Enzo’s Ristorante, Adelaide’s beloved Italian restaurant, ready for its final service this weekend

It’s been a long farewell for the owners of a beloved Italian restaurant on Port Road, but now they’re ready to say goodbye for the final time this weekend.

The emotions will be running high when Enzo and Teresa Fazzari close the doors for the final time at their Italian eatery, Enzo’s Ristorante, on Saturday night.

After 25 years – and a three-month farewell tour – the couple will say goodbye to their beloved Port Road institution, and their legion of loyal customers.

“I’ve got very mixed emotions. Sadness in a way, humbled by the response and proud to have achieved 25 years in this restaurant,” said chef Mr Fazzari, 69.

“I haven’t got the words to thank our patrons over the years. They are what made us.”

The building’s lease is up this year and after some contemplation, the couple announced in February that they were closing Enzo’s for good.

Mrs Fazzari, the venue’s front of house dynamo, said the response to their closure has been “overwhelming”.

“It’s been very humbling... there’s been a lot of tears,” she said.

“Saying goodbye to the last lot of guests today is going to be hard. But it’s also going to be a celebration.”

The Fazzari family are set to close their restaurant Enzo's on Port Road after 25 years. (Back) Natalie, Matt, Anthony and Alex. (Front) Teresa and Enzo Fazzari at Hindmarsh. Picture: Tom Huntley

Mr Fazzari will spend his last full day in the kitchen on Friday, serving up his award-winning dishes for about 260 guests. On Saturday night, the couple will host a farewell party for up to 180 close family and friends.

“It’s been a great three months to have this influx of people who have come in, want to take a photo with me and have one last meal,” he said.

“I’m excited to get to the other side, and I’m looking forward to a rest.”

Mrs Fazzari added: “I’m not sure how we’re going to feel when we close the doors for the last time. But I’m pretty sure it’s going to be emotional.”

The first incarnation of Enzo’s Ristorante opened at 308 Port Road in 1999. They stayed there for 11 years before moving to their current location, next to Channel 7 and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, in 2010.

The Fazzari family are set to close their restaurant Enzo's on Port Road after 25 years. (Back) Alex, Enzo, Matt and Anthony. (Front) Teresa and Natalie, at Hindmarsh. Picture: Tom Huntley

The couple will take a well-earned break, before helping their sons, Matt and Alex, with the family’s successful Enzo’s at Home Ready Meals business, which sells 25,000 units a week nationally.

Their daughter Natalie, also opened her own Italian restaurant, Enoteca Cucina and Lounge, on Rundle St, late last year.

“We’re going back to being mum and dad and supporting the family,” Mrs Fazzari said.

“There’s lots to do, we’ll definitely be out and about, and we’re looking forward to a holiday.”