FLORENCE, ITALY / ACCESS Newswire / May 28, 2025 / Cuculia Ristorante, the renowned fine dining destination in the heart of Florence, is proud to announce its most recent recognition: the prestigious Best Fine Dining Award in Florence/Tuscany, granted by the Forchettiere Awards in the People's Choice category. This honor was a result of a public survey which named Cuculia the People's Choice for Best Fine Dining, a significant recognition of its distinctive cuisine, service, and dedication to culinary excellence. The award was presented in April 2025, and the restaurant's Chef Oliver Betancourt, together with Roberta Del Prete, who is also the restaurant's manager, maître d', and sommelier, lead the exceptional team at Cuculia.
The Forchettiere Awards and the Cuculia Legacy
The Forchettiere Awards have long been a staple in Italy's gastronomic community, with a focus on recognizing exceptional restaurants that set the standard for culinary artistry. Cuculia's inclusion in this prestigious list is no small feat, as it places the restaurant alongside some of the most celebrated fine dining establishments in Italy. Being named Best Fine Dining in Florence/Tuscany not only elevates the restaurant's profile but also highlights the work of its dedicated team.
Chef Betancourt's work at Cuculia has earned him significant acclaim over the years, with notable attention from food critics and culinary experts. The fusion of traditional and modern techniques in his dishes demonstrates a masterful approach to cooking, and his ability to push the boundaries of fine dining while staying true to the essence of Italian cuisine has made Cuculia a standout in Florence's competitive culinary scene.
In addition to its fine dining offerings, Cuculia offers both à la carte menus and tasting menus with 5 or 7 courses. The à la carte menu features more traditional dishes, while the tasting menu clearly showcases Chef Betancourt's signature through the use of contemporary cooking techniques and exceptional pairings. The tasting menu is also available upon request in vegetarian and vegan versions.
The restaurant is particularly celebrated for its imaginative use of seasonal Italian produce; vegetables, herbs, and grains presented in inventive ways that honor and elevate their natural flavors. For guests seeking a more traditional Italian experience, there are also a variety of carefully crafted meat and seafood options available, ensuring that Cuculia has something for every palate. The restaurant also is celebrated for its dedication to vegetarian and vegan cuisine as it is among the top 100 restaurants in the world for their plant-based cuisine. Through all of the restaurant's offerings Cuculia pays great attention to dietary diversity, striving to accommodate guests with intolerances, allergies, or those following specific health-related or religious dietary practices.
Cuculia is known for its intimate and sophisticated ambiance, which is a key part of the dining experience. The restaurant's décor, which resembles a chic library filled with books, invites guests to relax and enjoy the meal at a leisurely pace. The carefully curated wine list, which features a variety of local Tuscan wines, complements the innovative dishes and enhances the overall experience.
Cuculia Ristorante: A Journey of Culinary Innovation
Cuculia Restaurant is synonymous with high-quality, imaginative cuisine. The restaurant's atmosphere, inspired by a cozy yet sophisticated library setting, provides an ideal backdrop for guests to experience dishes that are both creative and deeply rooted in Italian culinary traditions. The kitchen, led by Chef Betancourt, impresses with a diverse menu that evolves through the seasons and features an exciting blend of Italian ingredients and flavors presented in original ways that reflect influences from around the globe.
Chef Betancourt, who has over 30 years of international experience, trained in France, Spain, and Italy before making Florence his home. Working in diverse culinary environments has had a profound influence on his style, resulting in innovative menus that incorporate surprising flavors and ingredients such as kombu, soy sauce, and koji, while remaining true to the heart of Italian cuisine.
Best Fine Dining Award: A Milestone Achievement
The recent designation by Forchettiere Awards as Best Fine Dining in Florence/Tuscany is further testament to Cuculia's dedication to excellence and appeal across a spectrum of appetites. Chosen by a jury of food enthusiasts, critics, and everyday diners, this public survey award solidifies the restaurant's place as a leader in the Tuscan dining scene. Cuculia's win is a reflection of its commitment to providing an unforgettable dining experience.
Two years ago, the organization sponsoring the Forchettiere Awards featured in an in-depth article that described Cuculia Ristorante as "a hidden gem in the heart of Florence," commending Chef Betancourt's genius for blending local flavors with global influences.
To commemorate the Best Fine Dining Award, Cuculia Ristorante shared the honor with its followers on Instagram, where a post showcasing the certificate, award photos, and a short video detailing the restaurant's journey was published. The post prompted its many fans and supporters to express their excitement and offer congratulatory messages. The social media response reflects the loyalty and admiration that Cuculia has earned over the years from its diverse clientele.
Global Recognition for Plant-Based Innovation
In quite a remarkable achievement for a restaurant that principally serves traditional cuisine, Cuculia also has been selected for inclusion in the "Green Guide" by We're Smart World, an internationally respected guide that celebrates the world's best plant-based restaurants. In the 2025 edition, Cuculia ranks 10th in Italy and 94th worldwide for its outstanding vegetarian and vegan creations, a recognition that affirms its leadership in sustainable, plant-forward dining.
A Vision for the Future: What's Next for Cuculia Ristorante
Looking ahead, Cuculia Ristorante plans to continue evolving, offering new seasonal menus, collaborating with local producers, and expanding its reach beyond Florence. The restaurant has always been at the forefront of innovation, and Chef Betancourt is committed to continuing this tradition. As Cuculia moves forward, the goal is to not only maintain its status as one of the best fine dining restaurants in Florence but to also inspire a new generation of chefs and food enthusiasts to experiment and push the boundaries of traditional Italian cuisine.
Chef Betancourt's focus remains on ensuring Cuculia stays true to its core values: delivering quality, creativity, and a memorable experience for every guest. This commitment to excellence is reflected in the restaurant's dedication to using only the freshest, most sustainable ingredients, many of which are sourced from local farms around Tuscany. Cuculia's farm-to-table philosophy is at the heart of its approach to fine dining, ensuring that every dish is crafted with care and precision.
As Cuculia moves forward, Chef Betancourt remains focused on exploring new avenues for culinary innovation. From experimenting with new flavors to further enhancing the restaurant's sustainable practices, Cuculia will continue to be a leader in the culinary world, not only in Florence but throughout Italy.
Conclusion: A True Culinary Destination in Florence
Cuculia Ristorante's recent win of the Best Fine Dining Award at the Forchettiere Awards reflects the restaurant's commitment to excellence, creativity, and the art of fine dining. Under the guidance of Chef Oliver Betancourt and his wife Roberta Del Prete, Cuculia has earned its reputation as one of the best dining experiences in Florence, certainly the city's most distinctive,offering innovative dishes that reflect the rich culinary traditions of Tuscany and beyond.
With its continued dedication to providing exceptional food and service, Cuculia Restaurant remains a culinary destination for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant's Forchettiere Award is only the latest chapter in its journey toward redefining what it means to experience fine dining in Florence, Italy.
For more information about Cuculia Restaurant, its seasonal menu, or to make a reservation, please visit www.cuculia.it. Cuculia Ristorante can be contacted at (+39) 349 434 4518, and the landline number is available from 5:00 PM onwards at 055 277 6205.
SOURCE: Cuculia
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