culture
Il Nugolo
9/05/24 Firenze
Article by Gili Biegun
Situated in the historic center of Florence, Restaurant Nugolo stands as a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the richness of Tuscan cuisine. Founded in late 2019, Nugolo was born from the desire to rediscover lost flavors, placing ingredients at the center of its culinary philosophy. Led by Chef Luca Grimaldi, this culinary oasis offers diners a journey through the bountiful flavors of Tuscany, guided by seasonality and a commitment to quality.
Born in Scafati in 1992, Chef Luca Grimaldi found his true calling in the kitchen. After completing his studies, Grimaldi embarked on a culinary journey that took him across Italy and around the world. From Florence to New York, Treviso to London, Grimaldi honed his craft in kitchens both starred and otherwise, immersing himself in diverse culinary traditions and techniques.
Now, Grimaldi has found a home at Restaurant Nugolo, where he combines his passion for tradition with a spirit of innovation. Drawing inspiration from the bounty of Tuscany's soil and guided by the ethos of simplicity, Grimaldi crafts dishes that celebrate the natural flavors of each ingredient, elevating them to new heights of culinary excellence.
At the heart of Restaurant Nugolo lies a commitment to authenticity and quality. Located just a few kilometers from the center of Florence, on the hills of Settignano, Nugolo cultivates over 200 varieties of tomatoes, guided by passion and determination. These "pomi d'oro" – golden spheres – serve as the cornerstone of Nugolo's seasonal menu, each dish a celebration of the treasures of the soil.
In keeping with its commitment to sustainability, Nugolo prioritizes locally-sourced, organic ingredients, free from herbicides and pesticides. The menu, which rotates quarterly, reflects the changing seasons and the abundance of nature, offering diners a chance to savor something new with each visit.
Stepping into Restaurant Nugolo is like entering a culinary garden, where tables are arranged around an open kitchen reminiscent of a greenhouse. Plants adorn every corner, and the ambiance is reminiscent of a sun-drenched garden in full bloom. The ceiling, adorned with bunches of tomatoes, pays homage to the old loggias of southern Italy, where tomatoes were dried to preserve them throughout the winter.
Designed by Florentine designer Duccio Maria Gambi, the space exudes warmth and earthiness, with materials chosen to reflect the colors of the earth. The tables, made from old wooden planks sourced from the Settignano Tuscany Homes farm, evoke a sense of rustic elegance, while the antique chairs add a touch of vintage charm.
In addition to its rustic charm, Restaurant Nugolo also offers a touch of refinement with its special handmade porcelain plates from "White Porcelain Florence." These exquisite plates complement Chef Luca Grimaldi's creations, adding a touch of elegance to the dining experience.
