Hello dear
Il Marin, perched on the top floor of Calata Cattaneo in Genoa, is a culinary gem that offers an innovative fine dining experience paired with breathtaking views, especially at sunset. The open kitchen allows diners to witness the artistry of chefs plating exquisite dishes. Guests rave about the 7-course mystery tasting menu, where each course presents creative flavors that delight the palate. Impeccable service and thoughtful wine pairings enhance the experience, making the value astonishing for high-end dining. With a focus on quality, artistry, and a warm atmosphere, Il Marin is a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking memorable gastronomic adventures.
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If you’re searching for an exceptional culinary experience in the heart of Genoa, look no further than Il Marin. Nestled on the top floor of Calata Cattaneo, this fine dining destination not only dazzles with its culinary creativity but also offers breathtaking views of the city, especially during sunset. The blend of stunning panoramas and innovative cuisine sets the stage for a truly memorable meal.
The charm of Il Marin lies in its open kitchen concept, where diners can witness the artistry and precision of chefs crafting each dish. It creates a captivating ambiance that elevates the dining experience, allowing a closer connection between the food and the creators. The restaurant is all about surprises, best exemplified by their signature 7-course mystery tasting menu. As one reviewer noted, each course is an unexpected delight that pushes the boundaries of flavor, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Patrons frequently rave about the remarkable affordability of the tasting menus, considering the high-quality dishes presented. With highlights like dry-aged fish, Bottoni Molluscs, and a mind-blowing Tortellini with pesto, Il Marin proves that exceptional dining doesn't always mean exorbitant prices. Guests have walked away not just satisfied but thoroughly impressed with the generous portions and exquisite wine pairings that significantly enhance the meal.
While the experience is generally one of attentive service, it’s worth mentioning that some diners have reported slightly slower pacing between courses, which may affect the overall dining experience. However, this only adds to the leisurely enjoyment of the meticulously crafted dishes. In the serene atmosphere, the culinary highlights—like the beloved pickled fennel paired with soft focaccia—spark conversations and ignites appreciation for the craft of gastronomy.
In conclusion, whether you are a local or a traveler exploring the vibrant food scene of Genoa, Il Marin is a culinary gem that invites you to indulge in a feast for the senses. As many have echoed, it's an experience you won't forget—an exploration of tastes and techniques that belong in the realm of true culinary artistry.
“ Beautiful 5 course dinner with many options to choose from. Great wait staff as well! ”
“ By far the best culinary experience I have had in Italy. The place was beautiful, right next to a window with a great view on the top floor. The staff could not be better, they were friendly and even though there was some limitations on the language it was still a great experience. The prices were not high for the quantity and quality. No doubt that I would come back here. If you are a tourist or local you must come and visit this place. I still cannot believe a paid 30eur for all these dishes. ”
“ Great first experience in a starred restaurant. Food was unbelievable! We had the classic menu, 5 courses picked by the chef (the last one is always a dessert). Amouse bouche really appreciated and some of them super tasty - my favorite was the pickled fennel! Focaccia was super soft and truly an helpful tool to do ‘scarpetta’. Tortellini with pesto was mind blowing too! A wonderful experience, the service was very attentive and explained every dish with all the details. My only side note is that the service was extremely slow, about 30 min in between courses, a bit too long in my opinion, considering the restaurant was almost empty. Also a backhoe music would be appreciated as it was super quiet inside and almost felt awkward to talk! Price is right for the experience- definitely worth it! ”
“ We had an incredible lunch at Il Marin today. The service from Stefano was impeccable, whilst each dish left us pleasantly surprised. There were no problems with feeling hungry after the meal. In fact, we finished the 7 courses full to the brim, happily satisfied. The wine pairings were also great. I'd have no hesitation recommending Il Marin to anyone that wants a special lunch/dinner in Genoa. ”
“ Innovative fine dining with a view Centrally located and set on the top floor, this place offers a beautiful view — especially at sunset. One of the coolest parts is the open kitchen: you can watch the chefs plate each dish with precision, which adds to the whole experience! We went for the 7-course mystery tasting menu and were blown away. The flavours were creative, unexpected, and absolutely delicious. Every dish felt like a surprise. For this level of cooking, the price was more than reasonable. A must-visit for food lovers! ”
“ High-quality raw materials used to propose original dishes with an intense and delicious flavour. We took the chef's menu of classics and were delighted. The focaccia genovese with seaweed, breadsticks and crispy tongues served at the opening all made by the Eataly bakery... sublime. We will return with pleasure to taste more dishes. Very good the chef and very good the guys in the dining room. ”
“ Some of the best Value you can get out of a tasting menu. The Mare menu 5 course was excellent, the dry aged fish, Bottoni Molluscs, Risotto, and Monk Fish were all wonderful. Portions were nice and Breads were plenty. ”
“ Best rooftop restaurant in town We’re Genovese and live right across from this place, so when we want to be sure we’ll eat well and enjoy a professional (but never stiff) service, we come here. We dined on the terrace at golden hour with a surprise five-course tasting menu — rooted in Ligurian tradition, but elevated with remarkable creativity. The kind of cuisine that speaks for itself. No need for theatrics or fuss: just real, expressive food. Their take on the cappon magro — which you can see in the photo I’ve posted — is simply unforgettable. I won’t share more images, to avoid spoilers, but each course was a discovery. The wine list is solid, with some of the best Ligurian bottles we’ve tried. And the atmosphere? Relaxed yet refined. This is not a rigid fine dining spot — it’s a place where innovation and local identity meet, without losing warmth. Whether you’re from Genoa and want to see how traditional dishes can evolve, or you’re a curious traveler who’s already experienced more classic local cuisine and wants to go beyond — Marin is a must-visit. We come here once or twice a year, and we’ve always been impressed — not just since the Michelin star, but long before that. The team is committed and consistent, and they truly respect dietary needs: you’ll find excellent vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options thoughtfully integrated into the menu. Price-to-quality ratio? Fair and well balanced, considering the level of the kitchen and the overall experience. ”