The vibrant Sydney dining scene is set to lose a beloved fixture, as the Cantonese restaurant Duk Inn on Newtown's King Street has announced it will shut its doors for good in mid-February.
A Quiet Farewell for a Family Favourite
The unexpected news was first shared by prominent local food blogger Kev, who runs the Instagram account @sydneyfoodboy. In a series of posts he titled 'Sad news of 2026', he revealed that the restaurant's final day of trading would be 18 February 2026. The announcement featured a photo of owner Johnathan Wu holding a lobster, accompanied by a heartfelt caption urging followers to visit one last time for "Cantonese uncle's wok cooking and Jono's mum's roast Peking duck wraps."
Kev provided further insight, confirming the closure date before the restaurant had made a public statement and encouraging his followers to show their support. Daily Mail approached Duk Inn for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.
More Than a Restaurant: A Family Legacy
Duk Inn has been a staple on the lively King Street since its opening in December 2023. Founded by Johnathan Wu, the establishment was a true family affair, with his mother and uncle bringing years of culinary experience to the kitchen. In an introductory video, Wu described the venue as his personal take on traditional Cantonese cuisine, specialising in Zhong Shan BBQ.
The restaurant's unique character was split between a traditionally styled upstairs dining room and a neon-lit bar area downstairs, which Wu described as "a bit of a vibe." Signature dishes that won over locals included:
- Peking duck wraps
- Roast duck, pork, and char siu
- Mud crab served with traditional sauces
This formula proved a resounding success. Duk Inn earned a stellar 4.7-star rating on Google Reviews from 344 reviews, with patrons praising the "next level" food and excellent service. Renowned food blogger Not Quite Nigella hailed it as one of Newtown's "hidden culinary treasures."
Part of a Wider Trend for Sydney's Eateries
The closure of Duk Inn is not an isolated incident in the early weeks of 2026. It adds to a growing list of cherished, independent Sydney restaurants that have recently shuttered, highlighting potential challenges within the sector.
Just days earlier, on 5 January 2026, Sydney's oldest operating ramen shop, Ramen Genki in Artarmon, closed after 28 years. A spokesperson cited tough economic conditions and falling foot traffic. Furthermore, the long-running Italian institution Ezzelinos in Neutral Bay, open since 1982, also confirmed its permanent closure in early January 2026, despite being under new management since March 2025.
The loss of Duk Inn represents more than just the end of a business; it marks the departure of a unique, family-run kitchen that brought authentic Cantonese flavours and a warm, personal touch to the heart of Newtown. Patrons now have just a few weeks left to experience its celebrated wok cooking and say farewell to the team behind this local treasure.
