Francesco Ricchi

Founder, General Manager and Executive Chef

From Tuscany

In the Tuscan hills overlooking Florence sits the centuries-old village of Cercina, home of the Ricchi family. Trained by his grandmother, the Florence University educated Francesco Ricchi turned the family operation into a successful restaurant that still attracts the accolades of people seeking the special combination of country ambience and good food.

To Washington

In 1989, Chef Ricchi, a frequent visitor to the DC Metro area, brought his copious culinary skills to the District. The result was Ristorante i Ricchi, a Dupont Circle favorite where he established a legendary reputation for providing guests with the finest authentic Tuscan inspired cuisine and legendary service. Among numerous awards, Food and Wine Magazine awarded i Ricchi, Top 25 Restaurants in North America.

To Bethesda

Continuing the tradition, Chef Ricchi opened up Cesco Trattoria in Bethesda MD in 1997. Winner of Washington Post’s 100 Very Best Restaurants, it received Zagat’s Restaurant of Distinction every year since opening. In 1998, Chef Ricchi was voted Chef of the Year by Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.

In December 2011, Chef Ricchi created his latest establishment CESCO osteria and Co2 Lounge on Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda. Chef Ricchi is available for private cooking experiences with two weeks’ notice.