Just steps from the sea in beautiful Santa Margherita Ligure, Trattoria da Mario brings you an authentic taste of Liguria that both locals and travelers genuinely love. The place sits in the perfect spot for enjoying traditional Italian food while soaking up the coastal charm of this little gem on the Italian Riviera.
The family-run Trattoria da Mario really shines thanks to its delicious local dishes and the kind of warm, easygoing welcome that makes you want to linger. Their menu celebrates the best of Ligurian cuisine, from just-caught seafood to regional pasta like trofie al pesto. Because they’re so close to the water, the seafood’s about as fresh as it gets—sometimes it’s still glistening from the morning’s catch.
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If you’re in Santa Margherita Ligure, grabbing a meal at a traditional trattoria like da Mario is more than just eating—it’s a slice of the local culture. The friendly service, fair prices, and honest flavors make this spot easy to recommend if you’re anywhere near this picturesque town.
Santa Margherita da Mario Restaurant: Overview and Signature Experience
Santa Margherita da Mario blends authentic Ligurian flavors with the kind of hospitality that just feels right, especially with so many places to eat in Santa Margherita Ligure.
Restaurant Ambiance and Picturesque Setting
Walk into Santa Margherita da Mario and you’ll feel the charming atmosphere right away. The cozy interior, with its rustic wooden tables and gentle lighting, makes it feel intimate but not stuffy.
But honestly, the real showstopper is the seaside terrace. You get to eat with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, with tables set against a backdrop of colorful fishing boats bobbing in the bay.
On summer evenings, the terrace glows with twinkling lights and there’s always a soft breeze coming in off the sea. The sound of waves and the occasional boat bell just add to the whole vibe.
The place strikes a nice balance—it’s got enough elegance for a special occasion, but you can just as easily show up for a relaxed family dinner.
History and Background
Back in the 1960s, Mario Pescetto—a local fisherman who loved to cook—opened the restaurant as a small trattoria serving fresh seafood to his neighbors. Mario insisted on top-notch ingredients and stuck to traditional recipes, which quickly earned him a loyal crowd.
Now, Mario’s grandchildren run the place. They keep his original vision alive, but they’ve also added a few modern touches to the classics. Thanks to the family’s fishing background, they get first pick of the freshest seafood from local waters.
Over the years, the restaurant has hosted celebrities, politicians, and travelers from all over. The walls are covered with photos that tell the story of its colorful past and all the people who’ve dined there.
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Even with all the attention, the restaurant keeps its authentic character and stays true to its roots as a family-run spot that celebrates Ligurian cooking.
What Makes Santa Margherita da Mario Unique
People come here for the legendary seafood, cooked up with whatever the local fishermen bring in that day. Their trofie al pesto—hand-twisted pasta with basil pesto—follows a family recipe that’s a bit of a secret, using basil grown just up the road.
There are a few dishes you just won’t find anywhere else, like their “Pescato del Giorno alla Mario,” which spotlights the catch of the day with a special mix of herbs from the family garden.
Must-Try Specialties:
- Fritto Misto di Mare (mixed fried seafood)
- Trofie al Pesto with freshly grated Parmigiano
- House-made Focaccia with local olive oil
- Mario’s Special Seafood Risotto
The wine list focuses on local Vermentino and other regional picks that pair beautifully with seafood. The staff genuinely enjoy helping you find the right wine for your meal.
They take sustainability seriously, too. The team works only with local suppliers and fishermen who respect the sea and harvest responsibly.
Cuisine, Menu Highlights, and Nearby Recommendations
Santa Margherita da Mario serves up honest Ligurian coastal cuisine, letting the region’s best ingredients and traditions take center stage. The kitchen respects the classics but isn’t afraid to add a creative twist to highlight the flavors of the Riviera.
Fresh Seafood and High-Quality Ingredients
At da Mario, it’s all about the seafood. They source it fresh from the Ligurian Sea every morning, so what you see on the menu depends on what the boats bring in. You might find delicate branzino or tender octopus, always cooked simply to let the natural flavors shine.
They’ve built strong relationships with local farmers and producers, too. The olive oil comes from groves in the hills just outside Santa Margherita.
Seasonal veggies show up everywhere on the menu—sometimes picked just hours before they hit your plate. In spring, expect dishes with fresh artichokes and fava beans, and in summer, you’ll see tomatoes and zucchini blossoms.
When it comes to meat, they choose small regional farms that stick to traditional ways of raising animals.
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Santa Margherita Ligure Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Traditional Ligurian and Italian Dishes
Da Mario really nails the Ligurian classics. Their trofie al pesto—hand-twisted pasta tossed with bright, aromatic pesto—uses local basil and pine nuts for that unmistakable flavor.
Don’t skip the farinata. It’s a thin, crispy chickpea pancake—crunchy on the outside, creamy inside, and totally addictive.
Other regional highlights worth trying:
- Pansoti in salsa di noci (stuffed pasta with walnut sauce)
- Focaccia di Recco (thin bread filled with creamy cheese)
- Cappon magro (a layered seafood and vegetable salad)
If you’re in the mood for something beyond Liguria, they also do a classic osso buco and a tender vitello tonnato—proof they can handle more than just seafood.
Homemade Pasta and Seafood Pasta
Every day, the team makes pasta from scratch in their open kitchen. You can actually watch them at work, rolling dough and shaping pasta by hand.
Their linguine allo scoglio is a standout—loaded with clams, mussels, and prawns in a light tomato sauce that lets the seafood speak for itself. The pasta always comes out perfectly al dente.
Another favorite: ravioli di pesce. These delicate pasta pillows are packed with a blend of fresh fish and herbs, finished with just a touch of butter and sage.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the black ink spaghetti with calamari. The inky pasta has a subtle briny flavor that pairs beautifully with tender squid. It’s dramatic and delicious—definitely worth a shot.
Nearby Restaurants and Alternative Dining Options
Want to check out some other places to eat in Santa Margherita Ligure? You’ve got plenty of great choices just a short walk away.
Ristorante Antonio brings a fresh spin on classic family-run Italian cooking. They switch up the menu all the time and use seasonal ingredients. If you’re after a more refined vibe, this spot nails it.
If you’re after something laid-back, Trattoria da Pezzi serves up honest local dishes in an easygoing space. People rave about their seafood—it’s always fresh and cooked just right.
You’ll find gorgeous harbor views at Ristorante Trattoria La Cambusa, where seafood takes center stage. Or, if you want something lighter, Il Caffè del Porto pours great coffee and has snacks in a setting that’s honestly pretty hard to beat.
Craving a twist? L’Insolita Zuppa gets creative with soups and offers plenty for vegetarians. And for something you probably won’t find elsewhere, Capo Nord mixes Italian flavors with Nordic touches—surprisingly good, if you ask me.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Santa Margherita Ligure! Look for deals here:
Santa Margherita Ligure Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Getting to Santa Margherita Ligure
History of Santa Margherita Ligure
Things to Do in Santa Margherita Ligure
