MASTERCHEF host George Calombaris' Kew restaurant has been engulfed by flames.

Up to 170 diners were forced to flee Calombaris' Middle Eastern restaurant St Katherine's on Cotham Rd as fire took hold in an upstairs storeroom.

Calombaris said he was relieved no one was hurt.

"The timing is unfortunate, being Father's Day, but it’s just a terrible accident," he said.



"We're so happy none of our staff or customers were hurt and we’re still investigating how it happened."



MFB Commander Frank Stockton said the damage bill could run up to $100,000, with much of the top level and roof destroyed.



Firefighters believe the fire started in the flue of a wood fire pizza oven about 1pm.



Six fire trucks were deployed to the blaze.



Mr Stockton praised quick thinking staff who evacuated the building without anyone being injured.





Originally published as MasterChef's restaurant hit by blaze