A stone’s throw from Sant’Ambrogio market is a boutique restaurant that opened last March called La Chicca. Aptly named, this gem is owned by Vittorio de Mena and Napi Osmenaj, friends who have perfected the recipe for welcoming guests and making them feel right at home.
Last week, with good dog Razz—dogs and kids eat free—two friends and I arrived for lunch. Upon entering the main room, we were met with natural light, plants and vibrant paintings by local artist Constantin Schiavone. Napi brought us a bottle of nicer Valdobbiadene Prosecco (extra dry, cold, delicious), and we knew we were in capable hands. A speciality of Chef Vittorio is the “Blind Tasting” experience, so we decided to skip the anxiety of choosing what to order and just let ourselves be surprised. After sharing our dietary preferences and allergies, we embarked on a tailor-made tasting journey. Our lunch did not disappoint and was filled with the freshest seafood, starting with several stellar dishes: tuna and caramelized onions; octopus and sauteed potatoes; grilled cuttlefish with crispy artichokes; and scampi and asparagus. The sea urchin linguine with pistachio was a huge hit. (Pasta dishes at La Chicca can all be made gluten-free except for the ravioli and gnocchi.) The monkfish with cherry tomatoes was oh so fresh. There was a crispy and creamy seafood risotto, and black tortelloni with pumpkin and prawns, all artfully arranged.
Beyond seafood, the menu offers wild boar and beef fillet, as well as vegetables, salads, snacks and cocktails. We weren’t sure we could eat another course, but then the dessert sampler arrived. The Chiccamisù, a spin on the classic is made with fresh passion fruit. It, along with the dark chocolate brownies with oranges and cantucci semifreddo with warm vin Santo cream, were all gone by the time we joined Napi at the bar for espresso. We conversed about the recipes created by Vittorio, who often asks guests to share their favorites, adding them to the menu too. “One reason why the menu’s so extensive is that specials keep becoming favorites, and we don’t know what to rotate off,” Napi explained. This might be the only problem La Chicca has. After saying our goodbyes, the four of us walked off into the afternoon, feeling decidedly well cared for. With the holidays fast approaching, La Chicca’s gastronomic experience is the perfect way to celebrate. Go find this gem.
Other via de’ Macci favourites from The Florentine
You can’t talk about via de’ Macci food scene without mentioning the Cibrèo restaurant empire and Tripperia Pollini, all of which keep Florentine flavours alive from generation to generation. Further down the road, support future chefs by eating at Ganzo (via de’ Macci 85), where international food is cooked up and served by Apicius hospitality students. If lampredotto isn’t your poison, pop by Chiosco di Mare (via de’ Macci 61R) for quality seafood street food during your holiday shopping. The prawn tacos, octopus bao and salmon schiacciata are all stellar. Last but not least, Leonardo bakery (via de’ Macci 65R; also via Porta Rossa 14R) is a favourite among locals for well-presented artisan bread, irresistible cookies and pizza by the slice. Check out their stellar panettone in the run-up to Christmas!
