In Marinetta Ittiturismo (RO)
Embraced by the blue waters, where the Po Delta meets the sea of Rosolina, In Marinetta is one of the most enchanting restaurants in the Veneto where local seafood cuisine and a timeless “à la marinière” style offer truly unforgettable emotions and sunsets.
Immersed in one of the most spectacular lagoons of the Po Delta, among picturesque flocks of pink flamingos and fishing valleys, In Marinetta represents the highlight of a magnificent territory, that of MAB UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, rich in excellence to be discovered.
The area is, in fact, famous for many products: the Scardovari pink oysters, chosen by the best starred chefs in the world, the freshest sea and lagoon fish as well as the algae and herbaceous plants that grow very well here thanks to the brackish and fertile soils and the fossil dunes, the ancient border of the Adriatic Sea.
We love to follow the seasons both with the products of the land and of course with those of the sea. Our dishes tell the story of our territory and the wines of small producers and realities of Italy often still little known.
(Marialuisa Coppola, AIS Sommelier)
The project was born in 2017 from the dream of four friends who decided to create a sea-view retreat for lovers of quality tout court. Thus, they chose one of the most iconic and evocative local areas, that located in front of the Marina di Albarella, and here they built the fascinating panoramic structure that now houses the restaurant.
After a journey through breathtaking views, as soon as you arrive to In Marinetta you are immediately welcomed by the owner Marialuisa, known by all as Isi, the female soul of the entire project, who is supported by a cheerful team of professionals, such as Ilaria, maître d’, who helps her in the guests’ management since the first opening day.
Every detail is taken care of with great taste by Isi herself: like the fresh flowers that adorn the tables, the placemats in natural materials made by the boutique Santandrea19, specialized in collections of textiles and accessories for the yachting world, or the placemats by Vi.Ve Home, another small artisan company in Padua.
Furthermore, as Isi is a professional sommelier, in addition to suggesting the perfect wine pairing, she takes particular care of the mise en place of the drinks, preferring wine glasses from the Austrian brand Riedler that does not use lead in the production of glass.
Sustainability and promotion of the local ecosystem are the cornerstones of the philosophy behind the restaurant. Each aspect of In Marinetta has been developed according to it: from the choice of working exclusively with local suppliers, up to the creation of a territorial menu by the chef Simone Lucini.
In the menu, based on local fresh fish, we find classics such as Spaghetti with clams, strictly without shells, as well as revisited recipes such as “Absolute black”, tagliolini pasta seasoned with cuttlefish ink and cuttlefish pieces served with refermented black garlic and caviar. Very recommended are also the raw fish selection, the pink oysters and the eel cooked three times, so crunchy that you can even eat the skin, which is lacquered with the precious sandbank honey from Apicoltura Marangon (an almost salty honey that is collected on the small sandy formations of the lagoon, called “barene”).
Homemade bread, breadsticks and focaccia are offered as an entrée together with a fragrant mono cultivar tasting oil that varies according to the chef’s inspiration.
At In Marinetta, even the choice of vegetables is not casual. The Po Delta in this area is often sandy and the lands produce wonderful vegetables, which are chosen following the seasons. From the Venice Lagoon also come the famous “purple artichokes of Sant’Erasmo” which in season are a real treat.
Masterfully orchestrated by Isi, the wine list favors national and local products with some forays abroad, especially in France.
Very particular, it has sections dedicated to “sea wines”, “bubbles” and “mountains and hills”. Furthermore, among the “sea wines” ample space is dedicated to “wines from small Italian islands” with whites and rosés from micro-productions.
Since May, the beautiful Terrazza sul Mare has also opened, which comes alive with live music evenings every Thursday evening (just follow the restaurant’s social pages to stay updated on upcoming events) to enjoy an aperitif at sunset, lingering over the delicious menu of cicchetti, pizzas and focaccias or perhaps sipping a cocktail for a romantic after-dinner.
The Secret
Isi has launched a special project that recalls a marine fairy tale. Together with Tenuta Santa Lucia, a winery from Romagna that works exclusively in biodynamics with local grapes, it has collected 120 bottles of unfiltered classic method Sangiovese and Albana in a sealed cage. Lowered into the sea and cradled by waves and marine currents, they rest for 6 months in depth where the wine yeasts continue to work thanks to the natural riddling operated by the movement of the water, giving life to a truly extraordinary bubbly wine. Furthermore, once the bottles are “fished out”, covered with hundreds of mussels, shells and marine residues, they are transformed into true works of art that are exhibited in Marinetta.
Useful Info
In Marinetta Ittiturismo
Via Po di Levante 2a
45010 Rosolina, Rovigo
Tel. +39 345 0318387
(Open from March to January)
Appetizers: 20 — 45 euro
First courses: 20 — 28 euro
Second courses: 25 — 40 euro
Desserts: 8 — 12 euro
Cocktails: from 8 euro
(The cover charge includes homemade bread, breadsticks, tasting oil and small coffee pastries)