Bartolo Restaurant In Ridgefield To Close Its Doors After 12 Years

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Bartolo Restaurant in Ridgefield will be closing this month, the owners revealed on social media Wednesday.

The establishment will be serving the last of its signature flatbreads, Tuscan stews and "Mama's meatballs" on May 25.

The eatery at 103 Danbury Road, operated by Chef Arthur and Julia Tess, and Trey Michaelsen, has been the go-to spot for Italian lunch and dinner in town for 12 years.

But family comes first, the owners explained to their fans on Facebook.

"This decision is based solely on the fact that we must dedicate the majority of time to our daughter and family. We are so grateful for all the love and support."

Followers of the restaurant on Facebook were understanding, but still saddened by the restaurant's shuttering.

"Thanks for being a class act and a fine dining experience in a special town. We looked forward to dining with you guys, and loved watching Arthur cook our meals through his special spy glass. Always gave him the thumbs up! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family," one Bartolo fan wrote.

The owners said the decision to close was not made lightly, but "with an extremely heavy heart."

"Family is everything and the one we built at Bartolo will never be forgotten," the restaurateurs posted.