Behind the Brushstrokes: Arnolfo’s Artistic Alchemy

Nestled in Italy’s crystal capital, you will find a dreamy family operated restaurant that will rock your tastebuds. Arnolfo is located in Colle di Val d’Elsa and this two-star Michelin restaurant is a living tribute to the 14th-century architect Arnolfo di Cambio, whose birthplace is nearby. The restaurant’s warm and welcoming atmosphere as well as its delectable seasonal specialties are a direct reflection of the region’s rich culinary tradition. The menu, crafted by Chef Gaetano Trovato, offers a delightful array of dishes full of well-balanced flavors.

Chef Trovato’s dedication to quality is evident. He creates dishes that honor Tuscan traditions while infusing them with his unique creativity. While some dishes showcase influences from Sicilian cuisine, the chef’s standout favorite is pigeon, a dish that always finds its place on the menu.

Chef Trovato’s journey began in Sicily, but his family’s move to Colle di Val d’Elsa when he was six set the stage for his culinary career. Growing up in a large family, the kitchen was the heart of the home. His passion for gourmet cuisine blossomed as a teenager, driven by a fascination with blending flavors and creating unusual pairings.

Trovato’s career took off with an apprenticeship in Saint-Moritz, followed by formative experiences in Rimini, Turin, Switzerland, and France. Training under culinary legends like Roger Vergé and Gaston Lenôtre, he honed his skills and found his true vocation. His time with Angelo Paracucchi in Sarzana further refined his ability to bring flavors to life.

Since 1982, Trovato has led Arnolfo, the family restaurant, where he creates contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. A standout discovery in his career is the Alba truffle, introduced to him during his military service in Piedmont. This seasonal delicacy, found between November and January, is sourced from Montá and Piobesi and used to elevate dishes like risotto with pecorino and passion fruit.

Arnolfo celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022 by moving to a stunning new location designed by Gaetano and Giovanni Trovato. This modern structure features a beautiful garden, captivating architecture, and meticulous attention to detail. The new space, with its Siena yellow and Crete Senesi travertine marbles, offers breathtaking views.

Chef Trovato’s new kitchen, designed in collaboration with DeManincor, combines style and technology. The Trovato brothers’ dedication to exceptional hospitality is evident in every aspect of the new Arnolfo, from its innovative cuisine to its enchanting setting.

Trovato’s story is a testament to the power of family traditions, a passion for fine cuisine, and the pursuit of culinary excellence. At Arnolfo, his contemporary dishes continue to delight and inspire.

An example of Chef Gaetano Trovato’s commitment to fresh tasting menus is the Summer 2024 exquisite arrangement of seasonal dishes inspired by the Tuscan Archipelago. The menu features a symphony of flavors, starting with delicate cuttlefish paired with refreshing watermelon and Certaldo onion, followed by amberjack with zucchini flower and Oscietra caviar. Highlights include pyramid fresh pasta with tiger prawn and raspberry, John Dory with bell pepper and Taggiasca olive. Each dish is meticulously crafted to offer a unique culinary experience for €200.

Chef Gaetano Trovato’s Summer 2024 “Vegetable Cubism” tasting menu at Arnolfo is also a celebration of vibrant, seasonal produce. The menu showcases inventive dishes such as tomato with potato and kefir. Highlights include tortello filled with sheep ricotta and chanterelle mushrooms, and a dish featuring duck egg with zucchini and nasturtium cress. The culinary journey concludes with a tantalizing dessert of apricot, yogurt, mint, chocolate, and coffee. This artful menu is available for €200, offering a masterful exploration of vegetable-based cuisine. Wine parings are offered with every tasting menu to compliment both the bold and delicate flavors of this culinary journey.

Giovanni Trovato, the Restaurant Manager and Head Sommelier at Arnolfo, returned to Colle di Val d’Elsa in 1990. Joining forces with his brother Gaetano, they embarked on a project rooted in a shared philosophy of hospitality and tradition. Giovanni believes that drinking well isn’t about rare vintages but about creating harmony between food and drink. His approach, much like Gaetano’s with food, focuses on making customers feel good.

At Arnolfo, culinary enthusiasts can also explore elevating their skills through high-level cooking classes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. These classes offer more than just instruction—they promise an extraordinary experience that brings out the inner chef in everyone.

Led by the esteemed Chef Gaetano Trovato, participants are guided step by step through the intricacies of gourmet cooking. Each course features essential techniques like bread and fresh pasta making. You’ll explore every aspect of the kitchen, from appetizers and first courses to main dishes and advanced cooking techniques.

What sets these classes apart is the opportunity to work in a real ‘brigade de cuisine,’ giving participants the authentic experience of a Michelin star chef. With Chef Trovato, you’ll not only learn but also feel the passion that defines Arnolfo’s celebrated cuisine. This is more than a cooking class; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the art of fine dining and discover the true essence of culinary excellence.

For those who live for culinary adventures or simply wish to experience something truly special, Arnolfo’s artistic alchemy is a must stop. Whether it’s for the beautifully presented tasting menus, or a cooking class to master the art of crafting meals from tradition, stopping here will be an experience you won’t forget.

https://www.arnolfo.com/en