Dubai, UAE: ‘L’Arte di Vivere’, or ‘the art of living’– this is what Dubai’s new seafood destination celebrating. Vera Versilia just debuted at Kempinski Hotel, bringing the vivid elegance of Tuscany’s iconic Versilian Riviera to the emirate in grand style.
Inspired by the timeless charm and vibrant coastal spirit of Forte di Marmi, Vera takes its diners on a sensorial journey of discovery.
The Essence of Versilia
Vera Versilia is more than just a restaurant. It incorporates rich Italian heritage from within, where Pietrasanta’s art and culture, Carrara’s famous fine marble, and Forte dei Marmi’s exuberant lifestyle, fashion, and cuisine converge in effortless harmony.
This subtle combination of blended cities and traditions exudes a picturesque seaside serenity in the heart of the city. Its space transitions with the rhythm of the day, with every detail designed to reflect a lifestyle both cultured and relaxed.
Sun-Soaked Tuscan Charm
Experience Tuscany’s sun-soaked coastline through Vera’s interiors. They reflect a poetic commemoration of Versilia’s traditional natural textures and refined elegance. Imagine Carrara marble surfaces glistening like seashells under the sun. Soft, sand-hued tones mirror a golden shoreline, and fluid architectural lines draw inspiration from the gentle waves lapping the Versilian coast.
Each detail tells a story. Traditional artwork, hand-selected from Pietrasanta itself, whispers of endless summers and villa soirées. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic daylight experience, truly reminiscent of Versilia’s sun-drenched summer scene. Whether seated at the Chef’s Crudo counter or basking in the golden glow of the terrace, guests find a warm atmosphere that is both soulful and unmistakably coastal.
Chef Marco Garfagnini's Tuscan Roots
As a native of Versilia, Executive Chef Marco Garfagnini leads Vera’s culinary vision. It is deeply rooted in Tuscan tradition while embracing contemporary finesse.
Guests expect reimagined seafood classics, handmade pastas from the immersive Pasta Lab, and story-led feasts at the Chef’s Crudo counter. Here, guests enjoy a front-row experience into the artistry of Italian cuisine.
The menu oozes Versilian elegance. Indulge in a broad selection of Crudo, including Calvisius Caviar served with blinis and condiments, or the Chef Seafood Tower featuring a fresh Sicilian selection of red prawns, mazzancolle, violet prawns, oyster Gillardeau N2, and langoustines. Don’t miss a taste of Vera’s signature dish, Trenette Di Pesce, a fresh trenetta pasta served with fresh seafood.
The menu goes on to include regional favourites like Dentice Rosso, a seared Red Snapper with smoked beurre blanc, baby spinach, and Royal caviar. Also find the Tortellini Versilia with beef and Swiss chard tortelli, beef ragù, and Parmigiano cheese cream, as well as the Spaghetti Alle Arselle, a fresh spaghetti from the pasta lab made with cockles, garlic, and chilli.
Chef Marco Garfagnini comments: “This is the cuisine of my roots, my memories, and my identity. To share the traditional, vibrant flavours of my home with Dubai is a dream. I am proud to bring a piece of Versilia here, to surprise a city that already knows what excellence tastes like and to take that experience even further.”
