Sydney's Flying Fish Restaurant to Conclude Operations at The Star Next Month
The renowned Flying Fish restaurant, a fixture of Sydney's dining scene for over two decades, has announced it will close its doors at The Star in Pyrmont on Saturday, April 11, 2026. This move concludes an eight-year partnership with the casino and entertainment complex, but clear indications suggest this may not be the final chapter for the celebrated establishment.
A Legacy of Excellence in Sydney's Culinary Landscape
Flying Fish first opened in 2004, originally based at Jones Bay Wharf before relocating to The Star in 2018. In an official notice on its website, the restaurant expressed pride in its role within Sydney's dining landscape, highlighting its reputation for exceptional seafood, warm service, and memorable experiences. The statement extended heartfelt thanks to diners, staff, and The Star for their partnership and support over the years.
The announcement also contained an optimistic hint about the future, stating, "As this chapter comes to a close, Flying Fish looks forward to the next chapter. Stay tuned for what's next." This teasing conclusion has sparked speculation about a potential revival or relocation of the restaurant.
Co-owner Confirms Search for New Sydney CBD Venue
Flying Fish co-owner Con Dedes confirmed to Good Food that the team has begun actively searching for a new venue. "We've had eight great years at The Star, there were some onerous days during COVID, but it's time to fly again," Dedes told the publication. While specific details remain undisclosed, Dedes indicated that the new location would likely be within Sydney's inner city, stating, "We're looking at sites in the Sydney CBD to relocate."
The restaurant, currently led by head chef Neville Dsouza, has built a formidable reputation over the years, earning numerous accolades for both its food and wine offerings. Its menu is celebrated for seafood-focused dishes, including small plates like spanner crab toast and yellowfin tuna crudo, as well as large plates such as blue swimmer crab spaghetti and barbecued line-caught snapper.
Part of a Trend of High-Profile Departures from The Star
Flying Fish's exit marks the latest in a series of high-profile venues leaving The Star complex. This trend includes The Century by Golden Century, which closed in December 2024, and Ele by Federico & Karl, which departed in 2023 after a 14-month run. The latter venue had previously housed Momofuku Seiobo for a decade before its own relocation.
Despite these departures, premium Japanese restaurant Sokyo remains a stalwart within The Star, continuing to operate successfully at the location. The shifting landscape at the entertainment complex reflects broader dynamics in Sydney's competitive hospitality sector, where venues often adapt to changing consumer preferences and operational challenges.
The potential relocation of Flying Fish underscores the restaurant's resilience and enduring appeal. With its legacy of culinary excellence and a loyal customer base, the establishment appears poised to navigate this transition, potentially emerging in a new form that continues to contribute to Sydney's vibrant dining culture. The coming months will reveal whether this iconic restaurant indeed spreads its wings anew in the heart of the city.
