Adelaide Italian restaurant Enzo’s Ristorante in Hindmarsh closes after 25 years

After winning multiple awards, one of Adelaide’s most iconic Italian restaurants is closing after 25 years, with its owner revealing his next step.

Enzo Fazzari with Adelaide 36er Jerome Randle in 2019. Picture: Mark Brake

One of Adelaide’s most iconic Italian restaurants, Enzo’s Ristorante, is closing after 25 years.

The restaurant will serve its final course on Saturday, May 4, with its legendary owner Enzo Fazzari cooking more than 750,000 Italian meals for celebrities, professional athletes and more.

Enzo’s has won multiple awards, including Excellence in Formal Italian Dining in 2017 and 2019 in SA, and was the one of the first Australia restaurants to be awarded the Ospitalita

Italiana accreditation by the Italian Government for its authentic Italian dining experience.

Mr Fazzari said he was announcing the end of the era with a “heavy heart”.

“Tears may mark the end of this chapter, but it’s with gratitude and anticipation that I look forward to the future,” says Enzo. “The legacy of Enzo’s will live on through the passion we’ve shared at the restaurant and the homes we now touch with our ready meals.”

Enzo’s home-ready meals business, led by his two sons Matthew and Alex, is now part of his next chapter, he said.

Teresa and Enzo Fazzari at Enzo's Ristorante in 2017 Picture: Stephen Laffer

His daughter, Natalie Fazzari, opened her own venture late last year, a restaurant and bar in the East End named Enoteca Lounge and Cucina to strong reviews.

“Our lease was up and after 25 years the time was right to move on,” Mr Fazzari said.

“I am excited about what the next chapter holds for Enzo’s and the future development of our brand. Together with my family, we’re looking forward to the next phase of my life.

“I am very thankful for the incredible journey we’ve shared at Enzo’s Ristorante. To my wife Teresa, daughter Natalie, son Anthony, our staff and valued patrons, you have been the heart of this wonderful restaurant, and I am so grateful for the experiences we have shared and wonderful memories.”

Mr Fazzari said he was now cooking up a new range of signature dishes.

“Outside of my family cooking has always been my second love. Now, I get to blend the two and share everything I have learned over the past 25 years. It is something I am looking forward to.”

The family said it was inviting old and new patrons to join them in celebrating the end of the restaurant, with Mr Fazzari offering a range of his favourite dishes for diners to share as part of the restaurant’s twenty-fifth birthday celebrations.