vodka sauce and the Netflix & Chilli pizza, alongside antipasto options, sides and desserts. The Neutral Bay menu mirrors the structure used at other Pocket Pizza locations, maintaining consistency across the brand.

Northern Beaches pizza — Photo Credit: Pocket Pizza/Facebook

Trading Hours

Trading hours for the Neutral Bay venue are listed as Monday to Thursday from 5 p.m. until late, and Friday to Sunday from 4 p.m. until late.

Published 24-Dec-2025

Neutral Bay Wharf To Close For Maintenance Works This November

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Neutral Bay Wharf will temporarily close for essential maintenance works as Transport for NSW Maritime carries out a gangway replacement to improve passenger safety and accessibility.

Essential Upgrades At Neutral Bay Wharf

From Friday, 14 November to Friday, 19 December 2025, Neutral Bay Wharf will be closed to allow Transport for NSW Maritime to complete vital gangway replacement works. The project is part of the agency’s ongoing Wharf Maintenance Program designed to maintain safe, reliable, and accessible infrastructure for ferry commuters across Sydney.

Work will be undertaken Monday to Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. However, the wharf will remain closed outside these hours for the full duration of the project. While some noise and general activity are expected during the works, efforts will be made to minimise disruption to local residents and businesses.

Neutral Bay Wharf closure — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Alternative Transport Options For Commuters

During the closure, ferry passengers are advised to use other travel routes. The 225 bus service departs from the ferry wharf and travels to Wycombe Road, near Military Road, where connections to city and Northern bus routes are available. Those who wish to continue their ferry commute can take a short nine-minute walk to Kurraba Point Wharf.

Additional options include bus stops on Clark Road after Adderstone Avenue and Milsons Point train station, both offering links to the city. Passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance to avoid delays.

Sydney ferry — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Part Of A Broader Wharf Maintenance Program

Neutral Bay Wharf’s temporary closure is part of a wider Wharf Maintenance Program involving several Sydney locations. Other wharves currently affected include Aquarium, Balmain East, Casino, and Cremorne Point.

Cremorne Point Wharf is also closed until Friday, 12 December 2025, for essential upgrades that include a new gangway, pontoon roof, and general structural improvements aimed at improving safety, reliability, and accessibility.

Project Completion And Travel Advisory

The Neutral Bay Wharf project is scheduled for completion by Friday, 19 December 2025. Upon reopening, ferry services are expected to resume normal operations. Transport for NSW Maritime has encouraged passengers to check real-time updates through official transport channels before travelling.

Published 3-Nov-2025

Locals Rally to Preserve Historic Bydown Terraces in Neutral Bay

Photo Credit: Change.org

Residents in Neutral Bay are rallying to save a row of century-old terraces from demolition after a development application proposed replacing them with an eight-storey apartment block.

Historic Terraces at Risk

A proposal lodged with North Sydney Council seeks approval to demolish six adjoining properties at 27–37 Bydown Street, Neutral Bay, and replace them with a 28-metre-high residential building containing 25 apartments, including six affordable housing units. The $30 million project, designed by PBD Architects for developer Bydown Street Residence DM Pty Ltd, also includes three basement levels of parking.

The 1211.7-square-metre site is zoned R3 Medium Density Residential. The existing cottages, built around 1908, are believed to have housed tram workers and are considered part of Neutral Bay’s early working-class heritage.

Bydown Terraces Neutral Bay — Photo Credit: Change.org

Community Effort to Save the Cottages

Local residents have launched a campaign titled Save Bydown Terraces from Demolition – Neutral Precinct to prevent the redevelopment. The online petition calls for an Interim Heritage Order to protect the six adjoining homes, describing them as a rare and intact example of federation workers’ cottages that reflect the suburb’s cultural and architectural history.

The campaign has gained more than 180 signatures, with residents voicing concerns over increased congestion, loss of historical character, and the scale of new developments reshaping the lower north shore. Many argue that once historical homes are demolished, the suburb’s unique identity will be permanently altered.

Council Considers Heritage Protection

A motion was presented at the North Sydney Council meeting on 13 October 2025, following strong community advocacy. Councillors voted unanimously to appoint a heritage consultant to assess whether the Bydown Street cottages are eligible for protection under an Interim Heritage Order.

This decision followed community representations citing the buildings’ historical associations with builder Frank Harpham and architect Thomas W. Hodgson, both linked to significant early 20th-century developments in the area. Harpham was a founding member of the Middle Harbour Yacht Club, while Hodgson served multiple terms as a North Sydney mayor.

Heritage and Planning Context

The proposed eight-storey project is part of the NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow increased height and density if developments include affordable housing. The Neutral Bay site meets this criterion, proposing six affordable units within the 25-apartment complex.

Recently submitted design renders revealed the new structure’s scale, sparking further concern among residents. Community members claim the building would dominate its surroundings and impact nearby heritage landmarks such as the Neutral Bay Fire Station and Public School.

heritage protection — Photo Credit: Change.org

SIGN THE PETITION NOW

Continuing Campaign

The Neutral Precinct group continues to encourage public submissions and correspondence with council representatives before a final decision is made. While supporters of the redevelopment cite the need for increased housing, many residents argue that heritage conservation should take precedence in maintaining Neutral Bay’s historic character.

The development application (DA 310/2025) remains open for community submissions through the North Sydney Council Planning Portal, with a final outcome pending the heritage consultant’s assessment.

Published 15-Oct-2025

Military Road Nike Outlet Among Sydney Stores To Close After Franchisee Enters Liquidation

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The Nike store on Military Road has closed its doors permanently following the collapse of AF-1, the franchisee that operated the Neutral Bay outlet along with six other Nike stores across Sydney.

The franchisee, which had been operating for nearly two decades, has been forced into liquidation after losing its licensing agreement with Nike, leaving as many as 115 workers without jobs.

The Neutral Bay store, located at 185 Military Road on the corner of Rangers Road, was one of seven AF-1-operated Nike outlets affected by the sudden closure. Other stores included those at Pitt Street in the CBD, Bondi, Chatswood, Burwood, Warringah and Castle Hill.

Liquidator John Morgan from BCR Advisory has been appointed to manage the wind-up process and confirmed that eligible employee entitlements, including unpaid annual leave, wages and redundancy payments, will be covered under the Commonwealth Government’s Fair Entitlements Guarantee scheme.

The liquidator’s office has provided information to affected employees about how to apply for compensation through the federal funding program.

For customers holding gift certificates or store credits for the affected stores, the news is disappointing. These will not be honoured, as they represent unsecured claims against the franchisee.

Morgan stated that his office is working with Nike and landlords to arrange an orderly closedown of the shops and, where appropriate, facilitate the return of goods to Nike under existing supply arrangements.

A Nike spokesperson confirmed that agreements with AF-1 had ended “effective immediately” and said the company appreciated the partnership. Nike added it looks forward to continuing to serve consumers through its growing network of Nike stores, multibrand retail partners and online platform.

Other Sydney Nike stores not managed by AF-1 will continue to operate.

The closures add to a challenging period for Australian retail, with several major brands experiencing difficulties in recent times.

Published 1-October-2025

Cleaver’s Organic: From Neutral Bay Butcher Shop to National Household Staple

Photo Credit: Cleaver's Organic Meat/Facebook

Cleaver’s Organic began as a family butcher shop in Neutral Bay, Sydney in 1998 and has grown into a national brand now stocked in Coles, turning organic red meat from a niche product into a regular choice for Australian families.

A Journey Rooted in Community and Quality

What started more than 20 years ago as a small business serving Neutral Bay families has grown steadily by sticking to its core values. Cleaver’s Organic offers 100 per cent grass-fed, organic-certified meat with clear health benefits.

*Photo Credit: Cleaver’s Organic Meat/Facebook*

Its community focus has built a loyal customer base that values taste, traceability, and ethical production. The company balances tradition with meeting the needs of today’s health-conscious Australians.

Shaping Consumer Understanding Through Education

The “Seriously Organic, Seriously Good” campaign, which ran from September 2024 to April 2025, helped change how Australians view organic meat. It shifted focus from just ethics and sustainability to clear benefits like health, animal welfare, and caring for the environment.

This fresh messaging framed organic meat as a smart, everyday family choice rather than a luxury product. The campaign attracted over 115,000 new shoppers and boosted online sales by more than 50%, marking a significant shift in the organic meat market.

Leadership in Sustainable Farming

Cleaver’s Organic is part of Hewitt, Australia’s largest organic meat producer managing over 5.6 million acres of certified organic farmland. The company was a pioneer in Australia to receive Regenerative Organic Certification, reflecting its commitment to soil health, animal welfare, and sustainability.

Hewitt supports hundreds of thousands of animals raised under organic standards and helps set industry benchmarks. Leading producers like the Schutt family in Queensland exemplify the brand’s dedication to certified organic livestock farming and build trust in the Cleaver’s name.

Recognition and Industry Impact

Cleaver’s Organic received the Campaign of the Year award at the 2025 Organic Industry Awards, recognising its success in educating consumers and expanding the organic meat market in Australia.

The award highlights the brand’s rise from a local butcher shop in Neutral Bay to a national presence in Coles stores. It demonstrates how the combination of community values, clear communication, and sustainable practices can drive industry success and benefit Australian consumers.

Published 09-September-2025

The Oak Hotel Opens Books for Father’s Day Celebrations

Photo Credit: Facebook / The Oaks Hotel

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and families in Neutral Bay have a familiar local option to celebrate Dad in style this Sunday, 7 September.

The Oak Hotel has announced that bookings are now open for Father’s Day, giving local families the chance to enjoy a traditional celebration beneath the venue’s famous oak tree. The iconic Neutral Bay establishment is positioning itself as an ideal choice for families seeking a relaxed atmosphere with a touch of local history.

The venue’s appeal lies in its combination of traditional pub fare and family-friendly environment, making it particularly suitable for multi-generational celebrations. The famous oak tree that gives the hotel its name continues to provide a unique dining backdrop that sets it apart from other local venues.

Located in the heart of Neutral Bay, The Oak Hotel offers convenient access for local families who prefer to stay close to home for their Father’s Day celebrations. The venue’s reputation for hearty pub classics makes it a comfortable choice for dads who appreciate straightforward, quality food in a relaxed setting.

Book a Table now!

Families interested in dining at The Oak Hotel this Father’s Day are encouraged to make reservations, as Sunday bookings typically fill up quickly for special occasions. The venue’s combination of traditional charm and family-friendly atmosphere continues to make it a popular choice among Neutral Bay residents.

Father’s Day falls on Sunday, 7 September 2025, giving families across the Lower North Shore numerous options to show their appreciation for the dads in their lives. For those seeking a local, traditional pub experience, The Oak Hotel’s famous oak tree setting offers a distinctly Neutral Bay way to mark the occasion.

Published 3-September-2025

Neutral Bay Nightlife Icon The Pickled Possum Offered to Market

The Pickled Possum, one of Neutral Bay’s most iconic late-night venues, is officially on the market following its recent move into receivership, and its future could go in many directions.

Read: Pearsons Jewellers in Neutral Bay Closes Shop and Shifts Service After 53 Years

Long known as a quirky institution on Military Road, the famed karaoke and piano bar is being offered to buyers for about $2.5 million, with interest already high from hospitality players and potential developers. The sale is being managed by HTL Property, with expressions of interest due by 7 August 2025 at 5PM.

Photo credit: Feargus ODonoghue/Google Maps

The two-storey building sits on a 164sqm site and still holds a rare extended trading licence allowing operation until 2:00am, Monday to Saturday. Its legacy and location continue to appeal to a wide range of buyers, including restaurateurs, brewers, and spirits distillers, with the potential for it to be part of a future amalgamated development.

The bar’s name was inspired by real possums that would peer down from the door frames, hoping for scraps of carrots and lettuce from late-night patrons. But inside, the experience was anything but sleepy, with old photos plastered on the walls, $10 steak nights, and crowds singing around the piano until closing.

Over the years, The Pickled Possum attracted both locals and famous faces, including Janet Jackson and Chris Hemsworth. The venue peaked in the 1980s and was known for serving drinks from eskys and spontaneous singalongs by former mayors.

Owned and operated for four decades by John Oseckas and Margurite Smith, the couple transferred ownership in 2021 after purchasing it in 2002 for $913,000. The new owner, Robert Patterson, had lodged plans for a 78-room boarding house across several adjoining properties, but the proposal was refused by North Sydney Council in late 2024.

Now, with the site being offered through a structured campaign, its future remains open-ended. The current tenant is eager to stay and continue operating under a new lease if an investor-owner is secured.

Read: Neutral Bay Public School Fall Leads To $276k Payout For Injured Student

HTL Property agents Sam Handy, Andrew Jolliffe, and Ben Kennedy say the level of enquiry so far reflects both the venue’s nostalgic pull and its strong fundamentals, such as location, licence, and character.

Published 28-July-2025