Verso, the Italian trattoria at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, known for its warm hospitality and authentic charm, welcomes a bold new chapter with the appointment of Chef Vittorio Lepore as Chef de Cuisine. With an exceptional culinary pedigree that includes the 3 Michelin Star appointed Noma and the 2 Michelin Star Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Chef Vittorio is poised to elevate the Italian dining scene in Abu Dhabi.
Born in Bari in the South East of Italy, Chef Vittorio’s journey has taken him through Florence, Südtirol, Oxfordshire, Copenhagen, and Beijing—each destination shaping his open-minded and globally inspired approach to cuisine. His charismatic presence and television appearances on BRTV Spring Festival Gala 2025 and CGTN Super Night 2025 in Beijing reflect a chef who sees food not just as nourishment, but as a cultural bridge and a celebration of life’s most meaningful moments.
His philosophy is rooted in subtlety— food that complements rather than competes with the occasion, elevated through high-quality ingredients and refined technique.
A Vision Refined: Elevating Verso’s Identity Through Culinary Innovation
Although Verso’s identity as a beloved Italian trattoria remains strong, Chef Vittorio brings a bold ambition to make it even more niche—an experience that is unmistakably Verso. His newly launched à la carte and express lunch menus are rooted in two guiding principles: uncompromising quality and a modern international twist.
Expect the unexpected: a Caprese reimagined as a velvety soup, or a surf and turf where sauces traditionally reserved for meat are daringly paired with seafood. This is Italian dining without constraints— where creativity is not only welcomed but essential. Yet, at the heart of every dish lies a deep reverence for ingredients.
This thoughtful yet boundary-pushing approach signals a new chapter for Verso—one that invites guests to rediscover Italian cuisine through a lens of global curiosity and refined simplicity.
Chef Vittorio’s culinary journey began in a Peruvian restaurant, where he first discovered the transformative power of ingredients across cultures. Today, that same curiosity drives his menu at Verso, where each dish reflects a refined palate and a fresh perspective.
When he’s not exploring new cuisines, Chef Vittorio finds inspiration in film and music festivals, drawn to the arts for their ability to express passion and emotion—qualities that resonate deeply in his cooking.
Verso’s new chapter is more than a change in leadership; it’s a reimagining of Italian dining in Abu Dhabi. Guests can expect a sophisticated, elevated experience that honors tradition while embracing innovation.
Dining and Cooking