St Kilda restaurant Republica hit by arson attack

Arsonists set fire to popular St Kilda restaurant Republica overnight, causing $50,000 damage.

Three offenders were seen throwing several petrol bombs into the Jacka Boulevard restaurant about 1.50am Thursday.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said fire investigators and an arson chemist attended the scene and confirmed water and smoke damage. She said the restaurant was likely to be closed for cleaning but had not been destroyed by the fire.

Republica management confirmed the eatery would be closed Thursday but their other sites - Captain Baxter and Encore - would be operating as usual. They advised anyone with bookings to call 8534 8959.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack. The offenders were wearing dark clothes with hoodies and scarves over their faces and were last seen heading towards Fitzroy Street.