TRIBUTES have poured in after the owner of Valentino in Llandudno said he is stepping away after 30 years of business.

Antonio Manfredino started Valentino Ristorante & Pizzeria in 1992 and has put his heart and soul into the food for three decades

The restauranteur was told his place would last six months, having come from Pompei, near Naples, to Wales in the 1980s - working at local places like Casanova, Bodysgallen Hall and the St George's Hotel.

Despite once dreaming of travelling the world as a chef, he instead brought a slice of Italy into Llandudno - setting up Valentino Ristorante & Pizzeria in 1992.

It soon became a staple of Llandudno, and was popular with both residents and visitors.

Upon calling it a day, Antonio said he wished to spend more time with his family, including his two children and several grandchildren, and thanked customers for their continued support in the last 30 years.

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A heartfelt note left on the front door of Valentino said: “To all our customers, we are now closed!

“Thank you for all your support over the last 30 years!

“Best wishes, Antonio and all the staff!”

When news of the closure was posted on social media, messages poured in from customers with fond memories of nights at 'Valentino's'.

One said ‘Tony/Toni’ had a “great sense of humour - we used to call him Mirafiori because he'd always turn up in the worst Italian cars while he was a struggling Chef”, adding that the “best thing he ever did was go on his own, thankfully his taste in cars has got better over the years.”

Another said: “We always went to Valentino's when we were in Llandudno. Fabulous food, good service and reasonably priced.”

One former customer added that “some of the best Italian meals I’ve ever had have been here”, while others told the retiring owner to “enjoy an easier pace”.

Many congratulated and thanked him on his long years of service, and wished him a happy retirement.