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Portrait of Chef Francesco Torcasio in chef's whites
Italian · DIFC, Dubai

Francesco Torcasio

Executive ChefChic Nonna

Celebrated for world-class contemporary Italian cuisine

Simplicity is the ultimate expression of mastery.

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Meet Francesco

Born in Calabria, Italy, Chef Francesco began his culinary journey at fifteen — peeling tomatoes beside his grandmother long before he ever held a knife of his own. Today he leads the kitchen at Chic Nonna in DIFC, combining the authentic traditions of the Italian south with contemporary technique and an obsession for the perfect ingredient. His cooking is quiet and confident: a few elements, treated with respect, allowed to taste exactly like themselves.

Experiences & Bookings

Dine with Francesco

Chic Nonna logo

Home of Francesco

Chic Nonna

DIFC, Dubai

The home kitchen behind the collection — where every dish starts.

The Pantry

The Francesco Collection

Nonna's Tomato Sauce

Nonna's Tomato Sauce

AED 48
Calabrian Chili Oil

Calabrian Chili Oil

AED 62
Truffle & Parmesan Condiment

Truffle & Parmesan Condiment

AED 95
Sunday Ragù Base

Sunday Ragù Base

AED 58

Learn

Learn from Francesco

Fregola al Gambero Rosso
Signature Recipe

Fregola al Gambero Rosso

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Workshop Series

Italian Masterclasses

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Tutorials

Behind-The-Pass

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Journal

Seasonal Ingredient Stories

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Content Hub

Stories, films & interviews

Social & Community

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Upcoming Events

Where to find Francesco

  • 12 Jul

    Calabrian Supper Club

    Chic Nonna, DIFC

  • 26 Jul

    Pasta Masterclass

    The Tomato Man Studio

  • 09 Aug

    Four Hands Dinner

    Downtown Dubai

Dining experience

Impact & Mission

Cooking with a conscience

Francesco champions slow, seasonal sourcing and zero-waste kitchens — proving that respect for the ingredient and respect for the planet are the same discipline.

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