Local and visitor restaurant lovers are today coming to terms with the sad news that iconic restaurant owner and chef of Sassi La Cucina, Tony Sassi has passed away.

The local tourism organisation posted to social media this afternoon "Our sincerest condolences to Di and the team at Sassi on the very sad news of Tony’s passing.

"Tony was an icon of Port Douglas whose impeccable Italian cuisine was a must do for locals and visitors alike for decades."

"We will always have fond memories of Tony regaling famil groups with Italian opera over dessert – he will be sorely missed by the entire community."

Tony Sassi was 79 years old and is survived by his wife and four children.