An ultra-trendy Italian café in Sydney suddenly closed its doors after the manager was charged with child sexual abuse offences.
Claudio Simonella, 54, who worked at Cafe Nino in Woollahra, is accused of intentionally sexually touching a young girl and assaulting her.
His family had run the popular restaurant for decades before it mysteriously shut down weeks ago.
Café Nino provided no explanation for the closure, with just a voice message on its answering machine saying ‘unfortunately we are closed until further notice’.
Claudio Simonella, 54, who worked at Cafe Nino in Woollahra, is accused of intentionally sexually touching a young girl and assaulting her
Officers attached to State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad commenced an investigation into the alleged abuse in December last year.
A NSW Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Simonella was arrested at a home in Woollahra in January.
He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where he was charged with eight offences, including six counts of intentionally sexually touching a child and two counts of common assault.
Mr Simonella was granted conditional bail and is expected to face court again in May.
The restaurant was named among the best in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in 2021
Cafe Nino has long been popular with both locals and celebrities for it’s classic dishes and intimate atmosphere.
‘In the restaurant business, dining fads come and go but tradition will always win out in the end,’ the website reads.
‘Our tradition stems from the family recipes perfected over generations that we now proudly serve to you, your family, and friends.’
The restaurant was named among the best in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in 2021.
