Restaurant Marea is an intimate Italian spot with very few tables and a kitchen that impresses through precision and care. Fresh pasta, impeccable service and a calm atmosphere. Booking is essential, and time is meant to be enjoyed slowly.
When someone tells you “book for sure”
In Santa Maria there are plenty of places where you can improvise, but Marea is not one of them. Here, the most common question isn’t “what are we ordering?”, but “did you book?”. And it’s not hype — it’s simply a matter of space… and level.
What this place really is
Restaurant Marea is a very small Italian restaurant, intimate and carefully run, with a kitchen that clearly plays in a different league for its size. There’s no pizza, no tourist menu and no rush.
You come here to eat properly, with well-crafted dishes, solid technique and a clear obsession with detail. Everything feels personal: the cooking, the service and the pace.
Where it is and why you don’t notice it while passing by
It’s slightly tucked away from the main street, in a quiet area. It doesn’t try to catch your eye — and doesn’t need to. People usually arrive because someone recommended it… or because they’ve read enough to know this isn’t a place you walk into by chance.
What you eat (and what you don’t)
The menu revolves around contemporary Italian cuisine, with plenty of fresh pasta, meats, fish and classic dishes reinterpreted with good judgement.
Stuffed pastas like fagottini stand out, along with carefully prepared starters, vitello tonnato, well-handled meats and desserts such as tiramisu. Portions are generous, yet balanced.
There’s no pizza. And no one misses it.
Service that adds, not distracts
Service is one of the restaurant’s strongest points. Warm, attentive and unhurried. Sometimes the chef even comes out to greet guests or check how the meal is going, without any theatrics.
Small details — surprise tastings, well-timed courses — elevate the evening without needing a speech.
Atmosphere and pace
The atmosphere is calm, intimate and quiet, ideal for couples or small groups. It’s not a place for rushing or restless children. Here, voices stay low, food is enjoyed slowly and the process matters.
Bookings, payment and things to know
There are very few tables (around eight), so booking several days in advance isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Cash only is accepted, which is worth knowing before you sit down. The wine list is solid, though some diners would welcome a bit more variety.
Marea doesn’t compete with other restaurants in Sal. It plays its own game… and wins.
Who this restaurant is for
If you’re looking for a refined, intimate and food-focused experience, Marea is one of Santa Maria’s safest bets. If you prefer something casual, fast or spontaneous, it’s probably not for you. This is a place for those who book, sit back and let the kitchen do its work.
