This summer, Jason Atherton is bringing his renowned culinary vision to Forte Dei Marmi with Marias at Principessa Forte dei Marmi, Autograph Collection. The new restaurant concept is created exclusively for the hotel and is thoughtfully shaped to suit this stretch of the Tuscan coast. It is located within the newly launched Principessa Forte dei Marmi, Autograph Collection, a new 36-room boutique hotel and contemporary coastal retreat.

After years spent visiting Forte dei Marmi, two-Michelin-starred Atherton will be in involved in nurturing the concept and opening of the restaurant, while the day-to-day running of the kitchen will fall to Executive Chef Giorgio Cicero, whose experience includes leading roles at Pollen Street Social, Frantzén, and Quince – restaurants recognised among the best in London, Stockholm and San Francisco.

The menu is seafood-forward and a reflection of Tuscany’s extraordinary produce. Fish and shellfish are sourced daily from the Livorno market, just north along the coast, and prepared with simplicity and control. Pasta and fish are cooked over wood fire, bringing a directness of flavour that defines the kitchen’s approach. The structure follows the Italian sequence of antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni and dolci, with space for seasonal expression and signature dishes to evolve throughout the summer.

Across the menu, from breakfast through to dinner, the team is working closely with Tuscan producers, building relationships over time to reflect the region with authenticity and consistency. Championing refined ingredients, guests can start the day with a selection of dishes including French toast with banana, Pancakes with wildflower honey, or Croque Monsieur toast.

The culinary approach continues into the evening, with starters including Viareggio langoustine with garlic mayonnaise and lemon, Sicilian ‘sarde alla beccafico’ with fennel pesto, or tomato carpaccio with baked ricotta and oregano. Mains follow with gnocchi Sorrentino style, linguine with local clams, squid and tomato skewer or meat steak served with lemon and rosemary potatoes. Italian heritage is also reflected through the restaurant’s drinks programme, where a house digestif is created from herbs personally foraged in the nearby Apuan mountains and served frozen, showcasing a direct expression of the landscape surrounding Forte dei Marmi.

The atmosphere is elegant but relaxed – a restaurant that feels considered rather than formal, welcoming families as well as couples and long summer tables of both locals and visitors. It is playful, but never performative. Service begins with a simple ritual where guests are invited to taste two seasonal Tuscan olive oils on arrival, selecting the oil that will be used at their table for the evening. The experience is designed to be unhurried, shaping the tone of the meal ahead.

Later this year, Atherton and Principessa Forte dei Marmi will introduce a second restaurant at the property with a more intimate fine dining concept that will further develop Atherton’s presence on the Tuscan coast.

“Forte dei Marmi has such an iconic sense of place and timeless glamour,” says Atherton. 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.”