Marco Island · Mediterranean
A Modern Taste of the Mediterranean
Marazul offers an elevated Mediterranean dining experience featuring thoughtfully prepared dishes, fresh ingredients, warm hospitality, and a sophisticated atmosphere.
Our Story
Meet Chef Esteban Ortiz
Born and raised in Veracruz, Mexico, Chef Esteban Ortiz grew up surrounded by the flavors and traditions of a multicultural family, with Mexican roots and Spanish and Irish heritage.
Some of his earliest and most treasured memories were formed around the Sunday table, watching his grandfather prepare paella, morcilla, chorizo, almond tarts, and his favorite—orange chicken. Those gatherings planted a passion that would quietly shape the rest of his life.
At 17, Esteban left Mexico for the United States carrying little more than a suitcase, determination, and a dream: to become a chef and one day create dishes that would bring the same joy to others that food had brought to his own family.
From Marco Island to Naples
His journey began right here on Marco Island in 2002 as a dishwasher at the Sand Bar. The late and beloved Ray Fortunes later gave him an opportunity to work as a server and eventually as a bartender. But Esteban soon realized that his true place was in the kitchen.
After working with Bruce Kretchsmer at Kretch’s Restaurant, he moved to Naples in search of new opportunities. At the legendary Handsome Harry’s on Third, he worked his way from cook to sous chef under Executive Chef Tony Biaguetti.
His career continued with the Aielli family, first at Sea Salt and later at Barbatella under Executive Chef Dario Leo, where he became sous chef and further developed his appreciation for classic Provençal European cuisine and seafood.
Mentors & the Mediterranean
In 2012, a defining chapter began at Côte d’Azur in North Naples, where Esteban worked alongside acclaimed Manhattan chef Claudio Scaduto. Beginning as sous chef and later becoming Chef de Cuisine, Esteban spent years immersed in the techniques, ingredients, and traditions of Mediterranean cooking. Claudio became not only a mentor, but one of the most influential figures in his culinary life.
Esteban later had the privilege of working with renowned Monterey, California chef James Waller and his beloved wife, Darlene Waller, continuing to refine the experience and philosophy that would eventually inspire his own restaurant.
In 2023, Esteban and his wife, Iris Chavez, became the owners of Zaza Mexican Restaurant on Marco Island, which they proudly operated through August 2026.
But one dream had remained with Esteban since his youth: to create a Mediterranean restaurant on the island where his American journey first began.
Today, that dream is Marazul.
More than two decades after washing his first dishes on Marco Island—and nearly three decades after first dreaming of becoming a chef—Esteban has come full circle.
Marazul is the culmination of his journey: inspired by his family, shaped by his mentors, influenced by the Mediterranean, and created together with his wife, Iris, for the community he has called home for so many years.
Chef Esteban Ortiz & Iris Chavez
Marazul — Marco Island, Florida
Gallery
From Our Kitchen
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Contact
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Hours of Operation
- Monday
- 4:00 – 8:30 PM
- Tuesday
- 4:00 – 8:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 4:00 – 8:30 PM
- Thursday
- 4:00 – 8:30 PM
- Friday
- 4:00 – 8:30 PM
- Saturday
- 4:00 – 8:30 PM
- Sunday
- Closed