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Chef Jason Atherton has announced a partnership with the Principessa Forte dei Marmi hotel to open a new restaurant concept this summer.
Named Marias, the restaurant will mark Atherton’s first venture on the Tuscan coast and will be located within the new 36-room Autograph Collection boutique hotel.
The site is expected to function as a social hub for hotel guests and the local community, situated poolside with direct access to the shoreline.
The menu will focus on seafood and regional produce. Giorgio Cicero has already been appointed executive chef to lead Marias’ kitchen, and will be responsible for sourcing fish and shellfish daily from the Livorno market. Dishes will be prepared using wood fires and following the traditional Italian sequence of antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni and dolci.
Atherton, who holds two Michelin stars for his work in London and Dubai, has visited the enclave for many years. He developed the concept alongside his wife, Irha Atherton.
The culinary team works with local suppliers for all services. Breakfast options include French toast, pancakes and croque monsieur. Evening starters feature Viareggio langoustine with garlic mayonnaise and Sicilian sarde alla beccafico. Main courses include linguine with local clams and squid and tomato skewers.
The drinks programme includes a house digestif made from herbs foraged in the Apuan mountains. A second, more intimate fine dining concept is scheduled to open at the property later this year.
Cicero previously held roles at Pollen Street Social, Frantzén and Quince. He will oversee the daily kitchen operations and long-term culinary direction.
Atherton said: “Forte dei Marmi has such an iconic sense of place and timeless glamour. Marias captures that spirit through food – relaxed, elegant and deeply rooted in Italian flavours and culture. It’s about celebrating the beauty of long lunches, exceptional local produce and unforgettable summer evenings.”
Cicero added: “Marias is about expressing the spirit of Tuscany through ingredients, seasonality and the warmth of Italian hospitality. We are working closely with exceptional local producers to create a menu that feels both rooted in this coastline and welcoming to every guest, whether they are visiting Forte for the first time or returning for another summer.”
