When Cavaliere Modesto Marini arrived in Malaysia in 1995, Kuala Lumpur was a city on the rise. The skyline was transforming, international investment was flowing in and the country’s ambition was unmistakable. For the young Italian chef, it was a place filled with possibility.
“I saw an opportunity to deliver something new,” he recalls. “Malaysia was the tiger of Asia, and I believed there was room to create experiences that didn’t yet exist.” Three decades later, that instinct has become a defining chapter in Malaysia’s luxury hospitality story.
His entrepreneurial journey began with Modesto’s — a restaurant and nightlife concept that grew into a successful chain with outlets across Malaysia and Singapore. This venture marked an important chapter in his early career, eventually leading to the creation of The Marini’s Group.
As Founder and Owner of The Marini’s Group, Modesto has built a portfolio synonymous with elevated dining and refined lifestyle destinations. From Marini’s on 57 and Marble 8 to Mesa on 51, Marigin Gin Bar, M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza and Müro, each has its own identity while sharing the same philosophy.
Yet ask Modesto about his success and he rarely begins with restaurants. Instead, he talks about people, atmosphere and the memories guests take away. “People should remember us not only for the food, drinks or service,” he says.
“They should remember how we made them feel. We want guests to return, visit after visit, because they know every experience will be memorable.” That simple philosophy has quietly guided every venture bearing the Marini name.
More Than Italy
Born on the shores of Lake Garda and classically trained in Italy before working in London and Singapore, Modesto believes living abroad has fundamentally changed his understanding of what it means to be Italian.
“When I first left Italy, I thought being Italian was about where you come from—the food, the language and the traditions,” he reflects. “After building my life in Malaysia, I realised it is much more about a way of thinking. It’s craftsmanship, hospitality, family and the pursuit of beauty in everyday experiences.”
Rather than recreating Italy abroad, Modesto has sought to interpret its spirit within a distinctly Malaysian context. “Living in Malaysia has made me more conscious of my Italian identity, but it has also taught me not to be rigid about it. I don’t try to recreate Italy exactly as it is in Milan or Rome,” he adds.
“I bring the spirit of Italy into a Malaysian context, respecting the local culture while staying true to the standards and values I was raised with.” That balance between authenticity and adaptation has shaped a portfolio of venues united by a clear philosophy: honour tradition while embracing the place you call home.
A Chef’s Mindset
Although his responsibilities now extend far beyond the kitchen, Modesto insists the chef within him never disappeared. “The chef has never left me. In fact, I believe the entrepreneur is stronger because of the chef.” Those early lessons continue to shape every decision he makes.
“As a chef, you learn discipline, attention to detail, consistency and, above all, that every guest matters. Those principles still guide every decision I make, whether it’s developing a new concept, designing a space or building a team.”
Hospitality, he believes, has always extended beyond the plate. “Today, I’m responsible for much more than what’s on the plate because I still see hospitality through the eyes of a chef. At the end of the day, our business isn’t just about restaurants. It’s about creating memorable experiences.”
A More Sophisticated Kuala Lumpur
Few have witnessed Kuala Lumpur’s luxury evolution as closely as Modesto. Today’s diners, he says, are more travelled and discerning than ever. “What continues to surprise me is how sophisticated the market has become,” he opines.
“Today’s guests have travelled extensively. They appreciate authenticity and expect experiences that go beyond excellent food or beautiful interiors. They want a story, genuine hospitality and a meaningful connection.” He also believes the city is entering an exciting new chapter.
“People should remember us not only for the food, drinks or service. They should remember how we made them feel” – Modesto Marini
“Kuala Lumpur has all the ingredients to stand alongside the world’s great lifestyle destinations. Luxury here is becoming more confident and more individual—not about excess, but about quality, craftsmanship and memorable experiences.” People rarely remember every dish, Modesto believes, but they never forget how a place made them feel. It is a philosophy he embraced long before it became central to the hospitality industry.
The Courage to Say No
Experience has also taught Modesto the value of restraint. “Earlier in my career, I was focused on growth. Today, I’m focused on purpose and longevity. If a project doesn’t align with our values, our standards or the experience we want to create, I’m comfortable walking away—even if it looks attractive on paper.”
Today, protecting the brand matters more than expanding it. “Time has taught me that saying ‘no’ is just as important as saying ‘yes’. I’d rather build something meaningful that stands the test of time than chase every opportunity.”
That philosophy explains why every venue within The Marini’s Group feels distinct, yet unmistakably connected. “I always ask myself one question: Would I be proud to put my name on it? If the answer is yes, then it’s worth pursuing. The Marini’s name isn’t just a brand—it’s a promise.”
Built On Trust
Hospitality has never been easy. Costs rise, expectations evolve and trends come and go. Yet Modesto believes the fundamentals remain unchanged. “The businesses that will still be here in ten years are the ones that never stop evolving, but never compromise on their core values.”
He pauses before offering perhaps his simplest lesson. “Restaurants don’t succeed because they’re fashionable. They succeed because they earn people’s trust, and that takes years to build but only moments to lose.”
Recognition has followed, including Italy’s prestigious Ordine della Stella d’Italia for his contribution to Italian culture abroad, yet Modesto remains more interested in consistency than accolades. His ambition has never been to create fashionable venues, but places people return to.
“I want every guest to leave feeling they’ve experienced something genuinely special—something they couldn’t have found anywhere else,” he says. “Whether someone is celebrating a milestone, closing an important business deal or simply enjoying time with family and friends, I want them to leave with lasting memories.”
After three decades, that ambition remains unchanged. For Modesto Marini, luxury isn’t measured solely by exceptional cuisine or spectacular views, but by the memories guests take home long after the evening has ended.
Photography: Lily Allissa, Make-Up: May Ng, Art Direction: Khairani Ramli & Hannie Faizal, Formal Attire: Roberto Cavalli, Casual Attire: Modesto Marini
