London restaurant Don Ciccio takes swipe at locals…
An Italian restaurant has taken a savage swipe at locals after closing down – saying, “Thank you for never supporting us, not even once.”
Don Ciccio introduced down the shutters in Highgate, north London earlier this month, precisely six years after opening.
Announcing the closure on its web site, the Hampstead Lane restaurant has taken a livid parting shot at the “community”.
Italian restaurant Don Ciccio Osteria in Highgate, England, closed down in October 2025. Jack Fifield / SWNS
A “Closed” signal is displayed on the entrance window of Don Ciccio after it shut down operations in Highgate, London. Jack Fifield / SWNS
It said: “We have closed due to a lack of clients.
“To the group of Highgate and its neighbors —thanks for never supporting us, not even once.
“To those we served during lockdown, when we have been the only restaurant open, thanks for never visiting us once the pandemic ended.
“To the Highgate Society — thanks for never replying to any of our proposals for collaboration.
“To those who lived a few doorways away yet ordered supply from elsewhere — thanks for your dedication to distance.
”In short: thanks all for supporting us so completely.
“WE MAY BE THE FIRST ITALIAN RESTAURANT TO CLOSE…
“…not for bad food, bad reviews, or bad luck — but for the sheer indifference of our neighbors.”
The restaurant despatched a remaining message to its group members titled “The Farewell.” Jack Fifield / SWNS
Don Ciccio addressed the purchasers who had dined at the restaurant. Jack Fifield / SWNS
Don Ciccio’s menu, which is still online, lists basic Italian dishes including pizza and pasta, ranging from $19 to $35.
It has a 4.6 ranking on TripAdvisor (out of 5), as a end result of 239 reviews.
However, the 2 most latest reviews are less than complimentary – with one ending: “Do not go there”.
The online letter – titled “Farewell” – continued: “We have closed due to a lack of clients.
“It wasn’t enough to be Traveler’s Choice 2023 – 2024 – 2025 on Tripadvisor. It wasn’t enough to be told we had one of the best pizzas in London.
“It wasn’t enough to maintain 4.7 stars on Google, with 700 reviews, for every one of those six years. Nor to change our menu each season, roaming through the flavors of Italy.
“We are friends in this nation, and as friends, we won’t complain.
Don Ciccio, the proprietor of the Italian restaurant, raises a glass of wine inside the business. @donciccioosteria/Instagram
The empty eating room after the Italian restaurant shut down. Jack Fifield / SWNS
“We’ll simply say: addio.”
When requested about the restaurant’s broadside, Andrew Sulston, chair of the Highgate Society, told Ham & High: “We are always very sorry when any local business closes.
“Because Highgate Society has no paid staff and all our activities are run by volunteers, we unfortunately cannot always follow up on all requests.”
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