Nestled along the stunning Ligurian coast, Romolo Mare offers a delightful dining experience in Bordighera, near Sanremo, Italy. This elegant restaurant sits in a private beach club with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, creating the perfect backdrop for your meal.
The professional owners of Romolo Mare have created a space that balances relaxed seaside atmosphere with refined elegance. You’ll find this restaurant listed among the prestigious MICHELIN Guide recommendations for the Sanremo area, highlighting its quality and reputation among discerning diners. When exploring the Italian Riviera, this waterfront gem deserves a spot on your culinary itinerary.
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Amarea Ristorante Romolo Mare
Perched on the southernmost point of northern Italy, Amarea Ristorante Romolo Mare offers a dining experience like no other. You’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views from Cape Ampelio, where you can watch both sunrise and sunset over the Mediterranean waters.
The restaurant sits on a unique promontory that juts into the sea, creating an almost island-like atmosphere. This special location creates a microclimate with pleasant sea breezes, making it comfortable even on warm days. From your table, you can take in views stretching from the Ligurian coast to the French Riviera.
What makes Amarea special is their focus on people, coastal preservation, and culinary innovation. The staff creates a friendly, peaceful environment perfect for relaxation. The restaurant is part of a larger complex that includes beach facilities, allowing you to combine dining with seaside leisure.
The unique location also offers rare marine wildlife sightings typically only seen far offshore. The deep waters around Cape Ampelio and the open-sea conditions attract interesting sea creatures, adding another dimension to your dining experience.
Rating: 4.4 (1187 reviews)
Location: Lungomare Argentina, 1, 18012 Bordighera IM, Italy
Contact: +39 0184 261105
Website: Visit Website
History and Heritage
Romolo Mare‘s fascinating past reflects the broader history of Sanremo while maintaining its unique coastal identity. The restaurant has evolved alongside the Italian Riviera‘s development as a premier tourism destination.
Origins of Romolo Mare
Romolo Mare established its roots during Sanremo’s tourism boom in the late 19th century. As visitors flocked to the Italian Riviera, the restaurant began as a modest seafood stand serving fresh catches to locals and early tourists.
The name “Romolo Mare” pays homage to the legendary founder of Rome, Romulus (Romolo in Italian), creating a connection between Italy’s ancient heritage and the coastal culture of Liguria. This clever branding helped distinguish it from other establishments.
You can still see elements of the original structure in the restaurant’s foundation stones, particularly near the entrance where weathered marble bears the marks of generations of diners who’ve passed through its doors.
Architectural Highlights
When you visit Romolo Mare, you’ll immediately notice the blend of traditional Ligurian architecture with elegant modern touches. The restaurant preserves its original stone arches dating from the early construction, while large windows were added to maximize the stunning Mediterranean views.
The interior features hand-painted ceramic tiles typical of the region, depicting coastal scenes and maritime motifs. These artistic elements showcase the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans from bygone eras.
The dining terrace, added in the 1950s, represents a significant architectural enhancement that allowed guests to dine al fresco. This space has been carefully preserved while incorporating subtle contemporary elements that don’t detract from its historical character.
Cuisine and Dining Experience
Romolo Mare offers an exceptional seafood-focused menu that highlights the best of the Ligurian coast. The restaurant combines traditional Italian cooking techniques with modern presentation to create a memorable dining experience.
Signature Dishes
The restaurant excels in seafood preparation, with raw fish dishes being a particular specialty. Their crudo di mare (raw seafood platter) features the freshest catches of the day, beautifully presented and bursting with natural flavors.
You’ll want to try their daily fish specials, which change based on what local fishermen bring in each morning. The chef’s tasting menu is perfect if you want to experience multiple dishes in one visit.
Don’t miss their seafood pasta dishes, especially those featuring local shellfish. Many guests rave about the homemade pasta with sea urchin when in season – a true delicacy that captures the essence of coastal Italian cuisine.
Locally Sourced Ingredients
Romolo Mare takes pride in its commitment to fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant maintains strong relationships with local fishermen who deliver their catch directly to the kitchen each morning.
You’ll taste the difference in the seafood’s quality and freshness. The restaurant also sources vegetables and herbs from nearby farms in the Ligurian countryside.
The wine list features an impressive selection of interesting local wines that pair beautifully with seafood dishes. The staff can recommend perfect pairings from small Ligurian vineyards that you might not find elsewhere.
Olive oil, a staple of the region, is carefully selected from local producers and used to enhance the natural flavors of the dishes rather than mask them.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in the Italian Riviera! Look for deals here:
Italian Riviera Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs