Airelles has confirmed a quartet of internationally recognised chefs including Nobu Matsuhisa and Cedric Grolet for its new property in Venice, set to open on Giudecca island in April 2026. Olivia Palamountain reports

Airelles has unveiled a stellar culinary line-up for its first property outside France, Airelles Palladio, Venezia, confirming that Nobu Matsuhisa, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Norbert Niederkofler and Cedric Grolet will each lead dining concepts at the hotel.

The Italian hotel is scheduled to open in April 2026 and marks a significant international expansion for the French hospitality group. By anchoring its Venetian debut around a high-profile culinary programme, Airelles is positioning Palladio as both a hotel and a dining destination in its own right – a smart move in the noisy local luxury market.

Whilst all four chefs are globally established, Airelles Palladio will mark a Venice debut for each of them, with Grolet also making his debut in Italy. Nobu Matsuhisa will open the first Matsuhisa restaurant in Venice, serving his signature Japanese cuisine shaped by Peruvian influences. Dinner will feature signature Nobu dishes alongside an omakase menu, a style less common in Venice.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten, meanwhile, will bring abc kitchens Palladio to Italy for the first time, following openings in New York, Tokyo and London. Set within the Palladio building, the restaurant is designed as a relaxed all-day space, drawing on Venetian and Mediterranean flavours and intended for both hotel guests and local visitors.

Three Michelin-starred chef Norbert Niederkofler will lead Villa Frollo, an evening-only restaurant set within a historic villa on the property. Originally from the Dolomites, Niederkofler is known for his close relationships with local producers, an approach reflected in his "Cook the Lagoon" menu, which will reinterpret Venetian classics using ingredients sourced from the surrounding waters and region.
Pastry chef Cedric Grolet will oversee desserts and viennoiserie across the hotel. Known for his trompe-l'œil fruit and flower creations, Grolet will add a new repertoire of pastries inspired by Italian sweet traditions, shaping the hotel's dessert offering across breakfast, afternoon and evening service.
Étienne Petitpez, general manager of Airelles Palladio, Venezia, says: "This marks a Venice debut for all of our chefs, and we're excited to contribute to and enrich the city's culinary heritage."

Airelles Palladio, Venezia is located on Giudecca island, a quieter residential area long favoured by Venetians seeking distance from the crowds around San Marco.The property occupies a waterfront site overlooking the lagoon and comprises three restored 16th-century buildings set within nearly one hectare of gardens. Once open, it will offer 45 rooms and suites, a private three-bedroom villa with garden and pool, and a four-bedroom presidential suite with views across Venice's historic landmarks.

Facilities will include a 1,700 square metre spa and wellness centre, three swimming pools, a kids' club and multiple bars and dining spaces.Interior design is led by Christophe Tollemer, who has shaped the aesthetic across the Airelles portfolio, blending French fabrics and antiques with Venetian materials such as terrazzo, marble, Murano glass and Rubelli wall coverings.

Photo credits: Paul Stefanaggi; Andrew Egan; Markus Ranalter