THE JOURNEY
Born in Udine, Italy, in 1996, Chef Marco Lubian has always been driven by curiosity and a passion for discovery. His early years were filled with energy, dedication, and love for sports—especially basketball, where he developed a deep appreciation for teamwork, a principle that would later shape his culinary career.
At the age of 22, with a one-way ticket in hand, Chef Lubian moved to London in June 2018, determined to build a future in the culinary world. He began his journey as a kitchen assistant at the prestigious Novikov restaurant in Mayfair.
Despite having no prior experience, his dedication and eagerness to learn quickly set him apart. Starting with fundamental tasks like peeling potatoes and cleaning squid, he soon earned the trust of Head Chef Marco Torri, who gave him the opportunity to work on the first course section. With relentless drive, he progressed through the ranks, moving from the grill to handling meat and fish, ultimately becoming a key member of the kitchen.
During the pandemic, as the restaurant was closed, he worked as pizza chef in a pizza place. He saw this as an opportunity to gain more cooking skills, instead of remaining stand still during a difficult period.
In November 2021, Chef Lubian took on a new challenge, traveling to the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados to join Michelin-starred Chef Antonio Mellino in launching QP Bistro. There, as kitchen manager, he was responsible for ingredient sourcing and overseeing operations—a complex task on an island where resources were limited.
His love for adventure and sports never faded. In 2022, he embarked on a cycling journey from London to Udine with his friend Alberto Dorigo, his first section mate at Novikov. This experience not only tested his endurance but also deepened his understanding of resilience and perseverance.
Later that year, Chef Lubian transitioned into freelance consulting, collaborating with multiple restaurants in London. This allowed him to explore new culinary cultures, experiment with innovative ingredients, and refine his skills in diverse environments. His thirst for knowledge led him on a three-month backpacking journey through Southeast Asia, where he immersed himself in the flavors and traditions of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
In 2023, his career took a significant turn when he was appointed Head Chef at Novikov’s seasonal restaurant in Bodrum, Turkey, where he perfected his Italian cuisine skills. His success in Bodrum led to his role as Executive Chef in the restaurants of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he brought a breath of fresh air and contributed remotely to the pre-opening of Novikov’s pop-up in AlUla. His journey continued in Qatar, where he played a key role in the pre-opening and launch of Novikov Beach Club Doha, a high-profile project within the St. Regis Hotel in Doha.
In 2024, Chef Lubian was assigned to the new opening of Novikov Café Muscat in Oman, the first international branded restaurant in Oman inside the new St. Regis Hotel in Muscat. Under his leadership, the restaurant quickly gained recognition, setting new standards for casual dining in Oman. Novikov Café Muscat was ranked among the Top Five Casual Dining Restaurants in the GCC by BBC Good Food, and its pastry delights was listed among the Top Ten in the GCC at the Caterer Middle East Awards.
Currently, Chef Lubian is leading the major opening of Novikov Group in Abu Dhabi, creating the new Novikov Mediterranean concept. A flagship project that represents the brand’s next big step worldwide. With his expertise, passion, and commitment to culinary excellence, he continues to push boundaries and elevate the dining experience on an international scale.
