Vera Versilia, The Italian Dolce Vita in the Heart of Dubai
In the heart of the iconic Kempinski Mall of the Emirates hotel, a jewel of luxury and refinement in Dubai, a new address has opened that brings together Italian elegance and Mediterranean art de vivre: Vera Versilia. Inaugurated last June, this restaurant transports its guests directly to the Tuscan Riviera, between seaside sophistication and warm conviviality. Designed as a true culinary destination, it combines inspired design, authentic gastronomy, and a luminous atmosphere, offering a unique experience where every detail tells the story of la dolce vita. It was in this singular setting that we had the pleasure of discovering this promising table, during a lunch marked by elegance and indulgence.
The Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, A Unique Experience
The Kempinski Mall of the Emirates hotel in Dubai embodies a perfect marriage between contemporary elegance and oriental refinement, at the heart of the city's urban energy. Its 17 majestic floors seamlessly connect the charm of the desert of yesteryear with Dubai's dazzling modern architecture, offering a prestigious setting where luxury and comfort meet. With 375 rooms and suites in natural tones enhanced with golden accents, as well as 20 unique Aspen chalets overlooking the snowy slopes of Ski Dubai, the property offers an extraordinary experience. Directly connected to the Mall of the Emirates and its hundreds of shops, it is a true destination for travelers seeking refinement and entertainment. And it is in this exceptional setting that we discovered Vera Versilia, the new Italian restaurant located on the hotel's second floor, where we came for lunch.
Elegance, Flavors and Dolce Vita
Vera's style stands as a vibrant tribute to Tuscany and the sunlit elegance of Versilia. From the moment they enter, guests discover a universe where Carrara marble glimmers under the sun's rays, evoking seashells polished by the sea. The sandy and golden hues recall the bright beaches of the Italian coast, while the flowing architectural lines are inspired by the movement of waves caressing the shore. Abundant natural light, flooding in through floor-to-ceiling windows, transforms the space into a living Mediterranean scene, bathed in warmth and authenticity. Carefully selected artworks from Pietrasanta punctuate the interiors and create a subtle dialogue between tradition and modernity. The result is a setting that goes beyond elegance: it transports, taking you instantly to the Italian Riviera, with its simple refinement and seaside softness.
Vera Versilia embodies an original concept that transcends the boundaries of classic dining. Inspired by the timeless charm of Forte dei Marmi and the coastal vitality of the legendary Versilian Riviera, this freshly inaugurated place promises total immersion in the Italian “Arte di Vivere.” The experience evolves with the hours of the day: a bright, relaxed lunch, an afternoon lulled by Italian sweetness, a vibrant aperitif recalling la dolce vita, and then a sophisticated dinner in an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
The menu tells a story that begins by the sea and ends in the Tuscan hills. Crudo lovers will find an exceptional array: Calvisius caviar with blinis, Sicilian red prawns, Gillardeau oysters, langoustines, and mazzancolle. Signature dishes such as Trenette di Pesce exalt marine flavors with rare elegance, while Spaghetti alle Arselle or Dentice Rosso recall the richness of regional traditions. The drink menu, rich and creative, draws inspiration from Tuscan towns and villages, giving life to evocative cocktails like the Viareggio or the Barga, each telling a facet of the territory. To extend the experience, the vermouth cart, exclusive to Dubai, offers a selection imported directly from Tuscany.
Marco Garfagnini, The Tuscan Maestro of Vera Versilia
Originally from Carrara, Tuscany, Chef Marco Garfagnini embodies the soul of the Mediterranean, which he now shares in Dubai through Vera Versilia, where he serves as Executive Chef. With an international career that took him from Paris to London and New York, he built a reputation for excellence thanks to his creativity and precision. At just 27, he earned his first Michelin star at Ristorante Ninan, marking the start of a career filled with accolades and prestigious collaborations, notably alongside Pierre Gagnaire. After leading the kitchens of the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Al Naseem, he returned to Dubai with the ambition to reinvent Italian coastal cuisine, giving it a contemporary dimension. At Vera, he presents a refined menu where Tuscan classics meet innovation, enhancing Mediterranean flavors with elegance and precision.
From Sea to Table: A Lunch at Vera Versilia
As soon as we sat down, the meal began with a simple yet meaningful gesture: a basket of warm bread, with a crisp crust and a soft heart, accompanied by golden-green olive oil. Poured into small porcelain dishes, this silky oil, with its fruity and bright aromas, invites you to dip the first piece of bread. This ritual, both humble and refined, embodies the essence of the Italian table: sharing the generosity of Tuscany from the very first moment and announcing, with simplicity, the promise of an authentic culinary journey.
To accompany this prelude, two mocktails heightened the awakening of the senses. The Vera Mule for my husband, a deep red drink adorned with a sprig of rosemary, married the sweetness of fresh beetroot and orange with the liveliness of carrot and ginger. Its vibrant color evoked the vitality of Tuscan soil, while its taste, both fruity and slightly spicy, surprised with its balance. I chose the Basil Lemonade, resplendent in a light green shade, uniting the herbal notes of basil with delicately sweet-and-tart homemade lemonade. Fresh and cheerful, it embodied the luminous simplicity of the Mediterranean.
The starters then marked a rise in intensity. On a blue-tinted plate reminiscent of waves, the Capasanta revealed themselves like a marine poem. The scallops, finely sliced and drizzled with silky olive oil, shone under the light. Lemon highlighted their delicacy with a bright touch, while fresh mint added an herbal breath. Pure and refined, this crudo embodied the quintessence of Italian elegance. More generous, the Calamari e Cipolle offered a dialogue between sea and land: tender grilled squid softened by caramelized onions, enhanced with fresh herbs and pickled red onions. Each bite combined marine intensity with vegetal warmth, in a subtle, comforting alchemy. Finally, the Arancini di Tonno offered a sophisticated interpretation of a popular tradition. Golden and crispy, saffron-scented, they were topped with a spicy tuna tartare that blended freshness with briny liveliness. In three plates, Italy told its story as delicate, generous, and inventive.
Next came the main courses, where Tuscany expressed itself with strength. The Tortelli Versilia, true jewels of fresh pasta, revealed a filling of beef and Swiss chard, topped with a creamy parmesan sauce. Crowned with a rich, fragrant ragù, sprinkled with Parmigiano and mint, they evoked the warmth of family kitchens while carrying Vera's elegant signature. In contrast, the Branzino illustrated the purity of the sea. Its fillet, with crispy skin and pearly flesh, rested on a bed of tender artichokes. Lemon sauce brought freshness and brightness, enhancing the fish's finesse. Around it, a salad of datterini tomatoes, vivid red and heightened with onions and herbs, celebrated the Italian summer in all its vibrancy. Hand-cut, perfectly golden patate fritte completed the set with a comforting, convivial touch. The table then transformed into a complete tableau: sea, land, and popular tradition conversed in harmony, perfectly reflecting the spirit of Versilia.
Finally, the meal ended on a sweet and memorable note. The house's signature Tiramisù appeared like a cocoa-dusted jewel box. On its brown surface, the name Vera was drawn in contrast, like a delicate seal. Beneath this veil, the perfect alternation of airy mascarpone, soaked biscuits, and coffee revealed itself, offering each spoonful a blend of intensity and sweetness. Beside it, the Gelato Mantecato al Pistacchio rose as a gourmet sculpture of three scoops, tender green, sprinkled with caramelized pistachios. Creamy and crunchy, sweet and fragrant, it paid tribute to Sicily and the art of gelato at its finest, especially when drizzled with a few drops of olive oil. These two desserts—one rooted in tradition, the other celebrating Italian raw ingredients—concluded the journey with elegance and indulgence.
My Opinion
Vera Versilia stands out as much more than a new restaurant in Dubai: it is a refined stopover where Tuscany and the Mediterranean reveal their full authenticity. Between the elegance of the setting, the culinary creativity of Chef Marco Garfagnini, and the attention paid to every detail, the experience goes beyond a simple meal to become a journey. Here, the sea, the land, and Italian tradition unite in a symphony of flavors and emotions, offering guests an exceptional moment that lingers in both memory and palate. An address that promises to become a must for anyone seeking to taste the true dolce vita in the heart of Dubai.
Practical Information
A big thank you to Vera Versilia for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my opinions in this article!
