Sarri
Imperia, Italy
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
This attractive restaurant boasts a beautiful location in the charming Borgo Prino, a row of houses facing the sea and painted in the pastel shades typical of the region. Liguria’s legendary mild climate means that meals can often be enjoyed outdoors, but if that’s not an option there’s also a charming dining room in an old warehouse decorated in impeccable contemporary style. The faultless, elegant service here is overseen with skill and charm by the chef’s wife, Alessandra. We’ve left the real reason for our enthusiasm until last: owner-chef Andrea Sarri delights guests with his superb cuisine, which features top-quality fish and seafood from the Ligurian Sea, as well as seasonal vegetables and beansprouts grown in organic gardens, all of which result in highly original dishes such as the “vertical” raw fish or the shellfish from Oneglia cooked in a stew with aromatic herbs.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Sarri in Imperia:
1. Fusion of Tradition and Modern Sophistication
Sarri uniquely blends Ligurian gastronomic tradition with a modern, sophisticated approach. Chef Andrea Sarri is known for combining the freshest local seafood and ingredients into innovative dishes that honor Ligurian roots while presenting them in a contemporary style.
2. Location and Ambiance in Borgo Prino
The restaurant is situated in the charming Borgo Prino, a picturesque row of pastel-colored houses facing the sea, offering a beautiful and atmospheric setting. This seaside location, combined with the possibility of dining outdoors thanks to Liguria’s mild climate, adds a distinctive charm to the dining experience.
3. Use of Organic Gardens and Original Dishes
Sarri incorporates seasonal vegetables and beansprouts grown in organic gardens, which is quite unconventional for a seafood-focused restaurant. This results in highly original dishes such as “vertical” raw fish and shellfish from Oneglia cooked in a stew with aromatic herbs, showcasing creativity and sustainability in ingredient sourcing.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Sarri in Imperia are:
Fresh fish and seafood from the Ligurian Sea: This is a cornerstone of the cuisine, reflecting the restaurant's coastal location. Examples include red mullet and shellfish from Oneglia, often featured in dishes like shellfish stew with aromatic herbs or red mullet with purple asparagus and gin-lemon salad.
Seasonal vegetables and produce from the chef’s family farm: Many fruits, vegetables, and olive oil come from Andrea Sarri’s uncle’s farm, emphasizing freshness and local sourcing. These ingredients are used in evolving dishes such as cappelletti with rabbit and Rascera cheese, and seasonal vegetable accompaniments.
Meat sourced from nearby Cuneo: While seafood dominates, select meats from nearby regions are used thoughtfully, for example in dishes like cappelletti of rabbit.
Rascera cheese: A local cheese featured in signature pasta dishes, adding regional authenticity and flavor depth.
Dehydrated capers and melon gazpacho: Used in creative combinations, such as with foie gras and prawns, showcasing a playful and modern approach to Ligurian ingredients.
These ingredients highlight Sarri’s philosophy of combining local, seasonal, and high-quality produce with a light, playful culinary style that honors the Ligurian coast and its traditions.