Imagine stepping into the heart of Italy’s sun-soaked coastline, where every dish tells a story of vibrant flavours and authentic tradition. Osteria Del Mare, nestled on The Strand, offers Londoners an unparalleled dining experience that transports you to the bustling seafood markets of Forte dei Marmi.
Inspired by the seaside charm of Forte dei Marmi, a beloved coastal town on Italy’s west coast, Osteria Del Mare is the latest venture from the team behind the renowned Italian restaurant group, Bocconcino. The new venue offers an authentic and soulful dining experience, focusing on the freshest seafood and Italian heritage.
A Culinary Journey Through the Italian Riviera
The heart of Osteria Del Mare is in their exquisite menu. The À La Carte menu features a selection of small bites, antipasti, and crudo, highlighting premium ingredients such as bottarga, red prawns, and caviar. The menu is focused and easy to read. The restaurant mirrors the vibrant seafood markets of the Italian coast, showcasing an inviting seafood display with a daily selection for guests to choose from. Signature dishes like the Crudo Platter and Char-Grilled Red Mullet put in display Chef Matteo’s passion for delivering the true taste of the Italian coast to Covent Garden, creating an unforgettable experience for seafood lovers and Italian cuisine enthusiasts alike.
Start your journey with Andria burrata paired with baby plum tomatoes and pesto, or indulge in the delicate Yellowfin tuna tartare with red caviar and tonnato mayo. For a warm start, the Moscardini—tender baby octopus in red wine sauce is a compelling option but the red Sicilian prawns with feta, garlic, spicy sauce had a deep rich flavour and the most moreish saue. The seafood platters, including the Frutti di Mare Royale, offer an opulent selection of dressed crab, oysters, mussels, and prawns, with the option to add lobster for the ultimate treat.
The pasta dishes are equally compelling, with highlights such as the Red Mullet Paccheri with cherry tomatoes and bisque, and Linguine allo Scoglio, a delightful combination of squid, scampi, mussels, and tomatoes. For mains, the Pan-fried red mullet in cherry tomato sauce and the Wild salmon with red caviar sauce and green beans exemplify the restaurant’s dedication to fresh, flavourful seafood. Vegetarians can enjoy the Grilled smoked aubergine, served with ricotta, pistachio pesto, and basil.
The Heart of Italian Cuisine: Chef Massafra’s Approach
Osteria Del Mare’s menu reflects a deep passion for Italian cuisine, combining tradition with innovation to create dishes that resonate with guests. Chef Matteo Massafra, who leads the kitchen, has honed his skills in prestigious establishments across Italy, Ibiza, and London, bringing a wealth of experience and a dedication to showcasing the flavours of the Mediterranean. Every dish is crafted to celebrate the essence of Italy’s coastal regions, blending bold flavours with refined techniques.
Cocktails and Wines to Discover
There’s no Italian meal without its perfect match. Complementing the food, Osteria Del Mare’s inspired cocktail menu offers creations that capture the essence of seaside dining. Highlights include the luxurious Sorrento’s Pearl, a blend of oyster gin, salted citrus, and caviar, and the bold Vesuvio Smoke, with mezcal, sweet vermouth, and a hint of orange liqueur. For something fresh and herbaceous, the Mediterranean Garden combines grappa, yellow tomato, and basil shrub, topped with sparkling Prosecco foam. The wine list is equally impressive, featuring Italian favourites like Gavi di Gavi and Chianti Classico, alongside a selection of sparkling wines such as Prosecco and Franciacorta, perfect for any occasion.
A Sweet Finish
No dining experience is complete without a sweet finale, and Osteria Del Mare offers a range of decadent desserts to leave a lasting impression. Highlights include the classic Tiramisù, layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, and the Hazelnut Chocolate Choux, a delicate pastry filled with rich hazelnut chocolate cream. The Vanilla Cake Meringue adds a touch of lightness with its airy texture and crisp meringue topping, while the Mixed Berry Cheesecake offers a fresh and fruity option. For something refreshing, guests can enjoy the Ice Cream and Sorbet Selection, featuring flavours such as chocolate, coconut, lemon, mango, and raspberry.
A Touch of History in a Modern Setting
The perfect setting for an unforgettable meal, Osteria Del Mare is housed in a historic former bank building on The Strand. The venue retains its original features, including a private dining room transformed from the old bank vault. Seating up to 18 guests, this unique space features the original vault door, providing an intimate and exclusive atmosphere for special events and celebrations. Designed by Geometry Design, led by Irina Glik—the same team behind Bocconcino’s sleek interiors—the space combines timeless elegance with a contemporary twist.
A celebration of the sea
Bocconcino’s dedication to exceptional Italian cuisine and outstanding service has made its restaurants in Mayfair and Soho standout destinations in London’s culinary destinations. Bocconcino Mayfair, celebrating its 10th anniversary last year, has become synonymous with authentic Italian food and a refined dining atmosphere in the heart of the West End.
With Osteria Del Mare, the group continues its legacy of culinary excellence and elegant hospitality, making visiting the restaurant an experience you can’t miss.
To discover more, visit: Bocconcino.com
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All Imagery courtesy of Osteria del Mare.