On June 8th, Venti, the new restaurant in the heart of Ventimiglia Alta, opened its doors. It features a panoramic terrace adorned with typical Ligurian olive trees overlooking the sea, just a few steps away from the ancient Romanesque church of San Michele. Venti, which means “winds” in Italian, embraces the gentle breezes that caress this city with ancient traditions. It is a central part of the ambitious urban regeneration project called “Marina di Ventimiglia,” initiated by the Marina Development Corporation (MDC). The project aims to revitalize the city’s waterfront with the “Borgo del Forte” residential-hotel complex and the “Borgo del Forte Campus” on the Campasso area, which includes an international school, an urban park, and sports facilities. This marks the second MDC establishment opening, following the successful inauguration of the Antica Gelateria d’Autore on Via Garibaldi in July 2021, which has become a renowned gelato destination in the city.

Venti draws inspiration from the design of yachts and vintage boats, incorporating walnut wood paneling, brass details, marble accents, and Murano glass chandeliers. The outdoor spaces are extraordinary, characterized by the abundant use of wood and plants that blend harmoniously with the olive trees on the panoramic terrace, where guests can savor gourmet dishes crafted by the chef.

To lead Venti, MDC has embraced the future by forming a joint venture with two young but already established figures in the Riviera’s food and wine scene: Diego Pani and Paolo Roi.

Diego Pani, a third-generation chef and restaurateur, has worked in some of Italy and France’s most prestigious kitchens. He currently heads Maison Pani, a family-owned company comprising three distinct restaurants in Ventimiglia and Bordighera. “I am thrilled to inaugurate my fourth dining establishment with my friend Paolo Roi,” comments Chef Diego Pani. “At Venti, I will serve a completely Mediterranean cuisine that knows no boundaries. The winds will carry us to encounter Greek influences, spices from North Africa, and peppers from the Basque Country. Finally, Roi’s extra virgin olive oil will be the common thread in a menu that pays special attention to our sea’s raw flavors.”

Paolo Roi, originally from Badalucco, a small village nestled in the Ligurian Argentina Valley, hails from a historic company that has been producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil for five generations. After traveling for studies and personal enrichment, he returned home to contribute to the family business and his land. Roi states, “When I first heard about this project, I couldn’t help but think of my friend Diego to develop it. The first time we saw the location, it was difficult to imagine the marvel it has become. We are embarking on this venture with great enthusiasm, fully aware that its unique location and beautiful olive grove will be cherished from the beginning. In the kitchen, Diego will showcase his finest techniques to convey the culture of the sea that bathes our shores.”

“The mission of MDC in revitalizing Ventimiglia,” concludes Giuseppe Noto, CEO of MDC, “has led us to collaborate with young and talented local entrepreneurs, whom I thank for the enthusiasm they have brought to this partnership since day one. We remain determined to make Ventimiglia increasingly appealing to international tourists and guide them in discovering the wonders that the city has to offer.