Messina

The story

Messina Marbella: Michelin-Starred Dining by Chef Mauricio Giovanini

Messina: A Personal Project in Marbella

Since 2003, Messina has been the personal project of its owners, Pía Ninci (Maître d’) and Chef Mauricio Giovanini. This dedication to hospitality and culinary excellence has earned the restaurant a Michelin star, a recognition that speaks to the consistency and passion shown by the team every day.

The restaurant’s philosophy is refreshingly direct: unconcerned with passing trends, the menu reflects a cuisine crafted with freedom. The focus is on the quality of ingredients, with a particular emphasis on fish from the Marbella and Andalucía coastline. The resulting dishes showcase great technique but are presented with simplicity and elegance. The carefully curated wine list brings together major international wineries with small producers and special projects from renowned winemakers.

A New Chapter with an Open Kitchen

In 2024, after celebrating 20 years, Messina opened a new chapter. A complete renovation introduced a new space featuring an open kitchen, designed with the most modern equipment. This allows diners a direct view of the creative process.

Complementing the main dining room is “InsIDe Messina” on the first floor, where guests can further discover the personality of the kitchen. The restaurant has also introduced a highly exclusive “Chef’s Table.” This is a single, higher-than-usual table for a maximum of four diners, where Chef Giovanini personally prepares a tasting menu. It is an intimate experience where guests interact directly with the chef and his team, discovering the secrets of each dish, including creations that may not have been presented to the public before.