L'OSTERIA
Valdarno cuisine
with our desire to surprise
Ours is a true passion for good cuisine, but also a desire to innovate and surprise to awaken one of the most primitive senses: TASTE.
In a warm and welcoming environment, the kitchen offers a menu with traditional Tuscan dishes but also measured reinterpretations that never distort the history and meaning of the dish.
There is also no shortage of dishes, cold meats and cheeses typical of the ‘Arno Valley’ made with the freshest local ingredients.
The Communal Table
you eat with who is there, you drink what is there
We periodically organise themed dinners and lunches at our communal table for 10 people, designed for those who enjoy sharing the pleasure of good company and authentic cuisine, an opportunity to meet new people in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. In the kitchen Alessandro will lead a creative and surprising tasting, accompanied by wines selected by Federico, making each event unique and unforgettable.
The convivial table is also available for lunches, dinners and small private or corporate events with the possibility of specific menus on request.
Want to know more? For info and reservations
A family passion
Francesca tells the story of this wonderful project, passionately sharing details and memories related to its birth. From the first moment it took shape, this project has been a journey of dedication and love for tradition, inspired by the teachings and values passed on by Nonna Vanna, who guided every step towards the birth of this restaurant.
The origins
Osteria Corte de’ Frati has its roots in 23 June 2000, when my mother Elisabetta decided to open “De Profundis”, a renowned breakfast and cocktail bar right in Figline Valdarno.
Nonna Vanna – Thanks to the invaluable support of Nonna Vanna, my sister Federica and I decided to take over the De Profundis project. Nonna Vanna was an essential guide for us, thanks to her experience in the kitchen (it is her recipe for our very famous Nana coi Sedani), but also to the enthusiasm she passed on to us to pursue our ideas and principles.
The experience at Ristorante Aqva – In 2007 we met our future husbands, Alessandro and Federico, who, although engaged in other professions at the time, gradually joined our journey until, in 2014, we all decided to embark on a new project together, taking over ‘Ristorante Aqva’ in the splendid ‘Villa Casagrande’ in Figline. This was the step that marked the beginning of a more structured collaboration: Federico, born in Livorno, masterfully took on the role of Sommelier and head waiter, while Alessandro, originally from Reggello and now our Chef, brought an innovative culinary vision to our kitchen. This experience has allowed us to specialise in high-level catering, with a focus on private events and a predominantly fish-based cuisine.
The Osteria Corte de' Frati is born
On 8 November 2018, all together we inaugurated the Osteria Corte de’ Frati, to give new life and energy to our project with the idea of this time proposing a cuisine strongly rooted in the Tuscan and Valdarno tradition through high quality raw materials, favouring local products, to offer our guests an authentic experience of Valdarno flavours.
Alessandro, Chef
Alessandro, a self-taught Chef, has made an extraordinary path of growth, perfecting himself through training and refresher courses. He is a young man with a deep passion for cooking and for our territory. Coming from a family with a long gastronomic tradition, Alessandro grew up in an environment linked to catering: his grandfather ran a food shop and a mini supermarket in Reggello, while the family owns the Frantoio Pasquini, known for the Albergo Italia, once an institution appreciated by past generations.
Federico, Maître
Federico is a welcoming and discreet presence, capable of making guests feel at home, with special attention also for families with children, a rare feature in medium-high-end restaurants. His natural empathy and professionalism are complementary to Alessandro’s discretion, and together they form a perfectly balanced team that makes our restaurant a unique place.
The present and the future
After a few years dedicated to raising our children, my sister and I have returned more motivated than ever, with an even stronger bond to this wonderful project.
Today | in the kitchen, Alessandro creates every dish with care and passion, from fresh pasta to the homemade giardiniera that accompanies our chopping boards, to the preserves, all prepared by hand like the great traditional dishes of our region.
In the kitchen, Lorenzo, Suresh and Vipul support the chef with their talent and enthusiasm, while in the dining room Giulia competently takes care of the wine selection.
And the projects?
Looking to the future, we are working to consolidate our brand, with the aim of offering our customers exclusive products, such as oil, wines, vinsanto, cantucci and preserves. This path will allow us to meet the needs of an increasingly broad customer base, made up of both our regular guests and tourists, who visit us in large numbers from April until October.