A pair of popular Melbourne eateries could have no option but to close as the renowned restaurateur behind them faces a looming debt deadline.

Two companies owned by Rinaldo “Ronnie” Di Stasio, a prominent figure within the city’s food scene, are reportedly being pursued by the Australian Tax Office for nearly $1 million, with payments due in a matter of days.

The situation has cast questions over whether Mr Di Stasio’s CBD restaurant Di Stasio Città and Cafe Di Stasio in St Kilda may have to shut their doors if a liquidation process is commenced.

A winding up order application for the company behind Di Stasio Città was lodged by the deputy commissioner of taxation last month, according to the application’s Australian Securities and Investments Commission listing.

A federal court heari

See Full Page