Modesto Marini (Photo credit: Khairul Imran)
With Marini’s on 57 marking its seventh anniversary this year, we speak to the man himself to learn what makes his F&B establishments top notch.
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Modesto Marini (centre) with executive chef Simone Musu and senior sous chef Francesco Fedrighi (Photo credit: Khairul Imran)
Above Modesto Marini (centre) with executive chef Simone Musu and senior sous chef Francesco Fedrighi (Photo credit: Khairul Imran)

Intensely passionate about food and armed with a charisma that shows it, Modesto Marini is the man behind many respectable restaurants and nightlife spots in town. Thinking about it brings restaurant, bar and lounge destination Marini’s on 57 to mind, with premier steakhouse Marble 8 coming close behind. If you’ve been to either establishment before it’s not hard to see why Marini has been at the top of Kuala Lumpur’s food scene for years.

“We have a reputation as one of the finest places in Kuala Lumpur and we have to work very hard to maintain it. Every fine detail makes a difference. We constantly take every effort to ensure that our guests experience quality dining, entertainment and service from us from the moment they step into the lobby right up to when they leave,” says Marini.

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Modesto Marini (Photo credit: Khairul Imran)
Above Modesto Marini (Photo credit: Khairul Imran)

As talented as he is in running a business, every general must have his lieutenants and that’s where executive chef Simone Musu and head Francesco Fedrighi come in.

See also: Modesto and Elizabeth Marini on love, family and food

"Modesto’s vision has always been innovative and creative dishes that showcase authentic and fine Italian cuisine to the best of our chefs’ abilities. When coming up with new dishes, we take many things into consideration – from the ingredients, the cooking techniques, the flavours and textures they will produce, down to the plating. While we may create uniquely different dishes, they all have their origins in traditional Italian recipes,” says Musu.

As Marini on 57 turns seven this year, the man himself reflects on what he’s accomplished thus far and which direction he continues to steer the ship.

It took a lot of proper planning, passion, commitment and hard work to achieve what we did and put ourselves on the map,

- Modesto Marini -

Tatler Asia
Modesto Marini (centre) with executive chef Simone Musu and senior sous chef Francesco Fedrighi (Photo credit: Khairul Imran)
Above Modesto Marini (centre) with executive chef Simone Musu and senior sous chef Francesco Fedrighi (Photo credit: Khairul Imran)

“We have come a long way from what was originally just a lot of cement, dust and rubble to the iconic establishment it is today. I knew immediately then that I had to do something great with this vast unique space that came with amazing views. It took a lot of proper planning, passion, commitment and hard work to achieve what we did and put ourselves on the map,” he reminisces.

Not one to rest on his accomplishments, Marini also teases of more projects to come in 2019, which he ensures will continue to provide quality dining and entertainment for all. I think I speak for all of us here at T.Dining when I say that we all await his next venture with a close eye.

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