Shocking war of words between hospo kings as MasterChef star opens Italian restaurant across the road from popular local trattoria – and the owner isn’t pulling his punches

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In simpler terms, there’s more intrigue in Double Bay, Sydney, than a typical MasterChef episode due to a growing disagreement between two prominent figures in the hospitality industry.

After cleaning up nearly every last dim sum from his closed Chinese restaurant, Song Bird, renowned restaurant owner Neil Perry quickly announced the opening of Gran Torino – an Italian restaurant with two levels, occupying the same location instead.

This new business offers an array of antipasti, freshly made pasta, and traditional Italian desserts, which would be delightful to many, yet some may find they’re not in the mood for it.

The individual who doesn’t live next door to Perry is Eddie Levy, the proprietor of Matteo, a well-established Italian establishment located right across the street.

Prior to customers experiencing the flavors of prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella at Gran Torino, Levy’s feelings towards the business were already evidently expressed.

Originally posted, but later deleted on Gran Torino’s Instagram (and since shared among hospitality communities), a comment read: “Greetings everyone! It’s your friendly neighborhood Italian eatery, operating just across the street for almost a decade now!

In 2017, Levy, the founder of Matteo, couldn’t help but criticize Perry’s practice of closing establishments only to open fresh ones in their place instead.

In May 2024, after a successful 12-year run, Perry’s cherished Italian eatery, Rosetta, had to shut down due to extensive renovations happening at the Crown Melbourne complex, its previous location.

2018 marked the closure of Jade Temple, formerly known as Perry’s Cantonese (later pan-Asian) fine-dining establishment. This event occurred exactly one year following its impressive debut. Despite a menu revamp, attempts to salvage the restaurant proved unsuccessful.

Likewise, Song Bird, a formerly aspirational three-tiered Chinese restaurant, ceased operations on August 3, nearly a year following its opening.

The restaurant experienced decline due to problems with overambition in design – Perry acknowledged that the three-tier structure was not quite right – coupled with a premature launch, staff shortages, and faulty machinery.

In spite of the obstacles, Perry continues to be one of Australia’s most acclaimed and prosperous restaurant owners, boasting a domain encompassing Rockpool, Spice Temple, and undeniably, Australia’s premier steakhouse, Margaret.

Well done! Best of fortune, Levy concluded his witty remark, which is no longer visible – possibly taken down by Levy himself or the Gran Torino team admin.

Additionally, Levy reacted to another post regarding Gran Torino by posting a GIF showing Clint Eastwood with an indifferent expression.

Matteo is known for being one of the most fashionable Italian restaurants in Double Bay, thanks to its laid-back vibe and genuine Italian cuisine offerings.

The intense competition between the two establishments doesn’t seem to be subsiding anytime soon, given that they both offer comparable menus consisting of appetizers, homemade pasta, substantial main courses, and indulgent desserts – akin to antipasti selections.

Perry – a guest judge on MasterChef – is no stranger to Double Bay, of course.

Additionally, he is the proprietor of the fashionable Margaret restaurant and wine bar located next door in our neighborhood, both of which he has successfully maintained to operate, even with numerous other ambitious ventures collapsing around him.

Levy has also established himself in Double Bay as co-owner of the Japanese favourite Tanuki.

Earlier this year, news outlets highlighted an incident involving Tanuki, where she threw a table lamp at her former boyfriend’s head in public, after discovering him having dinner with a new companion.

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2025-08-12 17:38