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WATCH End of an era as La Piccola Italia to close its doors after 46 years
End of an era as La Piccola Italia to close its doors after 46 years
A cornerstore of Limerick’s culinary scene, the family-run La Piccola to close its doors after 46 years
La Piccola Italia on O’Connell Street is set to close its doors one last time at the end of May 2026, after “46 wonderful years” in Limerick City.
Making the annoucnement, the family shared on social media that the “the time has come for our family to say goodbye to a very special chapter”, saying they would close the restaurant at the end of this month.
They said, “What began all those years ago with my parents grew into something far greater than we ever could have imagined — a place woven into the heart of Limerick, filled with generations of families, friendships, celebrations, first dates, anniversaries, and unforgettable nights.
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“Hospitality has never just been a job. It is long days, late nights, endless hard graft and sacrifice — but it is also community, laughter and people.”
Stefano Coppola, whose father, Alfredo, originally opened the restaurant, spoke to I Love Limerick, saying his family wanted to thank “the best customers” in Limerick.
He said, “ Thanks to some of the best customers in Limerick for 46 years, and some still coming through the doors since the first year! It’s a very, very emotional time and a very hard decision to make, but ultimately the right one for myself.”
Stefano added, “ It’s been a journey. A massive, massive, massive journey, and lots of great relationships and friendships made with all our customers in here and suppliers and everyone throughout Limerick.”
La Piccola was opened by Alfredo Coppola with his wife Anna after moving to Limerick from Italy. Alfredo managed the floor of the restaurant and earned himself the nickname Alfie among the locals of Limerick who knew him and loved him for his gift of the gab and charming everyone and anyone who set foot into La Piccola Italia.
Speaking about his late father, Stefano said, “ Dad was Alfredo, who started this place in 1980 and, what can I say other than he was one of a kind and passed away six years ago nearly.
“One of a kind and just the heart and soul of Limerick for many, many years, and he just had a great warmth about him, inviting people into this place. And many people said it was like he was inviting you into his home, more so than a restaurant. It had that kind of feel about it.”
The closure of La Piccola marks the end of an era in Limerick dining, as we wish the Coppola family all the best in their next chapter.
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WATCH End of an era as La Piccola Italia to close its doors after 46 years
