Il Parco di Villa Grey
Forte dei Marmi, Italy
Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
RECOGNITIONS
About Il Parco di Villa Grey
Tucked within the garden-park of Villa Grey in Forte dei Marmi, Il Parco offers an enchanting one-star dining experience where tables are set among greenhouse glass structures and manicured greenery. Chef Giovanni Cerroni channels his extensive training under Italy's finest—from Italo Bassi and Gaetano Trovato to stints with Alain Ducasse—into a contemporary Tuscan cuisine that honors the Versilia coastline's marriage of land and sea. The kitchen's philosophy centers on taking three or four ingredients and processing them in multiple ways, creating dishes that are whimsical, surprising, and rooted in technique. Ideal for those seeking refined, thoughtful cooking in one of the coast's most serene and romantic settings.
Good to know
Opt for the Mimesi tasting menu to experience Cerroni's full range—it's named after the Florence restaurant where he honed his philosophy, and it's the best way to understand his approach to ingredient transformation.
The chef
Giovanni Cerroni
Giovanni Cerroni built his formidable technique through stages and positions at some of Italy's most respected kitchens, training under Italo Bassi, Gaetano Trovato, and Giuseppe Mancino at Piccolo Principe, as well as time with Alain Ducasse at L'Andana and Claudio Sadler in Milan. His international perspective was sharpened by a stint with Andoni Luis Aduriz in Spain's Basque Country, while his foundation was laid at Mimesi in Florence. At Il Parco, which he opened in 2019, Cerroni channels this diverse pedigree into a contemporary Tuscan vision that respects local ingredients while pushing them through inventive techniques—processing ingredients multiple ways to reveal hidden dimensions of flavor and texture.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
Cerroni's cooking is classic contemporary with a textural focus, where a single ingredient might appear in three different forms on one plate—raw, confit, and charred—to showcase its range. The Versilia tribute runs deep, with locally caught fish and Tuscan produce treated with precision and restraint, never over-manipulated. Expect original compositions that play with aesthetics and umami, supported by targeted wine pairings that elevate the progression.
Vibe
IntimateThe greenhouse setting creates an atmosphere that's both intimate and airy, with natural light flooding in by day and soft illumination after dark making the garden feel like a private estate. The crowd skews sophisticated and celebratory, with international guests and Italian regulars who appreciate the quiet elegance of the space. It's relaxed without being casual, the kind of place where you can linger over courses without feeling rushed.
Service
The brigade is young, passionate, and polished, led by maître Gianluca, who orchestrates the dining room with attention to detail worthy of higher recognition. Service strikes a balance between professional and warm, never intrusive but always anticipatory, with a skilled sommelier guiding guests through the wine program with enthusiasm and knowledge. On busy nights, the energy can feel slightly tense, but the team's commitment to hospitality remains evident.
Setting
Dining literally inside a greenhouse surrounded by Villa Grey's lush park creates a visual experience unlike most starred restaurants—tables nestle among greenery with glass walls offering privileged views of the garden. The design is elegant but understated, letting the natural beauty of the setting take center stage rather than competing with flashy interiors. Located just off the Forte dei Marmi lungomare, it feels worlds away from the beachfront bustle.
These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.
Go for
- Cerroni's technique-driven approach to transforming local ingredients into surprising, multi-textural compositions
- The enchanting greenhouse setting within Villa Grey's garden-park—one of the coast's most romantic dining environments
- A sophisticated Michelin-starred experience that feels intimate and serene rather than formal and stuffy
Don't go for
- A quick meal—the tasting menu format and pacing demand time and attention to appreciate fully
- Traditional, unchanged Tuscan classics—Cerroni's vision is contemporary and playful, not nostalgic
Details
Viale Italico, 84, 55042 Forte dei Marmi LU, Italy
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