End of an Era: Mandurah's Award-Winning Paparazzi Restaurant Closes After 24 Years
The Mandurah community is mourning the loss of a culinary institution as the award-winning Italian restaurant Paparazzi announced its permanent closure this weekend. After more than two decades of serving authentic Italian cuisine, the Messineo family made the difficult decision to shut down operations effective March 31st, 2026.
A Family Legacy Comes to a Close
Founded over 24 years ago by the Messineo family, Paparazzi quickly established itself as one of Mandurah's premier dining destinations. Under the leadership of head chef and owner Damien Messineo, the restaurant earned numerous accolades including a prestigious gold plate award. The venue was celebrated for its cozy interior that made patrons feel like they were dining in their nonna's kitchen, complete with genuine Italian flavors and warm hospitality.
The restaurant's social media announcement triggered an immediate emotional response from the community, with more than 500 reactions and 180 comments expressing disappointment and sharing memories by Monday morning following the weekend announcement.
Family Responds to Criticism
When one customer commented "Parents build, kids sell" on the closure announcement, Damien Messineo offered a heartfelt defense of his family's dedication. "We have been a family-run restaurant since day dot," Messineo responded. "My mum, dad, myself, my brother and sister worked tirelessly to build this restaurant. To make this comment is insulting to all of us."
Messineo emphasized that the decision to close was made collectively by the entire family, not just the younger generation. "If we could continue to run Paparazzi we would for another 24 years," he added, highlighting the restaurant's deep roots in the community and the family's emotional connection to the business.
Broader Hospitality Industry Challenges
The closure of Paparazzi reflects wider trends affecting Australia's hospitality sector. Recent data from Creditor Watch reveals that more than 10 percent of Australia's cafés and restaurants closed in 2025 alone. Australian Restaurant and Café Association chief executive Wes Lambert confirmed that the food-led hospitality sector is experiencing structural financial pressure rather than a temporary downturn.
"This is not cyclical. This is policy-driven pressure layered on top of weak consumer confidence," Lambert stated. "Cafés and restaurants operate on razor-thin margins. When you combine rising wages, inflexible industrial settings, higher rents, escalating food costs and a tax system that punishes growth, something has to give. Right now, it's businesses."
Compounding these challenges, recent surveys indicate that approximately three in ten Australians plan to reduce their spending on dining out, takeaway food, coffee, and social drinking. This shift in consumer behavior creates additional pressure for establishments already struggling with rising operational costs.
A Community Says Goodbye
Paparazzi was particularly known for its delicious woodfired pizzas and the musical talents of Mario Messineo, who often played accordion for diners. The restaurant's closure marks the end of a significant chapter in Mandurah's culinary history, with the Messineo family expressing gratitude for the community's support over nearly a quarter century.
In their farewell message, the family wrote: "To our valued customers, friends, family and staff members past and present. The time has finally come upon us that Paparazzi Restaurant will close. It wasn't an easy decision; however, we are relieved and optimistic about the future ahead. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone over the many years for your wonderful support."
As the restaurant prepares to serve its final meals this month, the community continues to share memories and photographs from their experiences at Paparazzi, celebrating the legacy of a family business that became an integral part of Mandurah's dining landscape for 24 remarkable years.
