About us
"La Pignese is not just a restaurant: it is a story of family, cuisine and seafood
which has been handed down for generations."
La Pignese, one of the oldest restaurants in Liguria, is located in the ancient seaside village above the old port of Sanremo, in the old fishermen's square between Piazza Bresca and Piazza Sardi.
A story that feels like home
The name La Pignese comes from the restaurant's first owner, who was originally from Pigna, a small village in the Ligurian hinterland.
Over the years, the restaurant became a meeting place for carters who came down to Sanremo with products from the valleys, destined for the English and Russian aristocratic families who chose the Riviera to spend the winter, attracted by the mild climate and authentic cuisine.
"Those who enter La Pignese are not customers.
They are guests. They are part of our history."
In 1919, after returning from the war, Giacomo, the founder of the Ventimiglia family, took over the tavern, which has remained firmly in the hands of the same family ever since.
His son Mario continued the tradition, combining it with his sporting career as a footballer and coach (Juventus and Sampdoria).
But it was Renza, his wife and mother of the current owner Marco, who represented the true heart and mind of La Pignese: an extraordinary, passionate, tireless woman.
She was the silent but powerful driving force behind the business, the constant presence who shaped the restaurant's identity with dedication, vision, and a deep knowledge of cuisine.
Today, Marco represents the third generation, driven by the same passion and with a deep respect for his family roots.
Alongside him lives the spirit of the women of the house, whose recipes and insights have made our interpretation of Ligurian cuisine unique, combining tradition and innovation.
We have been here for over a hundred years, in the heart of Sanremo, overlooking a corner of beauty.
But what makes us truly special is not just the time that has passed: it is the way we continue to live it.
With passion, care, and humanity.
Today, La Pignese is a restaurant where every detail has a soul, every gesture conveys a value, every dish carries a story.
It is an experience of flavors, hospitality, and memory.
It is home for those seeking something authentic.
It is emotion for those who recognize beauty in things made with the heart.
"Cooking is memory.
And at La Pignese, every dish tells our story."
Our Family
in the Kitchen and Dining Room
At La Pignese, every dish is the result of teamwork, guided by dedication, respect, and a love of cooking.
Chef, dining room, and kitchen: united by a passion for excellence and the art of hospitality.
Every day, with skill and heart, we create an experience that goes beyond taste. We share a passion for cooking, respect for tradition, and the joy of making you feel at home.
The Team
Come visit us!
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