Luciano DelSignore's Bacco Ristorante to close this spring after 22 years in Southfield

A longstanding, award-winning Italian restaurant is closing its doors this spring.

Chef Luciano DelSignore announced via press release this week that he's closing his Southfield restaurant Bacco Ristorante after 22 years of business. The upscale destination on Northwestern Highway will remain open through the winter, with a final service set for March 23.

“I am deeply appreciative for the incredible talents and team that have made Bacco an unforgettable adventure,” DelSignore said in a media alert about the closing. “I reflect on the relationships and the vibrant community we’ve built while delivering unmatched hospitality and simple Italian cuisine elevated with the finest ingredients to multiple generations.”

While this chapter in his career is coming to an end, DelSignore has something new up the sleeves of his stark-white chef’s coat. According to the press release issued this week, details on “the fresh and inspiring ventures that lie ahead” will be revealed at a later date.

A Livonia native whose family hails from Abruzzo, Italy, DelSignore will continue with his other restaurants: Casa Pernoi in Birmingham and Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina in Royal Oak, Southfield, Plymouth and Ann Arbor.

Most restaurateurs don't send out press releases to announce closings, but Bacco isn't most restaurants.

“Bacco has been one of the most important restaurants in Michigan over the last 22 years," said chef Anthony Lombardo of Detroit hot spot Shewolf. He worked at Bacco during his "formative years."

"Luciano is a true leader in hospitality and Italian cuisine, and I personally learned so much during my 5 years at Bacco, from the importance of building relationships with guests and the community, to the seriousness of every ingredient that comes in through the back door."

Critics also loved Bacco. A 2015 restaurant review from former Detroit News restaurant critic Molly Abraham awarded the restaurant four stars on its 13th anniversary following a cosmetic overhaul.

“The result is a lighter, brighter contemporary look and feel, with less clutter,” wrote Abraham, adding that the food “has always been something special at Bacco.”

The March 23 closing date gives current regulars, longtime guests and those who have yet to try Bacco a chance to visit before the doors close for good. DelSignore is even planning a few specials, including Valentine's Day features of capellini and caviar and spaghetti alla chitarra, a lobster pasta.

Bacco Ristorante, 29410 Northwestern Highway in Southfield, is open for lunch and dinner Tues.-Fri. and dinner Saturday through March 23. Reservations can be made by calling (248) 356-6600 or visiting baccoristorante.com.

mbaetens@detroitnews.com