Home » HOTEL NEWS » Michelin-Starred Chef Vittorio Lepore Unveils Revolutionary Italian Dining at Verso, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Published on
November 12, 2025
The culinary scene in Abu Dhabi is about to experience an exciting transformation with the appointment of Chef Vittorio Lepore as Chef de Cuisine at Verso, the renowned Italian trattoria located within the luxurious Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl. Chef Lepore, who boasts a Michelin-starred pedigree from some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, is set to elevate the already beloved dining establishment with a menu that blends traditional Italian flavors with innovative, globally inspired twists.
Chef Lepore’s appointment marks a new chapter in the history of Verso, where Italian cuisine will continue to honor its roots but evolve to appeal to modern palates. His vision for the restaurant is to offer an experience that is unmistakably Verso but with a creative, boundary-pushing approach that invites guests to rediscover the rich flavors of Italy through a contemporary lens. This move is not just a change in leadership but a reimagining of what Italian dining can be in a global city like Abu Dhabi.
A Culinary Journey That Spans the Globe
Chef Vittorio Lepore’s journey to becoming a renowned culinary artist is a testament to his diverse experiences and his commitment to constantly evolving his craft. Born in Bari, a city on the Adriatic coast of Italy, Chef Lepore’s passion for food was cultivated early on. His culinary career took off in some of the world’s finest kitchens, including the acclaimed 3-Michelin-star Noma in Copenhagen and the 2-Michelin-star Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, UK. These prestigious roles helped shape his unique approach to cuisine, where the focus is on high-quality ingredients and refined techniques, combined with a creative, globally influenced perspective.
Chef Lepore’s international career has also taken him to cities such as Florence, Südtirol in northern Italy, and Beijing. In each location, he has honed his skills and embraced local culinary traditions, drawing inspiration from the diverse ingredients and cooking techniques he encountered along the way. His television appearances on BRTV Spring Festival Gala 2025 and CGTN Super Night 2025 in Beijing reflect his growing recognition as a global culinary figure, one who views food as more than just nourishment—it’s a medium for cultural exchange and a way to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.
Verso Restaurant: A Rebirth Under Chef LeporeA New Menu with Global Influences
The appointment of Chef Vittorio Lepore is more than just a personnel change—it signals the beginning of a bold new era for Verso, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi’s Italian trattoria. Known for its warm hospitality and authentic charm, Verso has long been a favorite dining destination in the UAE capital. But under Chef Lepore’s guidance, the restaurant is poised to become a gastronomic beacon, offering a refined dining experience that is at once inventive and deeply respectful of Italian traditions.
Chef Lepore’s vision for Verso is simple yet ambitious: to make it a dining experience that is unmistakably Verso, yet elevated by the infusion of international flavors and culinary techniques. His newly launched à la carte and express lunch menus reflect two key principles: uncompromising quality and a modern twist on Italian classics. Guests can expect a menu that features both familiar dishes and bold new interpretations that challenge the norms of Italian cuisine.
Reimagining Italian Classics
One of the most exciting aspects of Chef Lepore’s menu is his ability to reinterpret classic Italian dishes in surprising ways. For example, a traditional Caprese salad—a staple of Italian cuisine—is transformed into a velvety soup, maintaining the flavors of fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato but presenting them in an entirely new form. Similarly, Chef Lepore’s surf-and-turf creations dare to pair seafood with sauces typically reserved for meat dishes, pushing the boundaries of what is considered traditional in Italian dining.
This approach is not about abandoning the essence of Italian cooking; instead, it’s about pushing the boundaries of what Italian food can be in a modern, global context. The result is a menu that blends the familiar with the unexpected, encouraging diners to experience Italian cuisine in new and exciting ways.
A Focus on Quality Ingredients
At the heart of every dish at Verso is Chef Lepore’s deep respect for high-quality ingredients. Whether it’s the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes, the delicate texture of seafood, or the robust taste of aged cheese, Chef Lepore ensures that each ingredient is carefully selected for its ability to enhance the overall dining experience. This commitment to quality is complemented by the chef’s refined techniques, which allow the ingredients to shine without being overpowered by heavy sauces or excessive garnishes.
For Chef Lepore, the philosophy behind the menu is rooted in subtlety—creating dishes that complement the occasion rather than compete with it. This philosophy extends not only to the food but also to the overall dining experience, where the goal is to create a harmonious and memorable moment for every guest.
Chef Vittorio Lepore’s Approach to Culinary Art
Chef Vittorio Lepore’s cooking is not just about following recipes—it’s about telling a story through food. His approach to culinary art is deeply personal and reflective of his experiences in kitchens around the world. As he continues to explore new cuisines and techniques, Chef Lepore remains inspired by the cultural power of food and its ability to evoke emotions and bring people together.
When he’s not in the kitchen, Chef Lepore finds inspiration in the arts, particularly in film and music festivals. These artistic outlets resonate with him because, like cooking, they offer a platform for passion and emotion. It is this passion that drives his work in the kitchen, where he strives to create dishes that not only satisfy hunger but also spark joy and connection.
The Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi: A Luxury Setting for a Culinary Revolution
Verso is not just a restaurant—it’s an integral part of the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl, a luxurious hotel that offers guests world-class amenities and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. The hotel is a short distance from some of Abu Dhabi’s most popular attractions, making it an ideal location for both business and leisure travelers.
The restaurant itself embodies the opulence of the hotel, with an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. The modern design, combined with touches of traditional Italian charm, creates a welcoming environment that complements the refined yet approachable menu created by Chef Lepore.
A New Destination for Food Lovers in Abu Dhabi
For visitors to Abu Dhabi, Chef Lepore’s appointment at Verso presents a unique opportunity to experience the fusion of Italian culinary tradition with global innovation. As Abu Dhabi’s dining scene continues to grow and diversify, Verso stands out as a beacon for those seeking a refined yet accessible Italian dining experience.
Whether you are a luxury traveler staying at the Grand Hyatt or a local resident looking to explore new dining options, Verso offers an unforgettable experience. The restaurant’s menu, which includes both à la carte and express lunch options, ensures that there is something for every palate—from the casual diner looking for a quick, satisfying meal to the discerning guest seeking a more elaborate gastronomic journey.
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