One of Melbourne’s most anticipated restaurant openings of 2022, Cucina Povera, has closed temporarily – only a month after it first opened in the CBD.

Two Australian hospitality heavyweights are behind the brutalist Italian diner: Maurice Terzini (of Sydney’s iconic Icebergs) and Joe Vargetto (of Melbourne’s Mister Bianco).

Existing reservations have been cancelled and the online bookings portal has been suspended, while a sign was placed on the door of the Little Collins Street restaurant explaining that it was closed because of the Covid crisis.

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Comments on an Instagram post by restaurant critic John Lethlean, questioning the restaurant’s closure over the weekend, led people to speculate if there were other or additional reasons for it. (In particular, since-deleted comments by co-owner Vargetto as well as another Melbourne food identity.)

In a statement to Broadsheet, Vargetto said: “It is very unfortunate that it has come to this situation, but we have had to close Cucina Povera for the time being.”

Terzini also commented on the post, saying: “Been a tough start on this one John. We are working through it all and hope to have [it] sorted next week. Had a series of unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances affecting our ability to do what we do best.”

Broadsheet reached out to Terzini directly, who confirmed the temporary closure but did not want to comment further.

The pair went back to their roots to open Cucina Povera (which means “food of the poor”). The restaurant was intended as an homage to the Italian immigrants – including their families – who came to Australia to make it their home.

Cucina Povera is temporarily closed.

cpvv.com.au