IT’S the end of an era for a popular Italian restaurant in Dunfermline after what its owners described as a “big court battle”.

Luigi’s Restaurant on Carnegie Drive will close its doors for the final time on Sunday.

A post on the restaurant’s Facebook page yesterday (Wednesday) stated: “Over the past two years we had a big court battle with the landlord and now we are left with no option but to close the restaurant.”

Moncef Khadhraoui, co-owner, told the Press: “As we spent so much money on legal fees, we came to the conclusion that we’ve had to give up the business, unfortunately.

“It’s very disappointing. We were a part of the community in Dunfermline.”

Luigi’s has been serving Dunfermline and West Fife customers for two decades and they’re encouraging former customers to come in and say goodbye.

Moncef has worked in Luigi’s for 13 years and became co-owner with Alfredo Hernandez and Leetu Iqbal two-and-a-half years ago.

The trio are now looking to venture elsewhere and open a new restaurant of their own.

Moncef said: “It’s a possibility for sure. We will try and find a new place in Dunfermline, as we’re all from here. It’s definitely a possibility.”