The iconic restaurant, which was originally opened by Claude Corne, was sold to a couple in 1981 who owned the business for approximately 12 years–Josephine and Damien Pignolet, a famous French-Australian chef.

In 1993, Damien Pignolet sold the business to Tim Pak Poy, himself selling it in 2004 to a lawyer turned chef, Lee Luk.

The Pignolets invested the business in Limoges, a George Freedman redesign and refined French food.

Considered a "sacred culinary site",[3] Claude's won much acclaim and many awards during its 37 year history.

[5] In 2015, it was re-opened as St. Claude's, serving a fusion of French and Asian cuisine,[6] but closed in September 2019.