Melbourne’s last remaining Miznon restaurant announces closure

Melbourne CBD’s branch of popular Israeli street-food restaurant Miznon announced today it will close. It follows the closure of the restaurant’s Collingwood location in May, and attacks on the Hardware Lane restaurant last July.

The news was announced via a post on @miznonmelbourne’s Instagram account.

“After an unforgettable journey, it’s time for us to say goodbye. As they say, all good things come to an end, and this Saturday [July 11] will be our final day at Miznon Melbourne,” it reads.

At the time of closing Collingwood, Miznon head chef Afik Gal said the owners wanted to focus on Miznon’s CBD location.

Gal did not respond to calls or texts.

Other traders on the street say that business is down, with fewer tourists and overall foot traffic. However, many were surprised and saddened to hear the news about Miznon.

“It’s one of the best on the lane, so their closing is really scary for all of us,” says Anna Duerte, who manages Grill Steak Seafood.

“Along the lane, everyone is like a neighbour,” says Nathan Kongfarai, general manager of Thai restaurant Khao Man Gai. “We recognise and remember each other’s faces. It’s sad to see someone have to close down.”

Since opening in Melbourne in 2017, Miznon (which has more than 15 locations worldwide) enjoyed great success, winning fans for its playfully worded menu showcasing Middle Eastern street food. Its whole roasted cauliflower and pita pockets filled with falafel, lamb rib, and minute steak became a signature.

But since war broke out between Israel and Gaza in October 2023, the restaurant has come under scrutiny. Miznon is part of an international hospitality group part-owned by Israeli businessman Shahar Segal.

Segal was a spokesman for Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a food aid group backed by Israel and the US, which has been widely criticised for its lack of impartiality and using aid as leverage. He says he stepped away from that role last July following attacks on Miznon’s Melbourne venue and other actions against his restaurants in Israel.

Miznon’s CBD venue was targeted last year by a group of about 20 people – some of whom were wearing the Palestinian keffiyeh – who smashed glasses and a restaurant window, clashed with staff and threw food at diners. The attack was met with dismay, swift political action and charges being laid.

Last month, Gal told this masthead several reasons had led to the Collingwood venue closure but that it was mainly financial. He added that antisemitism may have played a part.

“I know people kind of look for the cause, the political accusation or whatever, and I can’t say I can point a finger to something specifically,” he said at the time.

It is unclear whether antisemitism or the July 2025 attacks were a factor in the decision to close the Hardware Lane location or if it was purely a business decision. Traders on the street believe the economy and conflict between Iran and the US are affecting every business.

“To be fair I think it’s not only this lane [that’s quiet],” says Kongfarai. “I think it’s everywhere, especially this year because so many things happening on the planet.”

Duerte says Miznon’s departure will be felt.

“To be honest, it will leave a big hole,” says Duerte. “Miznon has been there for years; it was like the heart of the lane.”

Good Food does not suggest the closure of Miznon’s CBD location is linked to the previous targeting of the restaurant.