Some restaurants win you over with a single dish. Vera Versilia wins you over with the entire evening.
On the second floor of the Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates, this stylish seafood haven led by Executive Chef Marco Garfagnini, brings the coastal elegance of Tuscany’s Versilian Riviera to Dubai with remarkable authenticity. But authenticity alone isn’t what makes Vera Versilia memorable; it’s the way everything comes together: the food, the service, the art, the atmosphere, the details. It’s the confidence of a restaurant that knows exactly who it is.
From the moment you arrive, the restaurant feels like a beautifully curated escape. The artwork; quirky, colourful, and effortlessly chic sets a tone that’s both playful and grown-up. And then there’s the service: a flawless 10/10. Restaurant Manager Luca deserves a special mention; his warmth and intuition elevate the experience from dinner to hospitality theatre.
My meal began with the Arancini de Jonno, crisp on the outside, impossibly creamy inside, comforting yet refined. The Yellowfin Tartare followed, bright and clean with just the right acidity, a sophisticative dish without trying too hard. And then came the star: the signature Trenette Vera Versilia. This dish alone is worth crossing the city for its silky pasta, balanced flavours, and the kind of finesse that leaves you both satisfied and plotting your next visit before you’ve even put down your fork.
While dinner is an experience in itself, Vera Versilia has added Pranzo di Lavoro, its elegant take on the Italian business lunch. Perfect for midday meetings or a stylish catch-up, the three-course menu runs Monday to Thursday, from 12PM to 3PM.
Expect delicate crudos like Branzino with tomatoes and vinegar dressing, creamy Burrata e Pomodorini, or a beautifully dressed Carpaccio di Manzo. Mains arrive straight from the Pasta Lab, think Fusilli Calamari in Guazzeto, Maccheroncini with beef ragù and Parmigiano cream, or perfectly grilled octopus served with black olive tapenade.
Dessert keeps things classic: Tiramisù, Crème Caramel, or a sharp, refreshing Sorbetto al Limone.
Well priced per person, I’d say it’s one of Dubai’s most stylish new lunchtime rituals.
With standout dishes, impeccable service, and an ambience that blends Tuscan soul with contemporary flair, it’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
And trust me: once you’ve tried that trenette, you absolutely will.
