Santamonica

The story

Santamonica Genoa – Modern Seafood & Local Cuisine by the Sea | Michelin Recommended

A project in constant evolution

Santamonica sits directly on Genoa’s seafront promenade, Lungomare Lombardo, with a dining room that looks out onto the beach of San Giuliano. In summer, the terrace opens, making the most of the coastal setting. It is a restaurant built on a simple conviction: “A restaurant should make you feel better than when you walked in. Everything else comes after.” That line, from owners Monica and Andrea, sets the tone for the entire experience.

The kitchen is led by Chef Nicolò Lazzaroni, and the cooking is rooted in the Ligurian territory. The team sources fish from Camogli, vegetables from a small garden on the hills above Genoa, and makes their own fresh pasta, bread, focaccia, and desserts. The style is contemporary but grounded — dishes are elaborated yet direct, with an emphasis on the quality of the raw ingredients.

Tasting menus and a Ligurian cellar

Alongside the à la carte menu, Santamonica offers two tasting menus: “Sei” (six courses, EUR 90) and “Sette” (seven courses, EUR 110), each available with a wine pairing. The menus change with the catch of the day. The a la carte includes dishes such as local squid with fresh peas, bagna cauda, and kefir; Mancini square spaghettoni with sea anemones, nduja, and marjoram; and a playful “Tournedos alla Rossini” made with lamb, monkfish liver, purple prawn butter, and sea truffles.

The wine list is curated by sommelier Monica Capurro, with a strong focus on Ligurian bottles — a natural match for the seafood. The list also features a growing selection of natural wines, many available by the glass.

Recognition and atmosphere

Santamonica has been recognized in the Michelin guide, a fitting acknowledgment for a restaurant that balances technical precision with a genuine sense of place. The dining room is elegant but relaxed, and the team is attentive to dietary needs, asking guests to flag allergies or intolerances in advance so the kitchen can adapt without compromising the experience.

It is a restaurant that feels both of its moment and deeply connected to Genoa — a place where modern seafood cuisine is practiced with care, clarity, and a warm welcome.