The newest fine dining seafood restaurant in Dubai draws inspiration from the coastlines of Italy.
As the UAE’s luxury dining scene continues to evolve, Vera Versilia has opened on the second floor of Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, bringing a new fine dining seafood restaurant to Dubai.
Inspired by the sun-drenched coastline of Forte dei Marmi, this new dining destination offers more than just Italian fare. Drawing influence from Tuscany’s Versilian Riviera, from the elegance of Pietrasanta’s art and the gleam of Carrara marble to the beachside sophistication of Forte dei Marmi, Vera is designed to embody la dolce vita with a Dubai twist.
The interiors are a visual love letter to the coast, featuring creamy, sand-hued tones that echo the shoreline, sculptural lines that mimic the tides, and accents of Carrara marble that glisten like polished shells. Traditional artworks from Pietrasanta line the walls, while floor-to-ceiling windows flood the dining room with light.
At the helm is Executive Chef Marco Garfagnini, a native of Versilia, whose culinary approach is rooted in tradition but elevated by technique. “This is the cuisine of my roots, my memories, and my identity,” he shares. “To bring the flavours of my home to Dubai is a dream. I want to surprise a city that already knows what excellence tastes like – and take that experience even further.”
His menu is a coastal celebration of seafood, pasta, and Tuscan flavours. Start with a curated Crudo selection that includes Calvisius Caviar with blinis and condiments or a towering display of Sicilian red prawns, langoustines, and Gillardeau oysters.
For mains, the Trenette Di Pesce, fresh trenette pasta served with seafood is indulgent simplicity. Other highlights include the Dentice Rosso (seared red snapper with beurre blanc and Royal caviar), Tortellini Versilia with beef ragù and Parmigiano cream, and the garlicky Spaghetti Alle Arselle.
The beverage programme features a Vermouth trolley showcasing rare pours from Tuscany. Meanwhile, the cocktail menu takes cues from the region’s towns and includes the Viareggio, a sweet and tropical ode to Carnival, and the Barga, an aromatic and herbaceous sip that evokes the quiet charm of hilltop villages.
GO: Visit www.veraversilia.ae for more information.