Orient Express Venezia at Palazzo Donà Giovannelli Welcomes Renowned Chef Heinz Beck with Three Michelin Stars and Celebrated Culinary Expertise to Oversee the Entire Gastronomic Offering at the Hotel, New Update

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Published on
March 7, 2026

In an exciting culinary partnership, the iconic Orient Express Venezia at Palazzo Donà Giovannelli has appointed Chef Heinz Beck, a celebrated figure in European fine dining with three Michelin stars, to lead its gastronomic vision. Known for his innovative approach to Italian cuisine, Chef Beck will be overseeing all culinary offerings at the hotel, from its fine-dining restaurants to more relaxed venues, marking a new chapter in Venetian luxury dining.

saudi_global A Culinary Vision Led by Chef Heinz Beck

Chef Heinz Beck’s arrival at Orient Express Venezia brings with it a profound transformation of the hotel’s dining experiences. Beck’s culinary philosophy is rooted in the principles of balance, clarity of flavour and a focus on nutritional awareness. Through this collaboration, the legendary chef will curate the entire gastronomic offering of the hotel, ensuring that each restaurant and dining space reflects his acclaimed approach. Drawing inspiration from the Venetian lagoon and the surrounding Mediterranean basin, his creations will showcase local ingredients in dishes that marry contemporary techniques with traditional Italian culinary artistry.

The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Heinz Beck Venezia, will serve as the epitome of this culinary vision. With only twenty seats, the exclusive dining room offers an intimate setting for guests to indulge in dishes that showcase the best of Venetian produce. Ingredients sourced from the lagoon and wider Mediterranean will form the foundation of the menu, with notable dishes such as amberjack with ash buttermilk, fresh peas and salted lemon and red prawn with carrots and lagoon seaweed. Each dish is meticulously crafted to highlight the simplicity and purity of the local ingredients, transformed by Beck’s precise, contemporary techniques.

The Signature Dining Experience at Heinz Beck Venezia

Heinz Beck Venezia operates exclusively during dinner service, providing guests with a refined and sophisticated gastronomic experience. The dining room itself is a visual masterpiece, housed within the Palazzo’s former Orangerie and designed by renowned architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman. The space is illuminated by sculpted glass forms inspired by underwater life, reflecting Beck’s vision for a connection between nature and food. These delicate, fluid reflections across the room echo the local Venetian landscape, creating an immersive environment that complements the culinary artistry on offer.

The exclusive dining experience at Heinz Beck Venezia is not just about food; it’s about creating a sensory journey that engages all the senses. The meticulous attention to detail in both the design of the dining space and the presentation of the dishes underscores the commitment to offering an unforgettable experience for guests.

A More Relaxed Dining Experience at La Casati

For guests seeking a more relaxed but equally refined dining experience, the hotel also offers La Casati, a restaurant inspired by the rich history and culture of Venice. Open for both lunch and dinner, La Casati embraces Venetian dining traditions while maintaining the culinary precision of Chef Heinz Beck’s approach. The menu celebrates seasonal ingredients and Venetian recipes, offering a taste of the city’s culinary heritage.

The restaurant’s design, which draws inspiration from the legendary Italian aristocrat Casati, creates an atmosphere of theatre and grandeur. During the summer months, a 300-square-metre garden opens to guests, providing an enchanting outdoor retreat in the heart of Venice. Here, guests can enjoy a selection of expertly prepared dishes surrounded by the serene beauty of the garden, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Art Deco Wagon Bar and Salone Vittoria

In addition to the signature dining spaces, Orient Express Venezia features the Wagon Bar, an homage to the golden age of travel. The bar evokes the classic style of the original Orient Express railcar lounges, reinterpreted with a refined Art Deco aesthetic. It serves light savoury dishes during the day and classic cocktails in the evening, providing a sophisticated setting for evening relaxation.

The Salone Vittoria, once the ballroom of Venetian nobility, continues to serve as the social hub of the Palazzo. Here, guests can enjoy breakfast beneath grand 18th-century chandeliers or celebrate special occasions with gala dinners and private events. Chef Heinz Beck and his team will curate exclusive menus for these events, offering a bespoke dining experience that highlights the elegance and grandeur of the Palazzo.

Venice’s Rich Culinary Scene at Orient Express Venezia

With the appointment of Chef Heinz Beck, Orient Express Venezia positions itself at the forefront of Venice’s evolving culinary landscape. By blending the traditions of Venetian hospitality with the modern elegance of contemporary cuisine, Chef Beck’s influence will enhance every guest’s experience at the hotel. His presence ensures that Orient Express Venezia will continue to be a beacon of fine dining, offering an unforgettable culinary journey for those seeking the best of Venice’s rich gastronomic heritage.