A hatted chef behind a popular bistro named one of the best restaurants in Australia has made the tough decision to hang up his apron.
Louis Couttoupes started his Canberra restaurant Onzieme, best known for its seasonally changing small plates and natural wines, in October 2021.
But after five years of running the one-hatted restaurant, the owner said he has had to make the ‘heartbreaking decision to walk away’ due to staff shortages.
‘This is a restaurant that I built with my own hands, and after five years, I still love coming to every single day,’ Louis said in an emotional video.
The top chef confirmed his last service at the restaurant will be Saturday, May 30.
He explained that he could no longer run the business after struggling to find employees to help him operate the restaurant properly.
‘I do want to be clear that this is not a COVID thing or cost of living. We’re lucky enough to have remained profitable and busy as we can be as an independent restaurant in Canberra in 2026,’ Louis said.
‘The simple truth is I can’t staff the restaurant. What it requires as a single owner-operator is becoming harder and harder, and I do not have the capacity to continue doing what I’ve done for the last five years to keep the doors open here.
Hatted chef Louis Couttoupes (left) behind a popular bistro, named one of the best restaurants in Australia, has made the tough decision to hang up his apron
The top chef opened his restaurant Onzieme in Canberra in October 2021
‘The staff simply aren’t in Canberra or if they are, there’s bigger groups (of employers) that can offer more money than we can afford to.’
While the restaurant is set to close its doors after May 30, Louis mentioned he’s exploring options to either sell the business or the property.
‘I’m currently in talks with a few groups and receiving expressions of interest to transfer either Onzieme as a running restaurant or sell the site to someone wanting to do something new and exciting in Kingston, which I think is really great,’ he said.
As he prepares to walk away, Louis urged diners to make a reservation and say their goodbye before he leaves the restaurant for good.
‘I would love to see you guys all before whatever happens next,’ he said.
‘Please jump online and make a booking and come say hi.’
The bistro is known for its seasonally changing small plates and natural wines
Loyal customers have expressed their devastation over the unexpected news, with many calling it a ‘huge loss’ for Canberra’s dining scene.
‘My heart is broken. So sorry to hear. It’s not an easy industry by any means. Thank you for bringing us many good times and deliciousness,’ one shared.
‘Decisions like these are not made lightly and I can see and feel you must be simply exhausted. Small business is no mean feat. You should be so proud of what you created, it was and truly is something very special in the Canberra hospitality scene. I could never fault your food – it was always so inventive and authentic,’ another said.
‘What a huge loss for Canberra. I’m heartbroken,’ one revealed.
‘This is absolutely devastating. I am so sorry to hear this – I’ve never loved a restaurant more,’ another explained.
‘My heart is broken in 1,000 pieces. So sorry to hear this, but fully understand. I wish you all the best,’ one added.
