From Tuscany to Dubai

Internationally acclaimed Chef Marco Garfagnini brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as Executive Chef at Vera Versilia, the sophisticated new Italian coastal dining concept debuting in Dubai. With Chef Marco at its helm, Vera offers a refined, Riviera-inspired escape, with a culinary experience as impressive and evocative as the destination itself.

Born in Carrara, Tuscany, a region celebrated for its marble, mountains and Mediterranean bounty – Chef Marco’s career has taken him across other culinary acclaimed hotspots around the world including Paris, London and New York.

It is through his passion for gastronomy that shaped a career defined by precision, artistry and innovation. At just 27 years old, Chef Marco earned his first Michelin star for Ristorante Ninan, a proud achievement that marked the beginning of a decade long commitment to excellence.

With a deep respect for seasonality and a flair for Mediterranean flavours, Chef Marco brings with him a wealth of international experience, including leadership roles at Jumeirah Al Naseem and Burj Al Arab, as well as a celebrated collaboration with Chef Pierre Gagnaire where he oversaw two-Michelin-starred Piero TT, at Les Airelles in Courchevel.

Now, returning to Dubai once again, Chef Marco leads the kitchen at Vera Versilia with a vision to reimagine coastal Italian dining for the modern palate, ensuring a menu of elegant, understated and elevated dishes destined to impress. His signature approach of fusing Northern Italian tradition with contemporary techniques, is set to define Vera’s identity as a destination restaurant for the discerning diner.

“Vera is more than a restaurant — it’s a feeling, a place of beauty, simplicity, and soul. I am honoured to be part of its story,” says Chef Marco.

With a menu rooted in heritage and shaped by experience, Chef Marco Garfagnini brings a new wave of Italian luxury to Dubai’s culinary scene.

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