Castelfalfi, the renovated hamlet in Tuscany has opened new fine-dining restaurant, La Rocca.

Located within the medieval castle of the historic borgo, La Rocca is an intimate 24-seat restaurant, featuring two tasting menus inspired by local ingredients and curated by Executive Chef Davide De Simone.

Sitting between Pisa, Florence and Siena, Castelfalfi is a ‘borderless’ estate with no walls or gates, combining one of Tuscany’s hilltop villages with a contemporary hotel and renovated villas set in over 2,700 acres of countryside, woodland, vineyards and olive groves.

At La Rocca, an outdoor aperitivo terrace offers panoramic views. Inside, the natural tones of the countryside are mirrored, using tactile materials such as wood, stone and reclaimed terracotta.

The cuisine has been inspired by ancient Tuscan recipes and the region’s produce, viewed through the lens of the global gourmet, and designed to take diners on a culinary journey.

De Simone brings his own distinct approach to Castelfalfi, showcasing his Sicilian roots and personal gastronomic journey, having worked for more than a decade in some of London’s top restaurants.

The two tasting menus proposed at La Rocca represent a journey that begins with his roots and arrives at its destination, ‘following continuously evolving paths’. Both are complemented by wine pairings and change seasonally to highlight the freshest in-season ingredients.

The first, The Tuscan Garden is a vegetarian menu inspired by Tuscany’s lush landscapes, featuring glazed asparagus with miso and white chocolate butter, and risotto with blue goat’s cheese and cumin.

The second, My Own Country combines land and sea elements, journeying from Mediterranean to Tuscany with a touch of London’s culinary scene. Dishes include smoked Tuscan sea bass with black tea, and veal cheek with red Mazara prawns.

“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,” says De Simone.

“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.

CREDITS
Photography: © Francesca Procopio