Celebrity chef and restaurateur Antonio Carluccio has died aged 80, his agent has confirmed.
"It is with great sadness that we announce that Commendatore Antonio Carluccio sadly passed away this morning," the statement said.
The Italian chef was known for his restaurant chain Carluccio's, which was founded in 1999.
The chain boasts two Dublin locations, with its flagship premises on Dawson Street followed by the opening of a second outlet in Glasthule in 2015.
We are incredibly saddened by the news that Antonio Carluccio passed away today. He was a huge inspiration to us & his energy & sense of humour will be greatly missed. https://t.co/3Cuhd8aII9 pic.twitter.com/2W73Uk1Vp6
— Carluccio's (@Carluccios) November 8, 2017
In a statement this afternoon, the chain said: "We are incredibly saddened by the news that Antonio Carluccio, our founder, passed away on Wednesday."
"Antonio built Carluccio’s from one restaurant to the fantastic brand it is today. It isn’t just Antonio’s name above our doors, but his heart and soul lives and breathes throughout our restaurants.
"Antonio was an OBE, OMRI and a much loved and respected Italian cookery writer, cook, restaurateur, food expert and TV personality. He was regarded as the godfather of Italian cooking.
"Antonio has been a huge inspiration to many of us and his energy, zest for life and sense of humour will be greatly missed."
The official title of Commendatore is awarded by decree of the President of Italy.
