Mojacar's Hidden Gem! Is This Italy's BEST Kept Secret?

For an authentic taste of Italy, you don't have to trek all the way to Rome. In fact, if you're lucky enough to be in Mojacar, Spain, you only need to head to the seafront and visit Mare Nostrum. This charming restaurant is serving up seriously delicious artisanal pizzas and hearty bowls of pasta that will transport your taste buds straight to the Italian peninsula.

Mojacar's Hidden Gem! Is This Italy's BEST Kept Se...

What sets Mare Nostrum apart, in my humble opinion, is the dedication to homemade goodness. We're talking everything from the pizza dough itself to those rich, flavourful pasta sauces and even the small selection of desserts. Forget mass-produced, assembly-line food; this is cooking with love and passion. No two pizzas look exactly the same, and honestly, that's part of the charm. Each one is a unique creation, and more importantly, each one is incredibly tasty.

The driving force behind this culinary magic is Head Chef Said. This guy has clearly mastered his craft, and his growing list of accolades speaks for itself. Believe it or not, he even snagged the prestigious "World Pizza Making Championship Caputo Trophy" back in 2022 in Naples, Italy – the very birthplace of pizza! That's some serious pizza cred, right there.

Now, while pizza and pasta are the obvious go-to choices at any Italian restaurant (and trust me, you won't be disappointed with them here), Mare Nostrum also offers some tempting alternatives for the adventurous palate. They boast three different types of risotto, and that stewed beef shank served over saffron rice? It sounds absolutely divine. I'm already planning my next visit just to try that.

And speaking of sharing (or maybe not sharing, depending on your level of greed!), if you're dining with a group, I highly recommend the Nutella Calzone. It's technically designed as a sharing platter, but fair warning: it's so ridiculously good that it might spark a friendly battle over who gets the last slice. I’m not saying friendships will be tested, but… maybe clear your schedule for an extended dessert course!

You can find Mare Nostrum nestled on Paseo del Mediterraneo, 185 in Mojacar. Booking a table is highly recommended, especially during peak season, so give them a call at 658 259 661 or shoot them an email at vidalsaid71@gmail.com. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.