Houston's first major restaurant closure of 2018 happened this week. Galleria-area Italian restaurant Arcodoro has served its last Gnocchetti Sardi al Cinghiale.

Owners Lori and Efisio Farris issued the following statement in response to CultureMap's request for comment:

"For twenty plus years, we have had the honor to introduce authentic Italian food to the Houston community. With a heavy heart, we made the difficult decision to close Arcodoro. We are so appreciative of all the customers, employees, vendors, friends and companies that have supported us. It has been our pleasure to have you be a part of our family and welcome you into our home."

Chef Efisio Farris' Sardinian cuisine made Arcodoro unlike any other Italian restaurant in Houston (a sister location in Dallas closed in 2014). The seafood-oriented fare, luxurious dining room, and prime location made it a dining hotspot for many years.

Last year, former First Lady Barbara and President George H.W. Bush dined there with movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger. The resestaurant served a dish of of homemade burrata-stuffed ravioli with veal and wild mushroom ragu that it named the No. 41 after the former president.

Don't expect the space at the corner of Westheimer and Post Oak to stay empty for long. Rumors are swirling in the culinary community that it's already been snapped up by a rapidly-expanding, high-profile concept from out of state.