The Italian restaurant, which opened in 1978, will close its doors for the final time after what is set to be a very busy service on Tuesday 23 December.
Owners Tim Vidamour and Manuel Teixeira have made the decision to retire, after working together since the early days of the restaurant.
Guernsey born and bred, Mr Vidamour joined restaurant founder Nello Ciotti in the Lower Pollet in 1979, fresh from college. He was hired as head chef at the age of 19. Mr Teixeira joined in 1995.
The pair have owned and run the restaurant together with their families for the past 17 years, continuing its legacy as one of Guernsey’s favourites.
On the announcement of its closure on social media, diners were immediately expressing their sadness.
‘It is a bit emotional,’ said Mr Vidamour.
‘It’s hitting me a bit harder than I thought. I didn’t realise this would be so emotional for other people as well. Since we made the announcement last night, the phone has been ringing off the hook.
‘I’m impressed with how our customers and local people, even from abroad, have been calling to book-in for their last lobster linguine, or just to reminisce with us about their memories here. It shows how much they love the place.
‘Their memories are flooding back along with ours. It’s a big deal to be closing. My mother is 90 and she was flabbergasted at the news.’
The restaurant is up for sale and Mr Vidamour said there were already interested buyers, who have discussed exciting thoughts for its future.
‘I think it will be something different,’ he said.
‘A new adventure for somebody, which is a great idea. It’s nice to have a revamp. We’ve had a bit of interest, but I can’t say too much on that at the moment. We’re still in the middle of transaction. But they’ve said they’re going to respect the place and I shall be interested to know what they’ll do food-wise.’
Housed in a 500-year-old building, the site holds a lot of local history. From what used to be a small seafront cottage, and then a sweet shop, it has become a hidden taste of Italy, with the restaurant team expanding it into the tardis it is today.
‘I’ve built my life around this restaurant,’ said Mr Vidamour.
‘I met my wife here. She’s from Madeira and used to work front of house. We didn’t even speak each other’s language, but we had the same day off once and I invited her out for a drive. We went to the old cinema and had a burger – it was easy dating then.
‘I will miss the socialising. The customers and staff are my friends. To the customers, I want to say thank you and that I appreciate everything. The local people are wonderful. They’ve been with us through it all.
‘A lot of good times shared – I’m going to miss that the most.’
Mr Teixeira said he had wanted to retire for some time, but it was only a couple of weeks ago that Mr Vidamour decided to make the final call.
‘I’m 60 years old, I’ve got a little bit of ill health, so decided last week that it was time. I make decisions fast – I think it’s because in the kitchen, you have to. I’m looking forward to taking a year off – like a college student – to go to London and see other places with my wife and enjoy foodie experiences together. In this job, I haven’t had a lot of time to spend at home.’
Da Nello’s team of about 10 staff are looking forward to their planned, annual Christmas leave, and Mr Vidamour said though they were sad at the news, they would all be looked after.
Restaurant founder Nello Ciotti moved to the island from Italy in 1959.
Though passionate about food, and a big influence in the restaurant’s kitchen, Mr Ciotti said he mostly left the cooking to his chefs and focused on treating his customers to a fresh and innovative dining experience.
He worked at the Royal Hotel for many years, before taking the natural next step in his career in 1978 and opening his own restaurant.
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