Castelfalfi, the renovated hamlet and lifestyle resort in the heart of Tuscany, has unveiled La Rocca, a new fine-dining restaurant led by Chef Davide De Simone.
Located within the medieval castle of the historic borgo, which boasts a thousand-year history, La Rocca is an intimate 24-seat restaurant that promises an exceptional dining experience thanks to its use of local ingredients and exciting dishes curated by Executive Chef Davide De Simone.
The restaurant is situated at the steepest point of the borgo, so its outdoor aperitivo terrace offers guests extraordinary panoramic views over ripping hills and legendary hilltop cities like Volterra.
Inside, the natural tones of the countryside are mirrored in an enchanting setting, using tactile materials, including wood, stone and reclaimed terracotta. Inspired by ancient Tuscan recipes and the region’s superb produce, viewed through the lens of the global gourmet, the cuisine of this flagship restaurant is designed to take diners on a culinary journey.
Chef Davide De Simone (above) brings his rich culinary experience, cosmopolitan approach, and culinary artistry to Castelfalfi. These can be experienced in the two meticulously crafted tasting menus he’s created, which reflect his Sicilian roots and personal gastronomic journey. Complemented by wine pairings, the menus change seasonally to highlight the freshest in-season ingredients.
The first tasting menu, “The Tuscan Garden,” is a vegetarian menu inspired by Tuscany’s lush landscapes. It includes glazed asparagus with miso and white chocolate butter and risotto with blue goat’s cheese and cumin—a menu where creativity exalts the spicy scents of faraway lands.
The second menu, “My Own Country,” is a symphony of land and sea elements, journeying from the Mediterranean Sea to Tuscany with a touch of London’s culinary sophistication. Dishes such as smoked Tuscan sea bass with black tea and veal cheek with red Mazara prawns illustrate the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
“My journey in haute cuisine is one of continuous evolution, and with La Rocca, I invite guests to join me on this path of discovery and delight. Each dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the natural beauty of Tuscany. I’m thrilled to bring my culinary experiences to craft tasting menus that reflect both my Sicilian roots and the authentic, local flavours of Tuscany.” —Chef Davide De Simone.
Chef Davide De Simone is Sicilian by birth and cosmopolitan by nature. His impressive resume includes working in the world of high-end cooking, which includes more than a decade working in some of London’s most renowned restaurants.
Here, where the world’s different food cultures have woven together, Davide’s inspiration and expertise start. He uses this experience as a starting point for his exploration of a world of flavours and aromas, creating innovative combinations with premium ingredients.
La Rocca Dining Details
24-covers
Open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Bookings can be made online at www.castelfalfi.com
Two tasting menus and two wine-pairing options are available.
Guests can also enjoy an aperitivo outside on Terrazza Medici before embarking on their dining experience.
All photography used is courtesy of Castelfalfi.
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