An acclaimed chef-hatted restaurant in the heart of Canberra's CBD has shuttered its doors after a brief 14-month run, a stark contrast to its owner's earlier promise of a long-term future in the capital.
A Sudden End Before Christmas
Carlotta, the venture launched by prominent Melbourne restaurateur Chris Lucas in October 2024, ceased trading over the weekend of December 20, 2025. The closure came less than a week before Christmas, marking a swift end to a venue that had quickly garnered critical acclaim.
The restaurant confirmed its fate through a note on its website, revealing that the Lucas Collective had finalised the sale of its site at 20 Scotts Crossing in the Canberra Centre to the upscale steakhouse chain, Hunter and Barrel.
Failed Expansion Plans Led to Closure
According to the statement, the closure was a direct result of an unsuccessful broader strategy for Canberra. "Carlotta was originally conceived as the first stage of a broader Canberra expansion. Despite strong ambitions for the nation's capital, we were ultimately unable to secure additional suitable sites to support our multi-venue model," the message explained.
This rationale highlights the challenging economics for high-profile hospitality groups seeking to establish a foothold in the city. The statement expressed pride in the team's achievements, noting that Carlotta earned a GoodFood Chef's Hat just weeks after opening and welcomed tens of thousands of guests.
The Lucas Collective retains ownership of the Carlotta brand and hinted at a future for it elsewhere, stating they "look forward to sharing more about its future in due course."
From Long-Term Vision to Quick Exit
The sudden closure stands in sharp relief to the optimism expressed by Lucas during the restaurant's launch. In earlier interviews with The Canberra Times, he had voiced a significant commitment to Canberra.
He had announced plans for a second venue, a French bistro, and emphasised the job creation such ventures would bring. "Between Carlotta and the French bistro we're creating 160/170 new jobs which is great for Canberra. But we're here for the long term," Lucas stated previously.
The venue's space has seen notable turnover, having previously been occupied by Botswana Butchery before it went into liquidation in 2024. Despite its short lifespan, Carlotta received positive reviews for its food and service, making its departure a notable loss for the city's fine-dining scene.
