Marbella reinforces its international appeal with the arrival of Mercato della Fontanella, the first European project of Simon Jacobo, founder of the US-based V&E Hospitality Group
- Mercato della Fontanella opens its doors in Marbella as an innovative gastronomic project that offers a unique experience, combining restaurant, cocktail bar and gourmet shop.
- This is the first project in Spain and Europe led by Simon Jacobo, founder of the US-based ‘Vida y Estilo Hospitality Group’.
- The name pays homage to its location in the emblematic neighbourhood of La Fontanilla, and represents the evolution of the group’s ‘Mercato’ brand, fusing its international identity with the local environment of the city.
Marbella, 21st November 2024 – The Costa del Sol continues to consolidate its position as a magnet for foreign investment with the opening of Mercato della Fontanella, the first European project of Simon Jacobo, co-founder and owner of the US-based Vida y Estilo Hospitality Group (V&E Hospitality Group). This new space, located in the central neighbourhood of La Fontanilla, will offer a comprehensive proposal that combines a fine Italian cuisine restaurant with a signature cocktail bar and a gourmet shop.
In the last five years, more than 90 international companies have set up operations in Málaga, generating more than 7,000 jobs according to data from the Málaga Open for Business Investor Office. During the past year, US companies led the interest with five new incorporations to the region, consolidating the Costa del Sol as a strategic destination for investments in sectors such as technology, professional services and hospitality.
Marbella, with its positioning as a first-class tourist and gastronomic destination, has become one of the most attractive cities for the expansion of international projects. According to Yohana Carmona, CEO of Mercato della Fontanella, ‘Marbella has always been a global destination that attracts a demanding and diverse public, which makes it the perfect place to make the leap to Europe. The Costa del Sol has a rich gastronomic tradition and an ambience that perfectly embodies the group’s philosophy of fusing authenticity with innovation’.
The V&E Hospitality Group
Founded by José Simón Jacobo, V&E Hospitality Group stands out for a portfolio that includes renowned brands such as Café Americano, PaperFish, Barsecco, Havana 1957 and Mercato. Renowned for offering experiences that uniquely integrate gastronomy, mixology and entertainment, the Las Vegas-based group has successfully expanded its presence in the United States. Now, it is betting on Marbella as its strategic entry into the European market.
The arrival on the Costa del Sol comes under its flagship brand, ‘Mercato’, which debuted at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas under the name Mercato della Pescheria and expanded its reach with a second location in Miami, known as Mercato di Mare. This innovative concept evolves in Marbella with Mercato della Fontanella, inspired by its location in the central La Fontanilla neighbourhood. The new space reflects a deep commitment to the local environment and excellence in every detail.
The Marbella project, which has created 25 jobs, is a collaboration between the group and two local entrepreneurs, Francisco Martín (owner of Hotel Kuve, among others) and José Lozano Muñoz, founder of the iconic Oh Marbella establishment in the 1990s, who bring their knowledge of the market and culture of the region.
The Mercato della Fontanella concept
The Mercato della Fontanella concept encompasses three distinct areas that reflect the tradition and modernity of Italian gastronomy:
- Restaurant: under the direction of José Antonio Montana, and led by chef Davide Buglino, the restaurant presents a concept of traditional Italian cuisine reinterpreted with a modern and cosmopolitan vision. Its proposal stands out for its innovative and creative dishes, such as fresh pastas and risottos, prepared with premium quality ingredients. The carefully selected Italian wines complement the dining experience, designed to offer authenticity with a contemporary approach. This approach expands Marbella’s dining offer, positioning it as a gastronomic destination of reference.
- Cocktail bar: Offers signature cocktails with a seasonal approach, combining traditional Italian flavours with modern mixology techniques.
- Gourmet shop: a space dedicated to Italian products such as cheeses, olive oils, wines and high-end pasta, available for visitors who wish to take the experience home with them.
Commitment to quality and local ingredients
The gastronomic offer combines products imported from Italy with zero-kilometre ingredients, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. Among the options are dishes prepared live, such as fresh pasta and cuts of Italian cured meats, which can also be taken home.
Negrini, an Italian company renowned for importing high quality gourmet products, is a key pillar of the Mercato della Fontanella proposal. Its ingredients, sourced from various regions of Italy, are the basis of the restaurant’s dishes and some of the products offered in the gourmet shop. The opening is supervised by Enrica Barni, Negrini’s executive chef, and William Sequera, the brand’s sommelier, who have worked with the local team to ensure that every detail reflects the excellence that characterises this project. They will also provide follow-up and support with visits, training courses and workshops, monitoring the establishment’s kitchen.
The restaurant, with capacity for 160 diners, offers a large outdoor terrace and an indoor lounge carefully designed to provide a comfortable and immersive experience. Among its attractions is the showcooking area, where guests can witness the preparation of the dishes up close, adding an interactive touch to their visit. With an average price of €40 per person, the establishment will be open daily from 12:00 to 00:00. The kitchen service will be available in two shifts, from 1pm to 4pm and from 7pm to 11pm, while the bar will continue to serve Italian snacks until midnight.
For more information: www.mercatodellafontanella.com
For contact and reservations: +34 60 567 58 51 or info@mercatodellafontanella.com
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TEBA SILES Media manager
+34 696 321 130
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