Il Fuoco, the wood-fired pizzeria in Boyes Hot Springs that grew out of Rob Larman’s Cochon Volant barbecue, is getting ready to turn off its ovens at the start of the new year after 10 years in business. Chef-owner Rob Larman broke the news on social media, saying the restaurant will keep serving through Dec. 31 before officially closing on Jan. 1, 2026. For regulars who swear by the Highway 12 spot’s Neapolitan-style pies, weekend barbecue pop-ups and the gloriously over-the-top WTF burger, it is a tough goodbye.
The closure was first detailed in a post Larman shared last Tuesday, according to The Sonoma Index-Tribune. The paper reports that Larman cited a shrinking customer base, rising operating costs and what he called “evolving eating habits” as reasons for pulling the plug. Il Fuoco plans to roll out discounted dine-in prices in its final weeks, a small consolation for neighbors and regulars who told the Index-Tribune the loss will hit the town hard, with one local calling Larman’s food a true community asset.
Local Chef, Long Run
Larman has been a fixture in Sonoma Valley kitchens for more than three decades, testing and retiring a string of local concepts before settling into Il Fuoco. The Press Democrat documented his 2021 shift from Cochon Volant BBQ to a wood-fired pizza operation, highlighting the move from smokehouse equipment to a Forno Bravo oven and a seasonal, pizza-forward lineup. That long history helps explain why Il Fuoco’s closing feels less like a routine turnover and more like the neighborhood losing a familiar face.
National Nod, Hometown Oven
Before Il Fuoco, Larman’s Cochon Volant reached a broader audience after being featured on Food Network. The current Il Fuoco website still lists the Highway 12 address and the menu that turned it into a reliable stop for both locals and visiting wine-country wanderers. The restaurant’s own site lays out its hours, pizza-centric focus and contact details, underlining how the place managed to combine the restless energy of barbecue pop-ups with the consistency of a tight, wood-fired pizza program. That mix of national attention and local loyalty helped cement Il Fuoco as a recognizable Valley landmark.
What’s Next for Larman
According to The Sonoma Index-Tribune, Larman is not hanging up his apron entirely. He plans to keep his catering business going after Il Fuoco closes, and customers interested in booking events can reach him at [email protected], per the paper’s reporting. Il Fuoco itself will stay open through the end of 2025, with reduced dine-in prices during its final stretch, and Larman told the paper he wants to focus more on offsite work and special events once the restaurant goes dark. For fans, that creates a tight window to squeeze in one more pie.
Why Restaurant Closures Still Draw Crowds
Restaurants on the way out often see a sudden surge in attention, as diners scramble for one last taste. It is a phenomenon the Los Angeles Times has explored, noting that beloved spots frequently turn their final services into unofficial block parties, complete with long lines and plenty of nostalgia. Whether Il Fuoco gets that kind of sendoff is still up in the air, but the closure announcement has already pushed many regulars to start plotting a final pizza night by the Highway 12 oven.
