The owner announced the news ‘with the heaviest of hearts’
Family-run restaurant Don Giovanni’s will close in January(Image: Paul Gillis/Bristol Live)
Bristol institution Don Giovanni’s is closing its doors after delighting diners for over forty years.
Andy Firetto, head chef and owner of the beloved Italian restaurant opposite Temple Meads station, announced the closure on Facebook.
The final day of trading for Don Giovanni’s, ranked the city’s best Italian by Bristol Live readers, will be January 18.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I make this announcement,” Mr Firetto said.
“Due to circumstances beyond my control, my beloved Don Giovannis Restaurant will permanently close its doors on the 18th January 2026, marking the end of an incredible journey spanning 44 years.
“To all have visited over the years, your love and loyal support has meant the world to us, it’s been a privilege to have been part of your celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries and countless ‘just because’ dinners, thank you for believing in us and making Don Giovannis part of your story.”
Andy Firetto, head chef and owner of Don Giovanni’s, announced the news ‘with the heaviest of hearts’
Although Mr Firetto did not specify the exact reason for the closure in his post, the writing has been on the wall for Don Giovanni’s since the building it occupies, formerly a car dealership, was acquired by developers Dandara.
Dandara has been granted permission to build over 400 new flats on the site, roughly ten percent of which will be earmarked for social rent.
The restaurant previously survived years of disruptive roadworks, a pandemic and multiple other challenges, but the huge development of the area around Temple Meads appears to have been the final nail in the coffin for the much-loved eatery.
Visiting on the restaurant’s fortieth anniversary, Bristol Live’s Mark Taylor gave it a glowing five-star rating. The public has been equally enthusiastic about Don Giovanni’s, as evidenced by its longevity and impressive average star rating of 4.6 from over 750 Google reviews.
Don Giovanni’s is one of the first things people see when they exit Temple Meads(Image: Paul Gillis/Bristol Live)
Mr Firetto said his immediate priority was to spend some much-needed quality time with his friends and family.
“To my hugely talented and dedicated team, I am immensely proud and eternally grateful for your commitment and what we have achieved together, take a bow each and every one of you.
“The next chapter is not yet written, but for now I will be taking some much needed time out to recharge and spend some long awaited quality time with my loved ones.
Mr Firetto finished his post in his native Italian, thanking customers from the bottom of his heart.
“May the shadow of Don Giovannis never grow less,” he wrote.
“Ciao ciao for now.
“Grazie di cuore, Andy”
Mr Firetto was contacted for further comment.
Dining and Cooking