Cavallino Rosso: 56 years of passion, and tradition in the heart of Prato
In the historic heart of Prato, just steps from the city’s ancient walls and directly across from Porta Pistoiese, the restaurant Da Giovanni – Cavallino Rosso continues, more than half a century later, to be a landmark for those seeking true Tuscan cuisine: authentic, heartfelt, crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional gestures passed down through generations.
Opened on September 9, 1969, Cavallino Rosso is more than just a restaurant-it’s a true city institution, one that has spanned decades while staying true to its roots.
The restaurant was founded by Giovanni Seghetti and Daniela Sulli, together with her parents, Romeo and Silia, already well-known restaurateurs in the area. Since that day, the watchful eye and tireless energy of the founding family have never been absent behind the bar or among the tables, always approaching the business with passion, dedication, and an extraordinary gift for hospitality.
The restaurant has grown with the city, adapting to the times without ever chasing fleeting trends. Today, Cavallino Rosso is the perfect example of what it means to endure, innovate, and preserve. Still at the helm are Giovanni and Daniela, joined by their son Andrea—a talented pastry chef and cook—and by aunt Annalisa, a tireless presence in the dining room. Alongside them is Samuele Cammelli, a cornerstone of the kitchen for 281 THE SILK ROAD DA GIOVANNI CAVALLINO ROSSO the past 18 years. Now in its third generation, the family continues to carry forward its culinary heritage with the same enthusiasm and a forward-looking spirit.
In its welcoming dining rooms, which seat over 120 guests (expanding during the warmer months thanks to outdoor areas), a warm and familiar atmosphere is felt daily.
The culinary offering speaks of a true Tuscany, full of bold flavors, seasonal and local products, and dishes that touch the heart before delighting the palate. The menu is an ode to the specialties of Prato and its surroundings: sedani alla pratese, wood-fired crostini, fresh porcini and Caesar’s mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables such as asparagus and artichokes, all carefully selected from small local producers. Grilled meats—including Florentine steak, free-range chicken, and pigeon—are the undisputed stars of the table, offering intense aromas and the powerful simplicity of traditional cooking.
And then there’s the pizza, another symbol of Cavallino Rosso. A true art within these walls: slow leavening for at least 24 hours, dough prepared with patience, and baking in a wood-fired oven lit from the early morning hours. Giovanni learned the secrets of this craft from a Neapolitan pizzaiolo, and still today guards them with care.
Dessert time is a true celebration: the dessert cart, curated by Andrea, is a triumph of tarts, homemade cakes, mousses, Bavarian creams, yogurts, and seasonal creations inspired by the chef’s daily creativity.
What makes it all even more special is the atmosphere: warm, informal, and genuine. A place where every guest feels at home, greeted with a smile and the certainty that every dish has been prepared with love, respect for tradition, and a passion that has never faded. Today, just like in 1969, those who choose Cavallino Rosso know they’ll find quality, consistency, and authenticity, with no need for embellishments.
