Nove

The story

Nove, Alassio – Michelin-Starred Ligurian Dining at Villa della Pergola

A Setting by the Sea

Dining at Nove means taking a seat in one of the most evocative locations on the Ligurian Riviera. The restaurant is part of the historic Villa della Pergola, a celebrated 19th-century estate whose gardens are widely considered the most beautiful in Italy. Guests dine overlooking the sea, surrounded by the scents of wisteria and Mediterranean herbs. Since 2020, Nove has also been part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux family, a testament to the quality of both the setting and the experience.

Chef Antonio Romano and His Philosophy

Chef Antonio Romano leads the kitchen with a clear vision. Having worked in a contemporary art museum context before arriving in Alassio, he found immediate familiarity in the seaside town. For him, the contrast between that modern backdrop and the historic, natural setting of Villa della Pergola is deeply inspiring. The estate’s gardens and vegetable patch – the Orto Rampante – are central to his cooking. He describes the daily relationship with those who grow and care for the ingredients as a rare opportunity. That connection to the land defines Nove’s approach to Ligurian cuisine.

Recognition and the Menu

Nove earned its first Michelin star in November 2020, a milestone that reflects the kitchen’s precision and respect for the territory. The restaurant has also received two forks from Gambero Rosso, two hats from the Guida de L’Espresso (ranking second in Liguria and among the top 150 in Italy), and accolades from the Touring Club Italiano and GattiMassobrio guides.

The menu is offered both à la carte and as tasting menus, with a notably generous vegetarian selection. All dishes are built around seasonal ingredients sourced from the estate’s gardens and the Orto Rampante, steering the diner through a rediscovery of local flavours while also drawing on Italian excellence and subtle international influences. The result is a Ligurian cuisine that feels both rooted and refined, served in a place where history, nature, and gastronomy converge.