The vivid elegance of Versilia

Dubai, June 2025 – Introducing a defining turning point in Dubai’s evolving luxury dining and leisure scene, Vera Versilia prepares to make its much-anticipated debut, celebrating the L’Arte di Vivere (in English “Art of Living”) and bringing the vivid elegance of Versilia in Grande Stile. Inspired by the timeless elegance and vibrant coastal spirit of Forte di Marmi, Vera invites guests on a sensorial journey of discovery to Tuscany’s iconic Versilian Riviera.

Not just a destination, Vera presents a lifestyle. One which incorporates the rich Italian heritage that comes 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 set to exude a picturesque seaside serenity in the heart of city. Emerging as a distinguished presence in Dubai’s busting landscape, the venue is set to offer a seamless experience for lunch and dinner in a space that transitions with the rhythm of the day, with every detail designed to reflect a lifestyle both cultured and relaxed.

Experience the sun-soaked coastline of Tuscany, with Vera’s carefully considered interiors, which reflect a poetic commemoration of Versilia’s traditional natural textures and refined elegance. Think marble surfaces from Carrara that glisten like seashells under the sun, soft sand-hued tones that mirror a golden shoreline, and fluid architectural lines inspired by the gentle waves that lap the Versilian coast. Each detail tells a story - from the traditional artwork hand selected from Pietrasanta itself that whisper of endless summers and villa soirées, to the floor to ceiling windows that offer a panoramic daylight experience, 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 can expect a warm atmosphere that is both soulful and unmistakably coastal.

As a native of Versilia himself, Executive Chef, Marco Garfagnini, leads Vera’s culinary vision which is deeply rooted in Tuscan tradition while embracing contemporary finesse. Expect reimagined seafood classics, handmade pastas from the immersive Pasta Lab and story-led feasts at the Chef’s Crudo counter, where guests can enjoy a front-row experience into the artistry of Italian cuisine.

The menu oozes Versilian elegance, reimagined, with each dish telling its own unique story. Indulge in a broad selection of Crudo including Calvisius Caviar served with blinis and condiments, or the impressive Chef Seafood Tower, with a fresh Sicilian selection of red prawns, mazzancolle, violet prawns, oyster Gillardeau N2 and langoustines. Whilst there are many dishes designed to impress, guests mustn’t miss out on a taste of Vera’s signature dish, Trenette Di Pesce, featuring fresh trenetta pasta served with fresh seafood.  The menu goes on to include a number of regional favourites from the Dentice Rosso, a seared Red Snapper with smoked ‘buerre blanc’, baby spinach and Royal caviar, 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.

The boldly rich beverage menu perfectly complements each dish, with a wide range of wines and cocktails inspired by the cities of Versilia. Tour the region without leaving Dubai as Vera’s innovative mixology menu takes guest on an immersive journey inspired by the cities of Versilia. From the Viareggio, a layered cocktail from  vodka, peachtree, vanilla passion fruit, grenadine, to represent the seaside town famous for its Carnival and allegorical attractions; or the Barga, an amalgamation of Hendrick’s home-made cucumber and lemon oil, fresh lemon juice and spicy bitter characterised by the historic villages and untouched nature. Those looking for more of a kick can get lost in the signature Vermouth trolley, which destines to make an impression. Guaranteeing a wide selection of Vermouths specially imported from Tuscany, with a further selection of Vermentino wines, guests can immerse themselves in all that Versilia has to offer, without having to move from their seat.

Executive 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’m 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.”

Envision Vera as a villa by the sea, reborn in the heart of the city. Whether for a leisurely lunch or dinner guests are welcomed to discover Versilia, served in grande stile. Ti aspettiamo!

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FACT SHEET 
Opening Hours: 12pm until 23:30
Lunch: 12-3 pm
Dinner: 6pm-11.30pm
Location: 2nd Floor, Kempinski Hotel, Mall of Emirates 
Website: www.veraversilia.ae
Instagram: @veraversilia
Facebook: Vera Versilia
Linkedin: Vera Versilia
For reservations: +971 50 5989051/ [email protected]

About Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates: Priding itself on offering guests’ innovative experiences, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is the perfect destination for leisure and business guests in the bustling city of Dubai. With its ideal location in the heart of the city, both a short distance away from the city centre and with a connection to the award-winning Mall of the Emirates, the hotel offers convenience with world-class shopping, dining and entertainment a stone’s throw away. It boasts some of the most unique and stylish room products in the region, with the pinnacle of the 350 rooms and suites being the 20 stunning Aspen Chalets, which marry sand and snow and offer views of the Arabian Gulf on one side and the snowy slopes of Ski Dubai on the other. Six spectacular culinary concepts make up the diverse food and beverage options, while an outdoor infinity pool and SENSASIA Spa offer relaxation for the guests to enhance their stay experience.

About Kempinski: Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Today the Kempinski Group operates 78 hotels and residences in 32 countries and currently has more than 39 prestigious projects under development around the globe. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. www.kempinski.com www.ghadiscovery.com

Media contact:
Laman Aghazada · Director of Marketing
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
Sheikh Zayed Road • PO Box 120679 Dubai · United Arab Emirates
T +971 4 341 0000  M · +971 50 424 5625 ·  [email protected]