Nugolo

The story

Nugolo, Florence – Contemporary Italian Dining in a Green Garden Setting

Nugolo: A Contemporary Italian Garden in the Heart of Florence

On via della Mattonaia, Nugolo brings a fresh perspective to contemporary Italian dining in Florence. Step inside and you find yourself in what feels like an indoor garden: tall plants reach toward the ceiling, tables wrap around a central greenhouse, and the open kitchen resembles an old country loggia. The design is intentional, creating a natural, tranquil space that feels both sheltered and alive.

The kitchen draws its inspiration directly from nature and the seasons. Dishes are built around the excellence of raw ingredients, with edible flowers and aromatic herbs as signature elements. Many of these come from the restaurant's own garden, alongside a remarkable collection of 200 varieties of tomatoes that define the summer season. The cooking is refined, using innovative techniques and a touch of boldness to constantly reinvent familiar recipes.

The à la carte menu offers a clear progression. Antipasti might include a carpaccio of celeriac with hazelnuts and pomegranate, or an egg cooked at 64° with a “panzanella” interpretation, tomato caramel, and basil seeds. First courses range from the signature “Chitarra Nugolo” with smoked provolone mousse to a “mezza manica” pasta with goose ragù, red fruit tea, and black garlic. Main dishes feature sea bass ceviche with beets and puffed polenta chips, or lamb sirloin with offal ragù and fennel cream. A dedicated dessert menu and a selection of teas, amari, and sweet wines round out the meal.

Nugolo’s recognition by the Michelin guide—as a Recommended restaurant—reflects the precision and care that runs through the entire experience. It is a place where the contemporary Italian cuisine is both thoughtful and welcoming, grounded in the rhythms of the garden and the seasons.