Chef Erik De Marchi brings his Emilia-Romagna roots to Newport Beach with his new Italian street food concept, Amalfi by Oliver’s, opening summer 2026 at Fashion Island. This chef-driven, fast-casual restaurant serves hand-stretched street pizzas and authentic housemade pastas built on traditional northern Italian recipes.
FROM BOLOGNA TO ORANGE COUNTY
Chef Erik De Marchi was born in Imola, a province of Bologna, Italy known for F1 sports racing and its robust gastronomic scene. De Marchi, who somewhat resembles an Italian racecar driver with his intense concentration and focused demeanor, brings the inklings of his homeland to Orange County through his food. De Marchi’s childhood was surrounded by culinary influences. “I was raised in the business,” he says with a subtle smile. His parents worked in restaurants and De Marchi fondly remembers cooking beside his grandmother. Her recipes continue to influence a few of his dishes. De Marchi elevated his kitchen skills by attending culinary school, followed by years working in celebrated Italian kitchens.
Then his culinary talents brought him to California, where he trained at Angelini Osteria, arguably one of the best Italian kitchens in California at the time. The celebrated restaurant was known for its authentic Italian flavors. De Marchi was a standout cook. It didn’t take long for him to embark on his own.
In 2018, he opened Oliver’s Osteria in Laguna Beach. Instantly, it was a food critic darling and the restaurant was listed on California’s Michelin Guide. In 2023, Oliver’s Trattoria opened at Quail Hill Shopping Center. Diners raved about Oliver’s housemade pastas. A delicate squid ink cappellacci, a silky dumpling-like pasta from Emilia-Romagna, channeled the chef’s homeland. The perfectly executed cacio e pepe was celebrated for its delicious simplicity. De Marchi’s signature spaghetti, which was inspired by his grandmother, remains one of his most popular dishes. A version of this pasta dish will be served at De Marchi’s new concept: Amalfi by Oliver’s at Fashion Island, which opens summer 2026.
Chef De Marchi noticed that diners are watching their spending these days. Yet he insists, you can still eat well on a budget. So, he decided to showcase how fresh Italian food can be prepared well and still be affordable. His new fast casual concept Amalfi by Oliver’s at Fashion Island showcases Italian street food favorites. He’s confident that the flavors will resonate with southern California diners. Handmade pizzas and freshly prepared pastas, along with burrata topped tomato salads, and creamy panna cotta topped with fresh berries for dessert, elevate dining on the go.
BEHIND THE MENU: AN INTERVIEW WITH CHEF ERIK DE MARCHI
We interviewed the Michelin-honored chef before Amalfi by Oliver’s grand opening, where we learned more about what inspires Chef De Marchi, how his family changed his cooking, and what you need to taste first:
What would you recommend first time diners trying at Oliver’s Trattoria at Quail Hill Shopping Center?
I’m very specialized. The pasta is definitely something you must try. Also, my pizza is really good as well. What can I say? I think everything is good. We change the menu four times a year because it goes with the seasons.
We have a branzino dish, which we cook in sea salt. It’s the whole fish and my servers carve it at the table in front of the customers. That particular fish has a lot of bones. So, my waiters have to be trained to clean it as perfectly as possible.
What inspired you to open Amalfi by Oliver’s at Fashion Island?
I want to deliver good quality Italian food but at a price point where most everybody can afford it. That’s why, I’m thinking about it creatively. If you notice, with diners changing attitudes towards going out and everything, a lot more people are looking for fast casual places. Especially, when we’re facing this type of economy right now, people really can’t afford that high priced range of fine dining anymore. It will be a great opportunity for everybody to still have quality food at a super price, which is so important. It’s really important to me.
Why open a new location at Fashion Island?
I really have a good relationship with the Irvine Company, and I strongly believe that Fashion Island has huge exposure. I think that will be a perfect location to start this concept.
What should we order at Amalfi by Oliver’s?
Definitely try the pizza. We call it Italian street pizza, and also try my homemade pasta.
FUN FACTS
The restaurants are named after Chef De Marchi’s son. “My son, his name is Oliver. Actually, I named my first location in Laguna after him.” The chef’s other restaurant concepts are also named after his son, Oliver.
The chef’s first restaurant and his son share the same birthday. “Two babies in one day! My son was born the same day we opened the restaurant [Oliver’s Osteria].”
Surprisingly delicious toppings: Chef De Marchi plates his lasagna with crispy leaves of fried spinach for added texture.
*This interview was edited for clarity and brevity.
AMALFI BY OLIVER’S
Fashion Island
401 Newport Center Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
