THE FRESHEST OF LOCALLY-FARMED INGREDIENTS

Alta Marea (Italian for “high tide”) is a nod to the incredible power – and bounty – of the sea.

A longtime dream of chef/owner Simone Parisi, AltaMarea is the fourth of his northern Italian dining concepts, but the first to be focused almost exclusively on the culinary delights of the Tuscan Coast.

Like so many Florentines, Simone spent his summers on the northern Italian coast – free diving, spearfishing, and boating from cove to cove. His family passionately loves seafood – and he came to appreciate the unique flavors of everything from octopus to sea urchins to branzino.

At AltaMarea, they use a combination of local and Mediterranean seafood to bring the fresh, clean, and unforgettable flavors of the Tuscan Coast to every plate. Paper-thin slices of tuna, swordfish, and octopus combined with the crisp flavors of citrus, olive oil, and fried capers. Wild-striped sea bass roasted in a stone-hearth oven with a hint of rosemary and lemon. Housemade pasta tossed with yellowtail snapper and fresh heirloom tomatoes.

While the food is certainly the restaurant’s main attraction, it wouldn’t be a proper operation in charming St. Augustine without a bit of something “extra.” Located on the historic city Square, AltaMarea is just steps away from the harbor and the alluring saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean. Perfect for a pre or post-dinner walk. And if that’s not enough – you can watch fresh pasta being made by hand in the front window, peruse the Italian wine selections inside a walk-in wine cellar, or admire the painted octopus that spans the dining room.

Buon Appetito!