Sun Siyam Olhuveli Hosts Forbes-Featured Chef Francesca Gambacorta for an Exclusive Italian Residency at Milano

24 February, 2026

In the heart of the Indian Ocean, a culinary transformation is unfolding. Sun Siyam Olhuveli, already renowned as a "Paradise of Plenty" with over 20 dining venues, has elevated its Italian offering to new heights. As part of its prestigious Chef Residency series, the resort welcomed acclaimed Italian chef Francesca Gambacorta to Milano, its signature Italian restaurant on Dream Island .

This was more than a guest chef appearance; it was a deep, kitchen-led mentorship designed to weave authentic Italian soul into the fabric of the resort. The result is a Milano restaurant that is more confident, more expressive, and unmistakably Italian—now ready to welcome guests on a journey of flavour .

Who is Chef Francesca Gambacorta? A Storyteller Through Food

Chef Francesca is not your typical Italian chef. With a global following of over 700,000 on Instagram and recognition as one of Italy’s Top 20 Food Influencers by Forbes Italia in 2021, she brings a modern, emotionally driven approach to the kitchen . Her philosophy, detailed in her book Semplicità Complessa — Il gourmet per tutti, champions "thoughtful simplicity" .

Known to her fans as the "Regina dell'Umami" (Queen of Umami), Chef Francesca’s cooking is a deep dive into the fifth taste. She believes food should tell a story—of place, memory, and feeling—using high-quality ingredients to build depth without complication . This ethos of stripping things back to let flavour speak for itself proved to be a perfect match for the island ease of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

A Creative Playground: Mentorship in Motion

During her exclusive residency, Chef Francesca transformed the Milano kitchen into a creative classroom. She worked side-by-side with the resort’s culinary team, focusing on the techniques that define authentic Italian cooking .

The training went far beyond just following recipes. Through hands-on sessions, live cooking demonstrations, and real-time service mentoring, the team learned to create:

• Fresh pasta made with patience, understanding the "why" behind the knead.

• Sauces shaped by regional identity, respecting the traditions of Italy’s diverse provinces.

• Dishes built on umami-rich ingredients like Parmesan Reggiano, porcini mushrooms, and slow-cooked reductions .

Chef Francesca encouraged the team to cook with intention. The lesson was clear: see every dish as a small narrative, where balance, timing, and emotion matter just as much as technical skill .

A Valentine’s Day to Remember

The culmination of this mentorship was on full display during a spectacular Valentine’s Day dinner on 14 February. Chef Francesca took the lead as featured chef for the evening, turning the service into a live classroom for the team and a culinary performance for guests .

The evening was a celebration of the new Milano spirit—hand-crafted pastas, beautifully balanced sauces, and familiar Italian classics reimagined with a relaxed, authentic twist. It was a chance for guests to taste the evolution firsthand, experiencing how mentorship shapes the final plate right in the flow of service.

The Stage: Milano’s New Island Identity

This culinary evolution arrives at a pivotal time for Sun Siyam Olhuveli. Milano recently reopened as part of a major lifestyle transformation on Dream Island, conceptualized by the award-winning Studio Sixty7 .

The restaurant’s design now perfectly mirrors Chef Francesca’s cooking philosophy. It blends sun-soaked Italian coastal charm with an elegant Maldivian island mood .

• The Vibe: A calming olive-green palette, arched feature walls, soft linen drapery, and sculpted timber furniture create an intimate atmosphere .

• The Theatre: The open kitchen is the centrepiece, inviting guests to watch as chefs knead silken pasta dough and stir slow-cooked sauces. It feels relaxed, theatrical, and wonderfully personal .

As evening falls, woven lights cast a warm glow, making Milano the perfect setting for long, leisurely lunches and romantic dinners where dining is never rushed .

A Lasting Legacy on the Menu

The impact of Chef Francesca’s residency is permanent. The mindset she instilled now runs through Milano’s menu, shaping how dishes are prepared, plated, and served. Today, guests can experience:

• Hand-crafted pastas with perfect texture and depth.

• Beautifully balanced sauces rooted in tradition but finished with an island twist.

• A relaxed authenticity that makes every meal feel like part of the holiday story .

This residency is a testament to Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s commitment to world-class culinary experiences. Following the energy of chefs like Charith N. Silva during the festive season, the resort continues to position itself as a destination not just for sun and sand, but for serious food lovers .

Plan Your Italian Escape

Whether you are a connoisseur of Italian cuisine or simply looking for an unforgettable meal in the Maldives, Milano at Sun Siyam Olhuveli is a must-visit.

Ready to taste the story?

• Where: Milano Restaurant, Dream Island, Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

• When: Open for dinner from 18:30 to 22:00 (Reservations recommended) .

• See it for yourself: Watch the highlights of Chef Francesca’s residency on the resort’s Instagram page and see how this culinary journey unfolds .

Indulge in the flavors of Italy, crafted with intention and served with the warmth of the Maldivian spirit. Book your stay at Sun Siyam Olhuveli today.

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