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A beloved UK restaurant has closed leaving customers "absolutely devastated". The independent Italian eatery confirmed the news on social media last Tuesday (May 12) with bosses admitting they simply "couldn't make it work anymore".

Azzurro Ristorante opened on Burton Road in Didsbury, Manchester, in 2005. It became known locally for its freshly-made Italian dishes, ranging from seabream, home-smoked venison meatballs, butternut squash, spinach and ricotta cannelloni, and their popular pork Milanese. The menu also boasted a bread-crumbed pork fillet with linguine in a chilli, garlic, tomato and basil sauce. The restaurant, which received 174 perfect ratings from visitors on TripAdvisor, was regularly booked up at weekends.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the owners of the restaurant wrote on Instagram: "Some sad news. Azzurro has closed. We couldn't make it work anymore. Thank you Didsbury for the last 21 years."

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A number of people commented on the post, thanking Azzurro for their service over the last 21 years. Many also praised them for their takeaways during the Covid-19 pandemic.

One person said: "This is so so sad. One of the best." A second commented: "Thank you for everything. You and your family put your heart and soul into Azzurro and the love showed in every dish you cooked. We'll miss you - the people and the food x."

A third wrote: "Such sad news! Truly the most authentic and delicious Italian around. I hope we see you again in the future." A fourth put: "Best steak and seafood linguine and best restaurant on the rd! Sorry we couldn't visit more often. All the best to you guys and the lovely Azzurro family."

A fifth added: "Sorry to hear. You have been our solid go to for years and your take outs during covid kept us feeling normal. Best of luck for whatever comes next." A sixth said: "Oh, I'm so sad to hear this. Your takeaways during lockdown were some really lovely memories for me. Thank you for some lovely evenings in person too."

Azzurro gained a number of glowing reviews on TripAdvisor since opening in 2005. Most visitors commended the quality of food and friendly service at the restaurant, with one dubbing the food the "best in south Manchester".

Jayr73L put: "I absolutely love this place! They do the best seafood and Italian food in south Manchester and have great wines too. It's not expensive but the quality is amazing. Last night I had the best sardines starter and whole sea bream which had an Asian twist and then amazing brownie - all delicious. So many people tried it get a table while we were eating, it was crazy but good to see! Book it for next weekend!"

Stephen said: "I booked out the restaurant for a surprise 50th birthday party for my wife. The evening was perfect with fantastic food and service."

Kirstyfl added: "A lovely meal! Food, service and ambience were exceptional. Often you are rushed in and out of a restaurant - especially small dining venues, but not the case at all. Great spot in Manchester."

Bagsey wrote: "This is a really special small Italian restaurant serving traditional and modern Italian cuisine. We all had the sea bream special which was absolutely amazing. I could have eaten everything on the menu! The small team work hard to make it a really enjoyable evening. Highly recommend this little gem of a restaurant."