A culinary legacy built by a maritime power. Experience the pinnacle of seafood Italian in Venice.

SANTO MARE | Santo Mare

Just a few minutes' walk from St. Mark's Square in Venice. In July 2025, a new seafood restaurant, "Santo Mare," opened its doors within the historic 12th-century building of the Baglioni Hotel Luna. The operation is managed by Reitano Food, an international restaurant group led by young entrepreneur Andrea Reitano. The Santo Mare brand, which has achieved great success in London and Miami, has finally landed in Venice, the heartland of Italian seafood cuisine.

Text by Takashi Tsuchida

A New Generation Restaurant with a Proven Track Record in London and Miami Finally Arrives in Authentic Italy

Venice was once a major hub that dominated Mediterranean trade, a crossroads for Eastern and Western cultures and goods. What supported its prosperity was, without a doubt, the "sea." Therefore, opening a seafood restaurant in this city is not merely an expansion. It is an act of respect for the culinary culture built by a maritime nation, and simultaneously, a grand challenge.

Andrea Reitano moved to London at the age of 19, beginning his career in the food and beverage industry. Just one year later, at 20, he became a partner at "Assunta Madre" in Mayfair, embarking on his path as a restaurateur. His subsequent trajectory has been remarkable. Now 31, he operates five restaurants in London, two in Miami, and one in Milan, with plans to expand to New York and Mexico City by 2027.

The UK restaurant review site Hardens rated Santo Mare in London as "very good all-round." It noted that "high-quality Italian seafood (some directly from tanks) and elegant interiors have earned it a solid reputation." Furthermore, in 2025, he opened a new concept, "Nonna Mamma," within the luxury department store Selfridges in London, showing no signs of slowing down.

Reimagining Italian Fishmonger Culture with a Modern Sensibility

The concept of Santo Mare is rooted in the traditional Italian fishmonger (pescheria) culture. Walk through any Italian port town, and you'll see vibrant seafood meticulously arranged on ice. It's the everyday scene of locals choosing fish for their daily meals. Santo Mare transplants the intimacy and trust of those fishmongers into the refined atmosphere of a high-end restaurant.

Upon entering the restaurant, the first sight that greets guests is the array of beautifully displayed fresh fish in a case. Guests can examine the fish laid out at the counter with their own eyes and, in conversation with the chef, decide on their dish for the day. This meticulous attention to detail is carried over to the new Venice location.

Santo Mare's menu is simple yet striking, focusing on the highest quality seafood sourced from across the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean Tuna Tartare subtly reflects the allure of the sea. Prepared to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients, its taste offers a bright, clear profile, honoring the ocean's bounty. It embodies an Italian simplicity that evokes the tranquility of a seaside morning. Finely diced tuna is elegantly presented on a potato base, its vibrant red color speaking volumes.

Sicilian Red Prawn Carpaccio uses the prized red prawns from Mazara del Vallo, a treasure nurtured by the Sicilian sea. Served raw, the dish accentuates the ingredient's natural appeal, evoking the island's rich marine culture. It embodies the Mediterranean culinary principle of "minimal intervention for the finest ingredients."

Sea Bass Tartare with Avocado and Lime encapsulates the history of Venice, a city where cultures have converged. The delicate umami of the sea bass is layered with the creaminess of avocado and the zest of lime, offering a modern interpretation that reflects contemporary Italy, open to the world. This dish, where ingredients from East and West meet, truly expresses the essence of Venice itself.

Spaghetti alle Vongole is an icon of Mediterranean cuisine. This dish, elegant in its simplicity, evokes seaside trattorias frequented by fishermen, yet possesses a refined quality suitable for sophisticated tables—a timelessly beloved flavor. Santo Mare's vongole features clams whose essence perfectly coats the pasta, with the aroma of parsley tantalizing the senses. Its simplicity makes it a true test of a restaurant's skill, revealing the quality of its ingredients.

A Special Time in a Palace Once Home to the Knights Templar

The reason to visit Santo Mare is not solely the cuisine. The venue itself, the "Baglioni Hotel Luna," is another star attraction.

Built in the 12th century, this palace once served as a residence for the Knights Templar and holds the distinction of being Venice's oldest hotel, operating under the name "Osteria della Luna." Its location, just steps from St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace, makes it an ideal base for exploring Venice.

Throughout the hotel, Venetian traditions of beauty are evident, with Murano chandeliers, original frescoes, and elegant marble bathrooms. The Terrace Suite, offering panoramic views of San Giorgio Island, is a prime spot to savor the beauty of the lagoon.

Furthermore, the hotel's private dock allows for elegant arrivals by water taxi or gondola. The entire experience, unique to Venice, the city of canals, promises to exceed all expectations.

The Genes of a Maritime Nation Reborn Today

The Republic of Venice, once known as the "Queen of the Adriatic," dominated Mediterranean trade. Its prosperity stemmed from advanced navigation skills and the wisdom to maximize the bounty of the sea. Santo Mare can be seen as embodying these very genes in the modern era.

The highest quality seafood from the Mediterranean, respect for Italian fishmonger culture, and contemporary sophistication. The fusion of these elements creates a cultural experience that transcends that of a mere seafood restaurant.

After achieving success in London and Miami, Santo Mare makes its triumphant return to Italy. In the special setting of Venice, Andrea Reitano is charting a new course for Italian cuisine. The latest chapter in the gastronomic legacy built by a maritime power has begun at Santo Mare. If you visit Venice now, you should consider making this restaurant your destination and staying at the "Baglioni Hotel Luna."

**Santo Mare at Baglioni Hotel Luna**
Location | San Marco 1243, 30124 Venice, Italy
Reservations & Inquiries |venice@santomare.com
Hours | Lunch 12:00-15:00 / Dinner 19:00-22:30 (Open daily)
Access | Approx. 3 minutes on foot from St. Mark's Square; arrival by water taxi or gondola to the hotel's private dock is also possible

**Baglioni Hotel Luna**
Website |venice.baglionihotels.com

Contact

Baglioni Hotels & Resorts Japan PR Agency
Heavens Portfolio (Contact: Saito)

ryosuke.saito@heavensportfolio.com

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