The St. Regis Rome hotel welcomes chef Akira Back: his second restaurant in Italy after Florence

Chef Akira Back is to open a namesake restaurant at the St. Regis Rome, the Grand Hotel inaugurated by César Ritz in 1894. This will be his second address in Italy, following the W Florence in late 2025. The hotel lists it as “coming soon” without a specific date, and it will not replace the current dining venues, Lumen and Lumen Garden.

The snowboarder turned Michelin-starred chef

Born in Seoul in 1974 and raised in Aspen, Akira Back was first a professional snowboarder for seven years before moving into the kitchen. His first restaurant, Yellowtail, opened in 2008 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, before an expansion that now spans around thirty addresses, from London to Dubai and Hong Kong. In Paris, he oversees the restaurant at the Hotel Prince de Galles. His restaurant Dosa, in Seoul, was awarded a Michelin star in 2017.

The Grand Hotel of César Ritz

Opened in 1894 by César Ritz, Rome’s first modern grand palace has become the St. Regis Rome. Its 40-million-euro renovation, entrusted to interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, was completed in November 2018, featuring 161 keys, including 23 suites. The arrival of Akira Back completes an offering that retains Lumen, the main restaurant, and its garden. Discover all our news on hotels in Italy.

Our perspective

In Rome, grand hotels are increasingly turning to renowned chefs to stand out through their dining experiences. By choosing an international name rather than a Roman chef, the St. Regis is targeting a global clientele, much like Akira Back did in Florence. The exact opening date, menu, and prices remain under wraps. Explore all our Marriott news.