La Chicca Boutique Restaurant — Restaurant in Florence

Serendipity on a Side Street in Sant’ambrogio

Just a few blocks away from the tourist worn cobblestones of Piazza Santa Croce and its cliched, red checkered table cloth, tourist eateries is a polished 10 out of 10 jewel - La Chicca Boutique Restaurant, Via dei Macci 79 rosso, Sant’ ambrogio - Firenze 50122

While out on an errand on a rainy day, our curious Florentine friend noticed a narrow, store front restaurant in a neighborhood she thought she knew near the Mercato.  “This looks new and interesting.”  Turned out that La Chicca has been open for just 6 weeks.

So we ducked into a clean and well lit space.  The walls are decorated with tasteful works of local artists with a sweet, contemporary playlist in the background.  We were greeted cordially in charmingly accented English by “Nappi” who was the only person in evidence.  I inquired where he had learned English, he shared that he had recently returned from London after working for Gordon Ramsey’s organization.

Nappi invited us to explore the space.  After the narrow storefront by the bar is the glass enclosed wine tasting room.  Then the dining room opens into a more spacious area overseen by a glass enclosed kitchen.

We made a note of the seafood offerings on the menu (maybe it was the rain)!  We left with an invitation from Nappi who was the owner to return.  That night we decided to give “the new place” a try.

Our reward for venturing out on a rainy night was a warm welcome and a Prosecco.  The menu was devoid of the “tourist standards”.  In there place were innovative spins on familiar dishes.

Nappi then invited us to the tasting room.  He uses an innovative (and new to me) inert gas system for tasting wine. This allowed us to sample 4-5 wines without ever opening the bottles and starting the oxidation process.  He was very knowledgeable and helped us select a delicious Sauvignon Blanc which paired well with our seafood.

He coached us through the menu. Some special requests were made and accommodated concerning the preparation of the Bronzino. Our Contorno were grilled vegetables and asparagus au gratin neither of which were on the menu.

Baskets of warm focaccias (Nappi’s Nonna’s recipe) and sour dough appeared followed by an Antipasto of small plates of squid ink tortilini. Then the chef personaly served us a salted cod on a bed of wilted greens which we had not ordered!  These were both delicious!

The rain was pelting down outside. Nappi and his team appreciated that we had made the effort to come out and they were reciprocating. Our orders came out as a tasting menu.

The Primo was a ravioli with spicy sausage and tuna in an onion reduction with lime purée accents.  The lime was served as a coulee which when added gave the dish a Caribbean vibe.  It was amazing! The Risotto with Prawns and Blood Orange slices was delicate and so flavorful.

For the Secondo a whole baked Bronzino was served with cherry tomatoes in an olive oil and butter sauce which was so tasty and memorable.

Frutta e Dolce were house made contucci topped with a lemon semifreddo served with a truly spectacular Vin Santo and caramel sauce. We also had an incredible chocolate brownie with orange accents served with an orange and chocolate gelato.  Plates were licked and the syrup was poured on spoons and slurped straight.

Nappi and his team were charming and engaging.  We opened the restaurant and closed it.  Through the course of the evening there were other couples.  My sense was that everyone was as attentively served as we were. This is a great find in a city where the restaurant map is well established.  We highly recommend the “new place” for an absolutely delightful, memory making, culinary experience that gives Italy, its reputation for innovative fine dining.

PS: Our friends that evening included a French Culinary Institute trained chef who went to the kitchen to thank and compliment the Chef and ask if any of them...

Nestled in a beautiful, cozy, and modern ambiance, this restaurant strikes a harmonious balance that immediately sets a welcoming tone. From the moment you step in, the friendly staff ensures a delightful dining experience, underscoring their commitment to exceptional service.

A standout feature that truly impresses is the chef’s personal engagement with guests. Emerging from the kitchen, the chef takes the time to ensure that every dish meets, if not exceeds, expectations, reflecting a remarkable dedication to culinary excellence. This restaurant goes above and beyond when it comes to menu flexibility—whether it's a slight tweak to cater to personal tastes or dietary requirements, they accommodate with grace and expertise, epitomizing the essence of customer satisfaction.

And then, there’s the food—each dish is not only delicious but beautifully crafted, showcasing a fusion of artistry and flavor. Dining here is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that tantalizes the senses and leaves you longing for more.

In summary, this restaurant understands and delivers on what customers truly crave. From the warm atmosphere to the exceptional food and personalized service, it offers a very pleasant and memorable dining experience. A gem worth visiting for anyone seeking...

We went to this restaurant tonight and had such a phenomenal meal! In two weeks in Italy, from North to South to Tuscany, this is one of our top two meals, on the night before we leave. Everything appears so simple but the flavors, textures, and presentation of each dish are mindblowingly perfect.

The Pumpkin & Potato Flan hits the table looking quite plain and petite, but its creamy texture and complex flavor profile are addictive. It melts on your tongue in a melange of cheesy, creamy, delicate magic.

Wild Boar Peposo is a stew made from the leg of a wild boar, served atop a bed of creamy earthy polenta that you could just bathe in. The stew meat is delicate yet hearty and the sauce is divine.

The Potato Tortelli with Venison Ragout, topped with Piemonte IGP hazelnuts is equally divine, cooked to perfection, and so incredibly flavorful.

The cheesecake was light and delightful, as was the beautiful chestnut cake(served warm, with a delicate center that melts outward when cut open). Both were the perfect end to the perfect meal. We have eaten out every breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour on our trip, and we are so pleased to say this was the crown on our dining adventures. Grazie Mille for gracing us with this...