# Valeria Piccini

> Valeria Piccini is one of the most acclaimed “Shefs” in Italy, celebrated for a cuisine that unites Tuscan tradition and contemporary vision.

Original page: https://www.scuolatessieri.com/valeria-piccini/

Da Caino, two Michelin stars

Valeria Piccini is **one of the most acclaimed “Shefs” in Italy**, celebrated for a cuisine that unites **Tuscan tradition and contemporary vision**.

For over three decades she has led **Da Caino**, the starred restaurant in Montemerano, which has held **two Michelin stars for 27 consecutive years**.

Valeria Piccini grew professionally by immersing herself in the **recipes handed down by her mother-in-law Angela**, developing her own **unique style**, able to reinterpret the culinary traditions of the area with elegance and creativity.

*“A dish must first of all be **very beautiful**, because the first impact is visual, and it is essential that it be **good and recognisable in taste**. When you eat it, it must be satisfying and stimulating, it must open up and enter the customer’s mind, but above all it must have everything needed to make it **unforgettable**.”*

Her culinary philosophy is based on the use of **quality local ingredients** and the search for **authentic flavours**, always with particular attention to **sustainability and innovation**.

As well as being one of the **few recognised women chefs** in international haute cuisine, Valeria Piccini is an example of **female leadership** in Italian gastronomy.

Her work has been celebrated **both in Italy and abroad**, where she has taken part in high-profile events, bringing **the flavours of Tuscany to a global stage**.