Renowned Adelaide restaurateur Tony Sanso, who cooked for legendary names like Frank Sinatra, Sophia Loren, dies aged 87

A renowned chef who cooked for Hollywood royalty before moving to Australia - where he pioneered Italian cuisine in one state - has died aged 87.

A renowned restaurateur who cooked for Hollywood royalty like Frank Sinatra and Sophia Loren before moving to Australia has died.

Tony Sanso is being remembered as a pioneer of Italian cuisine in South Australia, following his death at the age of 87 on June 18.

“It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the passing of my dear father Eugenio Antonio Sanso, (or) Tony to his friends,” his son Terence wrote on social media.

Tony Sanso, pictured here at Tony's Tuscan Inn on Main Street, Hahndorf, in 1994. Picture: Brian Webber

“My father worked in the restaurant business for many years here in Adelaide opening many restaurants in his time.

“His diligence and hard work will be remembered forever and he will be sadly missed by his wife Zeny, his youngest son Eugene and his grandchildren.”

Originally from Florence, Mr Sanso cooked for Frank Sinatra, Sophia Loren and Bob Hope at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris and The Savoy in London.

Restaurateurs Tony and Zeny Sanso in their restaurant Osteria Sanso in Kanmantoo. Picture: Supplied

Mr Sanso’s successful restaurants included The Old Mill in Hahndorf, The Stable in Bridgewater, The Gawler Mill, Villa Sanso and Chianti Classico in Adelaide, Tony’s Bistro and Tony’s Tuscan Inn in Hahndorf, and most recently, Osteria Sanso at Kanmantoo.

He settled in Adelaide in 1964, and worked until the age of 84.

His final move before retirement was selling Osteria Sanso Restaurant and Accommodation in the Adelaide Hills

A spokesperson for the venue paid tribute.

“Tony had a burning passion for food and people, spending his life bringing his unique flavours of Italian food to the local community. A man who will be dearly missed by many,” the spokesperson said online.

“Born in Florence, Tony has always been held in high esteem by those he cooked for during his long and illustrious career. Bringing his experience from the kitchens of Italy, Paris and London to Australia.”

Upon retirement, the venue’s social media account paid tribute to Mr Sanso’s dedication.

Mr Sanso’s successful restaurants included The Old Mill in Hahndorf, The Stable in Bridgewater, The Gawler Mill, Villa Sanso and Chianti Classico in Adelaide, Tony’s Bistro and Tony’s Tuscan Inn in Hahndorf, and most recently, Osteria Sanso at Kanmantoo.

“At 84 years young, Tony has seen enough of the kitchen and we are pleased to say it has been a long time coming,” the 2021 post reads.

News of his death garnered tributes from those he cooked with, and people who simply had one meal in his restaurants.

“I had the most wonderful meal at Osteria Kanmantoo … in 2007. It was such a beautiful day and I have such fond memories,” one tribute read.

“The food and hospitality there was so special. I’m sure he came out and chatted with us. The food was made with love.”

One man recalled the “wonderful relationship” he shared with Mr Sanso decades ago across multiple restaurants.

“My first boss back in 1973 … We had a wonderful relationship in the 70’s and 80’s,” one man said.

Another well-wisher described Mr Sanso as a “gentleman’s gentleman”.

“Eugenio was a wonderful friend to my late parents, especially my father. He was a gentleman’s gentleman.

“I am privileged to have met him and for the kinship he gave to my Dad in the last years of his life.

“‘Cammina con gli angeli, uomo bello’ - Walk with the angels, handsome man.”

“Such an Adelaide culinary icon over many years and venues,” read another tribute.

“Thoughts are with his family and friends.”