FLORENCE, ITALY / ACCESS Newswire / May 28, 2025 / Cuculia Ristorante, a cornerstone of fine dining in Florence, is proud to announce its continued recognition in the prestigious Michelin Guide, a distinction the restaurant has held since 2023. The recognition from the Michelin Guide further solidifies Cuculia's place as one of Florence's premier dining establishments, celebrated for its innovative approach to Italian cuisine, its commitment to high-quality ingredients, and the dedication of Chef Oliver Betancourt, his wife Roberta Del Prete, who is the restaurant's manager, maître d', and sommelier, and their exceptional team.
The Michelin Guide's selection is a testament to Cuculia Ristorante's exceptional culinary standards and the creativity behind each dish. Michelin's endorsement is not only a mark of excellence but also a reflection of the restaurant's consistent ability to deliver a memorable dining experience. Even before its inclusion in the Michelin Guide in 2023, Cuculia had earned the respect of food critics, culinary professionals, and patrons alike, further establishing the restaurant's international reputation.
This prestigious accolade comes on the heels of Cuculia Ristorante's recent win at the Forchettiere Awards, where it was named Best Fine Dining in Florence/Tuscany by a public vote. In quite a remarkable accomplishment for a restaurant that principally serves traditional cuisine, We're Smart World recently selected Cuculia for inclusion in the "Green Guide" by, an internationally respected guide that celebrates the world's best plant-based restaurants.
Combining the accolades from both the Michelin Guide and the Forchettiere Awards, Cuculia is undoubtedly one of the celebrated dining destinations in Florence and Tuscany.
Cuculia Ristorante: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Located in the historic center of Florence, Cuculia Ristorante offers a dining experience that is both sophisticated, intimate, and innovative. The restaurant's atmosphere, designed to resemble a chic library with books lining the walls, sets the stage for an memorable culinary journey. Each dish is served on a complementary plate personally selected and supplied by Roberta. Cuculia's commitment to blending traditional Italian flavors with modern culinary techniques has earned it recognition from some of the most respected figures in the food industry.
Chef Oliver Betancourt, who, together with his wife Roberta Del Prete, founded Cuculia, brings a wealth of unusual experience to the restaurant. Originally from Venezuela, Chef Betancourt honed his skills in some of Europe's most esteemed kitchens in France, Spain, and Italy. Working in various countries allowed him to incorporate international influences into Cuculia's distinctive menu while retaining appeal to its Florentine base. Chef Betancourt's culinary vision combines elegant simplicity while expanding the boundaries of fine dining by use of bold flavor combinations, creative presentations, and, in homage to the Italian way, a focus on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
In addition to its wide array of traditional fare, Cuculia also is renowned for its dedication to vegetarian and vegan dishes, offering plant-based options that rival traditional meat-based meals. The restaurant's menu changes with the seasons, with each dish thoughtfully crafted to highlight the freshest seasonal fare. As a result, diners indulge in the flavors of Tuscany, featuring locally grown vegetables, wild herbs, and artisanal cheeses, all prepared and presented with the sort of inventive twist that has become the Ristorante's hallmark. Cuculia is rated in the top 100 restaurants in the world for our plant-based cuisine.
Michelin Guide Selection: A Milestone Achievement
Cuculia Ristorante's inclusion in the Michelin Guide is a milestone in the restaurant's history. The Michelin Guide is the gold standard for culinary excellence worldwide. It is known for its rigorous selection process, evaluating by consideration of food quality, skill and creativity of the chef, authenticity of the cuisine, and, of course, the overall dining experience.
Being selected by the Michelin Guide signals that diners can expect a superior culinary experience. For Cuculia Ristorante, this selection reinforces the quality and passion that Chef Betancourt and his team bring to the kitchen every day, confirming that each serving has been crafted with care, combining classic techniques and modern flavors to create a menu that is both sophisticated and approachable.
In brief, the Michelin Guide's recognition acknowledges Cuculia's position as a distinctive presence and leader in Florence's dining scene.
The Michelin Guide page for Cuculia Ristorante (available here) provides further insight into the restaurant's achievements and dedication to excellence.
A Strong Commitment to Sustainable Dining
A key factor that set Cuculia apart is its commitment to sustainability. Chef Betancourt is dedicated to sourcing ingredients from local farms and artisans who share the restaurant's dedication to quality and sustainability. By supporting local producers and using seasonal ingredients, Cuculia minimizes its environmental impact while showcasing the best of what Tuscany has to offer.
In addition to its dedication to local sourcing, Cuculia has implemented practices aimed at reducing food waste and minimizing its overall carbon footprint by, among other practices, adopting environmentally-conscious packaging.
The Michelin Guide and Cuculia's Continued Success
Cuculia Ristorante's inclusion in Michelin's Guide has created new opportunities for the restaurant, alerting and drawing food lovers from around the world who seek exceptional dining experiences. As a Michelin-recognized establishment, Cuculia has enjoyed an increase in international visitors, solidifying its reputation as one of Florence's premier dining destinations and enhancing its presence in the global culinary community.
Cuculia's continued success in both the Michelin Guide and the Forchettiere Awards serves as proof that Florence's culinary scene is thriving. For Chef Betancourt and his wife, the recognition is both a personal achievement and a testament to their hard work and dedication of the entire team.
Looking ahead, Chef Betancourt and Roberta focus on continuing to invent Cuculia's culinary offerings and surprise their clients with these innovations. Cuculia will continue to be a place where tradition meets innovation, and where guests can experience the very best of Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
Cuculia's Impact on the Florence Dining Scene
Cuculia Ristorante's continued success is also a reflection of the evolving food culture in Florence. In a city known for its rich culinary heritage, Cuculia stands out in this landscape for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of cuisine while maintaining a connection to the region's history.
The restaurant's ability to balance tradition and innovation is fundamental to its success. From its inventive vegetarian and vegan offerings to its bold reinterpretations of classic Italian dishes, Cuculia provides guests with a unique dining experience that can't be found anywhere else in Florence. As Florence continues to grow as a food destination, Cuculia remains a key player in shaping the city's culinary future.
Looking Ahead: What's Next for Cuculia Ristorante?
As Cuculia Ristorante continues to enjoy its well-deserved recognition, Chef Betancourt is, as he and Roberta have always done, looking toward the future. With plans to introduce new seasonal menus, explore more global culinary influences, and continue collaborating with local producers, Cuculia is poised to remain at the forefront of Florence's fine dining scene.
The restaurant's focus will remain on providing a memorable and immersive dining experience, with Chef Betancourt's commitment to sustainability and innovation driving its future direction. Cuculia Ristorante will continue to be a place where guests can enjoy refined cuisine in an intimate, welcoming atmosphere.
Conclusion: A True Gem in Florence's Culinary World
Cuculia Ristorante's inclusion in the Michelin Guide and its recent win at the Forchettiere Awards for Best Fine Dining in Florence/Tuscany mark a significant milestone in the restaurant's journey. These prestigious accolades reflect the hard work, passion, and dedication that Chef Oliver Betancourt, his wife, and their team put into every dish they create and dish that they serve. With its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, Cuculia Ristorante is certain to continue as a top destination for food lovers in Florence.
For more information about Cuculia Ristorante, its Michelin recognition, or to make a reservation, please visit www.cuculia.it.
Contact:
Cuculia Ristorante
Phone: +39 055 239 8766
Email: info@cuculia.it
Website: www.cuculia.it
SOURCE: Cuculia
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