Bangkok, Thailand, February 12, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Park Hyatt Bangkok, under the direction of General Manager Mark de Leeuwerk, proudly hosted the official opening of La Marina, a dynamic new culinary concept bringing the authentic flavors and coastal charm of Southern Italy to the heart of Bangkok.

The grand opening of La Marina was celebrated with an elegant and festive evening attended by high-ranking guests from the Italian diplomatic corps as well as from the Thai gastronomy and entertainment scene.

Among the distinguished guests were His Excellency Paulo Dionisi, Ambassador of Italy to Thailand, and his wife, Ms. Tala Dionisi, who graced the evening with their presence, underscoring the close cultural ties between Italy and Thailand. Also in attendance were Mr. Federico Cardini, President of the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Giacomo Iobizzi, Secretary General of the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce; and Ms. Paola Guida, Italian Trade Commissioner. All praised the La Marina restaurant's commitment to authentic Italian cuisine and hospitality.

Adding a touch of glamour were some of the city's most popular celebrities, all known for their passion for food and culture. Whan Whan (Pavarisa Phenjati), a well-known media personality, hosted the evening, enriching the event with her unmistakable charm and enthusiasm. Celebrities such as WJMild (Wiraporn Jiravechsoontornkul), Metinee Kingpayome, and Sweet Varn Varn (Aroonnapa Panichjaroon) joined the festivities and shared their love of Italian cuisine.

These distinguished guests attended the grand opening ceremony, complete with a ribbon-cutting, officially inaugurating La Marina. The ceremony symbolized the fusion of Italian culinary tradition with Bangkok's vibrant gastronomic scene, underscoring the spirit of collaboration and shared passion for culinary excellence.

“We are thrilled to open La Marina at the Park Hyatt Bangkok,” said Mark de Leeuwerk. “Our vision for the Embassy Room has always been to create a dynamic space for innovative culinary discoveries. This is part of our commitment to innovation and excellence in gastronomy. We saw an opportunity to introduce something new that captures both the heart of Bangkok and global culinary trends. That’s how La Marina came about. Italian cuisine is beloved worldwide for its authenticity and simplicity. With this new concept, we are bringing life, passion, and authentic flavors directly to the heart of Bangkok.”

“At La Marina, we don’t just offer a meal; we invite our guests to experience the sweet life (La Dolce Vita) in the heart of an incredibly fast-paced city. We want to create a place where you can unwind, enjoy yourself, and celebrate life with all your senses. The name ‘La Marina’ came from the desire to reflect life on the coast of southern Italy in its charming fishing villages. We wanted to offer more than just a restaurant – we wanted to create an experience that transports our guests to the colorful coast of southern Italy,” says Angelica Aliberti, Executive Assistant Manager Sales & Marketing.

At the heart of La Marina is chef Daniele Ferrari, whose passion and love for southern Italy breathes life into every dish.

Family holidays in southern Italy during his childhood left a lasting impression on his palate and ignited his passion for the vibrant and flavorful dishes of the south. These summer trips to the coasts of Campania, such as the Amalfi Coast or the Sorrento Peninsula, to Apulia, Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia, allowed him to experience the pastel-colored coastal landscapes, the intoxicating aroma of freshly caught seafood, and the rich traditions of southern Italian cuisine.

These memories of southern Italy not only shaped chef Daniele's culinary perspective, but also awakened in him a lifelong passion for recreating the essence of these coastal regions.

Even as a child, he would sneak into the kitchens of the restaurants his family frequented, fascinated by the simplicity and authenticity of the dishes. These moments instilled in him a deep connection to sun-ripened ingredients – fresh seafood – and timeless traditions, which today form the heart of his cuisine.

Later, his career path led him to Sardinia, where he worked in some of the region's most prestigious kitchens. Immersed in Sardinia's unique culinary heritage, Chef Daniele fell even more in love with the flavors of southern Italy and the island's focus on fresh, local ingredients.

With an impressive career in some of the world's most prestigious kitchens, Chef Daniele has established a reputation for culinary excellence. Most recently, he was Executive Chef at the Bulgari Hotel Beijing, having previously served as Sous Chef at Il Ristorante – Niko Romito in the same hotel. His other positions include Sous Chef at L'Albereta Relais & Châteaux, as well as roles at renowned establishments such as Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London and Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester. He has also worked at acclaimed restaurants including Apsley Restaurant, UNICO Restaurant in Milan, and various gourmet restaurants in Italy and Switzerland.

At Embassy Room La Marina, chef Daniele gives free rein to his passion for southern Italian cuisine, creating dishes inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions he cherishes most.

“At Embassy Room La Marina, I want to take our guests on the same journey I experienced as a child and as a chef. I learned that quality doesn't have to be complicated. When you start with the best ingredients, the flavor speaks for itself. My goal at La Marina is to bring that homey feeling to every plate and put a smile on people's faces with simple, authentic dishes. This restaurant is my homage to the regions that have inspired me throughout my life.”

La Marina offers a relaxed dining experience, inviting guests to savor traditional recipes from Southern Italy. The restaurant puts a modern spin on classic dishes, serving fresh seafood, homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and a selection of seasonal antipasti – all inspired by the region's rich heritage and the diverse culinary delights of the coast.

La Marina's design is inspired by the Mediterranean landscape and features airy spaces, earthy tones, and an open kitchen. Here, guests can enjoy their meals in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere and experience the charm of Italian coastal life. The restaurant celebrates warmth, style, and hospitality, providing the perfect setting for intimate dinners and convivial gatherings.

Guests can look forward to unique dishes such as Carpaccio di ricciola agli agrumi (amberjack carpaccio with citrus dressing), Tartare di tonno rosso (Sicilian red tuna tartare), Zuppa di Pesce (Sicilian fish stew with a mix of fresh seafood), and Raviolo di Patate Astice e Gamberi Rossi (homemade potato ravioli with Canadian lobster and red shrimp), to name just a few from La Marina's delicious menu.

A highlight of the culinary experience and part of Italian cultural heritage is the aperitivo at La Marina, featuring an exquisite drinks menu ranging from classic Spritz variations and Negroni to Italian Martini variations. The successful opening of Embassy Room La Marina would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors: Global Food Products, IWS, Sabatini, Alchemy Thailand, and iDeal Distribution.

Your contributions helped us create an unforgettable evening that celebrated the flavors, culture and hospitality of Southern Italy.

La Marina is open daily from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 17:30 to 22:30.

For further information and reservations, please contact +66(0) 2011 7431