An iconic statue has been returned to the Heart of Europe restaurant at Ormiston days after it disappeared.

Staff and regulars from The Heart of Europe have rejoiced after a statue that disappeared on Friday was returned at the weekend.

The restaurant puts its beloved fiberglass statue of a chef, known to staff and regulars as George, at the corner of Bainbridge Street and Gordon Street outside their restaurant when it is open.

Owner Ildiko Simon said she and her staff were devastated when George vanished from his regular spot between 8pm and 9pm on Friday night.

"We always put him on the road outside outside the restaurant, he really is the face of our business," Ms Simon said.

"It was a bit of a shock for the whole team actually because he's always there, and we got heaps of messages from customers who loved driving past George asking where he went."

The restaurant has been running for five years and Ms Simon has owned it for two and a half, but George has always been an important piece at the heart of the business.

After they closed on Friday Ms Simon went to the police to report George missing and she and staff drove around to see if they could find the statue.

On Sunday afternoon a customer found George at the Cleveland Cemetery and brought him back to the restaurant.

"We were so relieved. We like having George out there, it adds a fun atmosphere, so myself and the staff we were all absolutely happy," Ms Simon said.

She said George had some minor damage but was overall in good condition and would be back standing at his usual spot in no time.

"I am super grateful because so many people were keeping an eye out and I was so blown away by the response from everyone in the area."