'World's most awarded' Vietnamese restaurant in Australia will serve its last meal and close.

Vietnamese restaurant Red Lantern in Darlinghurst, co-founded by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen - a judge on Master Chef Vietnam, his sister Pauline Nguyen and partner Mark Jensen, will serve its last meal on November 22.

From left to right: Mark Jensen, Luke Nguyen and Pauline Nguyen in the early days of Red Lantern's opening - Photo: FBNH

On its official website today, September 17, Red Lantern restaurant announced that "it is with mixed emotions that our beloved Red Lantern, the world's most awarded Vietnamese restaurant and one of the cornerstones of Sydney's culinary scene, will close after 25 years on November 22, marking the end of a memorable journey of food, family and storytelling."

Harsh winters and new tastes prevail

Co-owner and chef Mark Jensen told the Sydney Morning Herald that dwindling customer numbers during the harsh winter, rising living costs, persistent wet weather and Sydneysiders' growing tendency to pursue new things were the main reasons for the closure.

A corner of the restaurant - Photo: FBNH

Red Lantern is more than just a Vietnamese restaurant in Australia.

“This is not an end, this milestone is an opportunity to look back at Red Lantern's extraordinary legacy and look forward to new projects,” the restaurant's website says.

Red Lantern is more than just a restaurant. Over the years, it has become a mecca of flavor, perseverance, and connection, welcoming thousands of diners and earning international acclaim for its ability to blend culture, community, and culinary mastery.

“Red Lantern has been a labor of love for the past 25 years,” says Mark Jensen. Over the coming months, the restaurant invites the community to celebrate that extraordinary journey.

In celebration of its farewell, Red Lantern will host a series of special events and experiences designed to celebrate the history of food, culture and the art of culinary storytelling.

According to Business News Australia, this may not be the end for the restaurant if the founders find the right buyer who shares their values ​​and vision because "Red Lantern has always been bigger than us."

Some dishes at Red Lantern - Photo: FBNH

Diners regretfully wished to have their meal one last time.

The Daily Mail commented that this decision will end more than 20 years of reshaping the way many Australians view Vietnamese cuisine. When this restaurant first opened in the early 2000s, it was a place full of surprises.

At that time, Vietnamese cuisine was often associated with Formica tables and cheap food, but Red Lantern changed that perception by serving dishes with classy service and a luxurious, sophisticated experience.

Dishes such as braised pork and shrimp and pork rice cakes quickly became signature dishes, receiving acclaim from experts and a loyal customer base.

The Sydney Morning Herald said that even after more than two decades, Red Lantern's approach to Vietnamese flavours remains truly modern.

Salt and chili squid dish - Photo: FBNH

Under the post announcing the closure on the restaurant's official fanpage, many Australian diners expressed sadness and regret at the closure of one of the great restaurants.

"I'm so sad and will definitely be back for one last farewell. There are very few restaurants in Sydney that have been in business for 25 years, let alone at the level of excellence you guys have done! It's truly a remarkable achievement," commented Christine Hammond.

Many others thanked Red Lantern for the wonderful memories and delicious meals. Many thanked Red Lantern for the love of Vietnamese cuisine that had grown so much.

Nick Syme shared: "I wish I could be there one last time. Stir-fried squid with salt and chili, served with lemon and pepper dipping sauce, a dish I will remember forever."

After 25 years of operation, all three have shaped Vietnamese cuisine in Australia.

Red Lantern is one of the most famous Vietnamese restaurants in the world, having received many prestigious awards from organizations such as Restaurant and Catering Association (R&CA) and Good Food Guide...

Luke Nguyen himself is one of the most influential chefs in the culinary field. Not only was he honored at the Sydney Morning Herald's Food Hall of Fame, he is also the author of many best-selling cookbooks, such as Secrets of the Red Lantern , The Songs of Sapa..., known for television series such as Luke Nguyen's Vietnam, Luke Nguyen's France, Luke Nguyen's Railway Vietnam, broadcast in many countries.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nha-hang-viet-nhieu-giai-thuong-nhat-the-gioi-tai-uc-se-phuc-vu-bua-an-cuoi-va-dong-cua-20250917205743292.htm