'Thank you for never supporting us': Italian restaurant in north London closes with scathing swipe at locals

"We have closed due to a lack of customers, the furious statement read. To those who lived a few doors away yet ordered delivery from somewhere else, thank you for your commitment to distance. To those we served during lockdown, when we were the only restaurant open, thank you for never visiting us once the pandemic ended. He goes on to state: We are guests in this country, and as guests, we will not complain. We'll simply say: addio. And now, with gratitude."

"Don Ciccio Osteria Italiana & Pizzeria in Highgate shut up shop last week, exactly six years after opening. Don Ciccio's owner Marco Claudio Valente blamed the sheer indifference of our neighbours for its closure despite boasting a 4.7-star rating on Google based on more than 700 reviews. However, recent reviews were less favourable with some lamenting the slow service and small portion sizes."

"Named after the overarching antagonist of The Godfather, Don Ciccio was just a stone's throw away from Hampstead Heath, where the average property price is close to 1 million. Having described itself as a true Italian with one of the best pizzas in London, Don Ciccio was named Traveller's Choice on Tripadvisor between 2023 and 2025. Andrew Sulston, chairman of the Highgate Society, told the Ham & High newspaper: We are always very sorry when any local business closes."

Don Ciccio Osteria Italiana & Pizzeria in Highgate closed last week after six years in operation. Owner Marco Claudio Valente attributed the closure to local indifference despite a 4.7-star Google rating from over 700 reviews and Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice recognition between 2023 and 2025. Recent customer feedback noted slow service and small portions. The former civil engineer said staff endured empty dining rooms while nearby residents ordered takeaways. He accused The Highgate Society of not responding to collaboration requests. The Highgate Society cited volunteer-run operations and no paid staff, limiting its ability to follow up on all requests.

Read at www.standard.co.uk