Cuculia

The story

Cuculia Florence: Contemporary Fine Dining in Oltrarno – Michelin Recommended

Cuculia, a contemporary restaurant in the heart of Florence’s Oltrarno district

Founded in 2013, Cuculia is the independent project of chef Oliver Betancourt and manager-sommelier Roberta Del Prete. The restaurant has been recognized by the Michelin Guide, reflecting its commitment to refined, contemporary dining in Florence.

Born in Venezuela, chef Betancourt’s thirty-year career took him through France, Spain, and Italy. He worked in the kitchens of the Spanish avant-garde alongside chefs like Sergi Arola and participated in events such as Madrid Fusión. This international journey informs Cuculia’s cuisine, a contemporary interpretation that weaves together French, South American, Spanish, and Tuscan influences. The kitchen team respects seasonality and raw ingredients, creating dishes that reinterpret Mediterranean and Caribbean traditions in a modern key.

The dining room is overseen by Roberta Del Prete, whose background in literature and the arts shapes the hospitality. She curates the wine list, building pairings that complement the chef’s creations. Her storytelling in the dining room goes beyond description, inviting guests into the idea behind each plate.

The restaurant’s interior was designed around the concept of a “nest.” The result is an intimate and refined space, with neutral colors broken by a dark, textured floor and copper accents. The bar counter is a section of a Lebanon cedar trunk, chosen for its circular grain and citrusy aroma. A bookshelf storing chef Betancourt’s international culinary library is visible to guests, reinforcing the sense of a place built on research and memory.

Cuculia offers a à la carte and tasting menus, with vegetarian and vegan versions always available. The restaurant also provides a private room for up to 16 guests, making it suitable for both romantic dinners and business gatherings.