07/10/2026
We aren’t closing our doors; we’re just changing how we open them.
To us, Ava has always been so much more than just a restaurant. It’s been a place for milestone birthdays, family catch-ups, and everything in between. We love what we’ve built here, and we want to make sure Ava is around for a very long time.
To make that happen, we’re shifting our focus. Ava is transitioning into a dedicated space for private events, celebrations, and exclusive pop-up dining experiences. It’s the same team, the same passion, and the same love for bringing people together over great food, just with a new way of doing things.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, a big birthday, a baby shower, a long lazy lunch, or you just want an excuse to get your favourite people around one table, we are absolutely still here for it.
If we're being completely honest, running a small, independent restaurant in regional Victoria right now is tough. Between the rising costs, staffing shortages, and the endless hours behind the scenes, it takes a lot. We (Paul and Mon) and our incredible staff, family and friends have poured our hearts and souls into this space.
We are so proud of what Ava has become, and of every single memory we’ve made with you here.
This decision isn’t about walking away. It’s about focusing on what we love most, so we can keep doing it sustainably for years to come.
You’ll still see the same familiar faces and get the same genuine care and great food - just in a slightly different way.
We can’t wait to welcome you in for this next chapter.
Paul, Mon and the Ava team x