Aquamarina: Rome’s Uniquely Elegant Seafood Trattoria at Umiltà 36
In Rome's historic Trevi district, steps away from the Quirinale, Aquamarina has launched as the city’s latest seafood destination, located within the five-star Umiltà 36 hotel. This newest offering from Shedir Collection follows the success of Adelaide at Vilòn and Don Pasquale at Maalot and stands out as the first of their restaurants dedicated entirely to seafood. Aquamarina presents a fresh concept in Roman dining, inviting patrons to experience "the sea beneath Rome's sky" with a menu and ambiance that evoke Mediterranean coastal life.
Located within the elegant five-star hotel Umiltà 36 in Rome, Aquamarina serves a refined seafood experience in the style of a luxury trattoria, open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Led by the young and attentive maître d’ Martino Grassi, the restaurant combines high-quality hospitality with an inviting, coastal-inspired atmosphere. Designed by Studio CaberlonCaroppi, Aquamarina’s space features elements like Murano glass turtles, vibrant ceramic fish, and a skylight that fills intimate tables with natural light, evoking the Mediterranean right in the heart of Rome.
Each restaurant in the Shedir Collection - Adelaide at Vilòn, Don Pasquale at Maalot, and now Aquamarina, has its own unique identity, with Aquamarina focusing exclusively on seafood (molluschi e pesci in Italian). Chef Fabrizio Leggiero’s menu centers on simplicity and fresh, clean flavors, highlighting the daily catch in straightforward yet expertly crafted dishes. This culinary philosophy is further elevated by sommelier Matteo Pola’s curated wine list and creative sea-inspired cocktails, offering thoughtfully designed pairings with each meal. Aquamarina is fast becoming a favorite for both locals and visitors, delivering seafood at its finest in a chic, relaxed setting.
Chef Fabrizio Leggiero and His Cuisine
Chef Fabrizio Leggiero, whose name fittingly recalls his mastery of seafood, is the creative force behind Aquamarina's menu. His culinary career spans revered Roman institutions like Pierluigi, a longstanding seafood destination, and El Toulà, where he honed his skills over 15 years. Known for his focus on clean, precise flavors, Leggiero’s cuisine celebrates simplicity, using top-quality ingredients prepared with meticulous attention to detail. At Aquamarina, he brings this expertise to life, blending traditional Roman seafood preparations with modern, sustainable practices. His dishes emphasize the natural flavors of the ocean, from sourcing the freshest catch each morning to presenting them with thoughtful simplicity at the table.
Sommelier Matteo Pola and His Wine Selection
Matteo Pola, formerly sommelier at Rome's Michelin-starred and multi-awarded Zia, brings his expertise to Aquamarina with a meticulously curated wine selection. His list includes around 80 labels, featuring a diverse array of Italian and French sparkling wines and a strong emphasis on Italian whites, ideal for pairing with seafood. Pola also introduces a creative cocktail menu inspired by the sea, with selections like "Moby Dick" and "Poseidon," designed to enhance the flavors of the restaurant’s fresh, raw seafood dishes. This thoughtful beverage program perfectly complements Chef Leggiero’s cuisine, offering guests a fully immersive taste of the sea’s finest.
The Menu and Prices
The menu at Aquamarina is rooted in the fresh catch of the day, allowing diners to enjoy a variety of seafood options that echo the flavors of a Mediterranean fishing village. Starters range from delicate raw dishes like tartare and carpaccio at €16, served with julienned vegetables and light herb emulsions, to warm seafood classics, including Catalan-style lobster (€36 for two) and Prawns alla Pizzaiola (€16). The crispy anchovies (€14) offer a delightful homage to the Mediterranean “silver of the sea.”
The Mare Mare appetizer (€22) presents a playful array of hot and cold starters, perfect for sharing in the restaurant’s relaxed, convivial atmosphere. Pasta dishes highlight Italian seafood tradition, like Homemade Egg Tagliolini with Garlic, Oil, and Sea Bass (€18) and Fettuccelle with Sicilian Red Prawns (€22). For a richer option, the Scampi Cream Risotto (€24), topped with Campania stracciatella, showcases Chef Leggiero’s balance of texture and flavor.
For main courses, diners can choose from various cooking styles, including salt-baked, “acqua pazza,” grilled, or skillet-prepared dishes, with options like Baby Squid with Peas and Mint (€21). Whole fish is available depending on the daily catch, priced at €7 per 100 grams and served tableside. For a traditional touch, the Fried Fish Platter (€18) brings a satisfying, lightly crispy end to the seafood selection.
Desserts by Pastry Chef Marta Bertini provide a fitting finale, with options like Gianduja Rocher with raspberry and chocolate sauce for the sweet-toothed or a Lemon Delight with pistachio cream for a refreshing finish.
Shedir Collection and Umiltà 36
Umiltà 36 is the third addition to Shedir Collection’s luxury hotel portfolio in Rome, joining the renowned Vilòn and Maalot hotels. Shedir Collection specializes in creating distinctive, high-end accommodations that fuse Italian heritage with modern elegance, catering to travelers who seek both exclusivity and a rich cultural experience. Each property in the collection has a unique identity, offering a blend of art, design, and refined hospitality tailored to meet the needs of discerning guests.
Located in the heart of Rome, Umiltà 36 is a sophisticated retreat ideal for cosmopolitan travelers and business professionals. It combines contemporary art with the geometric elegance of mid-century architectural design, creating an environment that feels both exclusive and welcoming. With 47 meticulously appointed rooms, suites, and apartments, Umiltà 36 offers a range of accommodations to suit diverse needs, each space designed to provide comfort and style. High ceilings, emphasized with solid wood paneling, evoke the authentic charm of the 1950s, giving the hotel an airy yet intimate atmosphere that captures Rome's timeless appeal.
Aquamarina
Address: Umiltà 36 - Via dell’Umità 36, 00187 Rome (RM), Italy
Tel: +39 06878080
Website: https://umilta36.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umilta36
