Victoria Street stalwart restaurant Warung Agus closed by fire

A fire has forced West Melbourne's beloved Warung Agus to close for an unknown period. The blaze was spotted in the garden to the rear of the restaurant on the morning of October 21 by Mary Ida Bagus, matriarch of the family-run Balinese restaurant, who lives in the same building.

"Mum went to the laundry out the back to do washing and saw flames," says daughter Suci Ida Bagus. "If she hadn't gone out, the fire probably would have got through to the kitchen and the gas and the restaurant. The garden has 30 years of growth; there are lime and banana trees. We are grateful the bamboo didn't catch fire too. It could have been a lot worse."

An electrical fault is suspected but fire investigations have so far proved inconclusive. In the meantime, the family is not permitted to use the restaurant kitchen.

"We thought we'd be out for a week but it's looking like at least three, maybe four or five," says Suci Ida Bagus. "It's the busiest time of year with pre-Christmas gatherings and functions."

"It's the cherry on top to COVID."

During Melbourne's lockdowns, the 33-year-old restaurant sustained many in its orbit with elaborate and delicious takeaway boxes. Since reopening, it has offered set menus with dishes including signature babi guling (roast pork), chicken with lemongrass, battered tempeh and minced fish skewers, as well as vegan options.

Until the fire, the restaurant was open for dinner Thursday to Saturday. When reopening is possible, the family plans to open extra services to try to make up some lost income. Depending on how long the hiatus is, Warung Agus pop-ups may be scheduled too.

305 Victoria Street, West Melbourne, 03 9329 1737, warungagus.com.au