One of Adelaide’s most recognised Italian dining institutions, Luigi Delicatessen, has announced it is closing its doors after 13 years, with owner Luigi Di Costanzo sharing an emotional farewell that highlights the mounting pressures facing businesses in the CBD.
In a heartfelt statement posted to Instagram this morning, Friday November 6, Luigi confirmed the closure of his Franklin Street restaurant, pointing to changing dining habits, the cost of living and rising operating expenses as the reasons behind the difficult decision.
“Sadly, the time has come for us to close our doors,” Luigi wrote.
“Adelaide’s CBD has changed dramatically.”
“Working from home, fewer people dining out, the cost of parking, cost of living and ever-rising costs across wages, produce, energy and insurance have all taken their toll.”
“Despite our best efforts, the numbers simply no longer add up.”
The announcement marks the end of a remarkable chapter for the family-run business, which began in early 2014 when Luigi and his mother, Anna Di Costanzo, opened their original delicatessen on Flinders Street.
Born in Naples, Luigi built the business around his family’s love of food and traditional Italian hospitality, with his mother playing an instrumental role in the kitchen.
Together, they became known for homemade Italian favourites, generous breakfast platters, fresh pasta and the kind of personal service that made customers feel like family.
The original café went on to earn widespread recognition, including a long-running number one ranking on TripAdvisor for breakfast and lunch in Adelaide.
Following the closure of its Flinders Street location in 2019, Luigi Delicatessen reopened in February 2020 at 43 Franklin Street, introducing a larger dining space and expanding its offering to include evening dining, cocktails and live entertainment.
Its ever-changing menu, built around fresh seasonal ingredients rather than a fixed selection of dishes, remained central to the restaurant’s identity.
But it was the people, Luigi explained, who made the past 13 years so meaningful.
“From our humble beginnings on Flinders Street in early 2014, it has been thirteen years of wonderful memories, incredible food, laughter and friendship.”
“Most of all, I treasure the people. Our staff have been the heart and soul of Luigi, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve created together.”
“To every customer who walked through our doors and became part of our family, thank you.”
Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the closure, Luigi said he wanted to remember what the restaurant had achieved rather than focus on its ending.
“But I choose to look back with pride, not sadness.”
“We created something special, brought people together and made memories that will stay with us forever.”
He also paid a touching tribute to his late mother, Anna, who passed away in 2017, and whose recipes and passion for cooking remained at the heart of the restaurant.
Alongside a photograph of the pair, Luigi ended his farewell with the words:
“Mamma, we did it. But now, it’s time to rest.”
The announcement has not specified a final trading date.
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