The owner of Sicilian restaurant Zafferano Trattoria Mediterranea, Isobel Galloway has announced the restaurant’s closure in a candid video.
She spoke about the struggle that small businesses are facing during the cost-of-living crisis.
The video now has over 360,000 views, with Galloway encouraging diners to think about who they are choosing to support.

Sicilian restaurant Zafferano Trattoria Mediterranea in Paddington has gone viral this week, after posting a reel to their Instagram announcing their closure.

In the candid video, owner Isobel Galloway, who runs the restaurant with her partner, Sicilian-born chef Simone Crivello, opened up to her followers about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on their restaurant.

The reel now has over 360,000 views and nearly 2000 comments. In the post, Galloway said,

“Our restaurant was once full, with bookings every night, laughter echoing through the walls and food made with soul. Now, we’re lucky if we have a few tables filled.”

“It’s not just us, it’s all around. Small businesses are dying in silence while rent climbs and costs soar.”

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A post shared by Zafferano Trattoria (@zafferanotrattoriamediterranea)

Galloway continued, saying

“Before we go, ask yourself this: Where are you spending your money? Who are you choosing to support? What kind of city do you want to live in?”

“Without small businesses, culture dies, community dies, and all that’s left is soulless chains and boarded-up shop fronts. This isn’t just a goodbye— it’s a wakeup call.”

Galloway continued to share her struggles with The Daily Telegraph, confirming that she and her partner had decided not to renew their lease after struggling to stay afloat while enduring the cost-of-living crisis, as well as increases in rent and wages. She acknowledged the fact that “the past two years have been notoriously tough for hospitality” stating,

“It’s been a really tricky time, and all venues have had to deal with it. But being tiny and family run, it’s taken a toll on us.”

In another Instagram post, Galloway announced that the restaurant will officially close on August 24. She thanked all those who continue to support Zafferano:

“We’ll be here until the 24th of August serving our last plates, sharing our last stories, and saying goodbye the only way we know how: with food and heart.”

Galloway’s video and the closure of Zafferano Trattoria Mediterranea sparks a conversation about the difficulty of small business survival during the cost-of-living crisis. She calls the video a “wake-up call”, encouraging diners to go out and support small local restaurants that bring something authentic to the community.

Our five favourite independent restaurants in Sydney

In the spirit of supporting small businesses, we thought we’d shout out five of our favourite independent restaurants in Sydney that you should pay a visit to. Some of these restaurants have been around for decades, serving up authentic dishes that simply can’t be beaten.

Buon Ricordo,

One of Sydney’s favourite Italian restaurants, Buon Ricordo, opened in 1987 and has been serving the suburb of Paddington ever since. With its striking terracotta walls, this spot is hard to miss, made all the more memorable by its innovative dishes and warm hospitality. David Wright, who has been the Head Chef and Owner for six years now, focuses on traditional Italian food with an emphasis on quality. Since its establishment, the restaurant has continued to operate as a family-run business.

Where: 108 Boundary St, Paddington NSW 2021.

The Malaya

The Malaya goes back to 1963, where it was founded by Wong Tai See, a merchant seaman who migrated to Australia from Hong Kong in the 1940s. The Malaya is one of Australia’s longest-standing family-owned restaurants, at one point moving to King Street Wharf for 23 years before relocating to Grosvenor Place in the CBD, where it first opened its doors in 1963. Now under the stewardship of third-generation siblings Duan and Isabella Wong, the restaurant serves up an array of incredible Southeast Asian dishes, including their original 1963 Laksa recipe, made with dairy milk.

Where: Grosvenor Place, 225 George St, Sydney NSW 2000.

The Corinthian Rotisserie

The Corinthian Rotisserie has stayed authentic in Marrickville since its opening in 1980. The Giannakelos family came to Australia 55 years ago, and 80-year-old Frank continued to work in the restaurant’s kitchen with his wife Marie, with the help of their sons George and Chris. Known for their slow-cooked lamb and delicious slouvaki, this award-winning restaurant is the go-to for incredible Greek food.

Where: 283 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.

Baba’s Place

Baba’s Place is an inner-west favourite, located in a Marrickville garage that somehow feels like your grandma’s kitchen (and that’s the whole idea). With influences from various Sydney suburbs, the menu mainly focuses on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Owners Jean-Paul El Tom, Alex Kelly and James Bellos grew up together and decided to open a restaurant that would draw on their Lebanese, Macedonian and Greek heritages. The result is an undeniably authentic restaurant serving up delicious eats in a buzzy venue.

Where: 20 Sloane St, Marrickville NSW 2204.

Abhi’s

Celebrating their 35th anniversary this year, Abhi’s serves up Indian comfort food using fresh local produce. Combining traditional recipes with a modern twist, chef Kumar Mahadevan brings inspiration from his native Chennai city, as well as seafood dishes from Goa. The restaurant earned another coveted hat in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2025, marking its third consecutive year of recognition following wins in 2023 and 2024.

Where: 163 Concord Rd, North Strathfield NSW 2137.

Paddington restaurant’s viral closure sparks debate about big venue dominance of Sydney food