Overlooking the beach of San Vincenzo, La Perla del Mare offers a stunning view of the Tuscan Archipelago. It is the perfect place for those seeking quality, warm hospitality, and a refined atmosphere, where every element, from the dish to the location, contributes harmoniously to the overall experience.
It all began in 1984, when Giampiero and Fernanda bought a beach club with a restaurant. It started as a small seafood trattoria, where ingredient quality was already a top priority. The real turning point came when their son Emanuele met Deborah Corsi. That marked the beginning of a new phase, both personal and professional: from the bar to the dining room and eventually to the kitchen, Deborah worked her way through every part of the restaurant with patience and humility, learning the art of cooking from Emanuele’s mother, Fernanda Novelli. The early years were tough, with long summers and endless shifts, but her passion kept growing, day after day.
Today, Deborah and Emanuele are the beating heart of La Perla del Mare. Along with their daughter Michelle, they carry on a story that began forty years ago, with the same family spirit and an increasingly refined and conscious vision. In 2015, Deborah became a member of the prestigious Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe association, recognized for her ability to blend experimentation with artistic sensitivity.
A cuisine that reflects identity
Deborah Corsi’s cuisine is built on structure, substance, and soul.
“We always start with the ingredients, with their quality. Then comes the technique. Then the presentation.”
Each dish follows a path that can take two directions: one rooted in memory, where the flavour must be recognisable, comforting, and evocative; or one of exploration, with bold pairings that transport the palate elsewhere. In both cases, it is never a mere exercise in style. Every plate has deep roots, an idea born from knowledge and intuition. A local product, a memory, or even a mistake in the kitchen can become a new creation if you have the sensitivity and critical eye to recognise its potential.
Here, cooking is an extension of Deborah’s identity: cultured yet spontaneous, precise but never rigid, deeply rooted in Tuscan tradition yet capable of looking far ahead. Behind every dish there is a vision, but also testing, research, and the desire to move emotions without overwhelming.
Among the dishes that best reflect their philosophy are “My Livorno-style Red Mullet”, the “Single Ricotta and Nettle Raviolo with seabed ragout”, the “Turbot Rack on Savoury Zabaglione, Glazed Leek and Potato Gateau”, and the signature dish “La Perla Mare Blu”. There’s also the striking “Squid Sandwich filled with Prawns, Pea Cream, Burrata and Confit Tomato”, the “Black Garlic Linguine with Three-Shellfish Ragout”, the “Livorno-style Cacciucco”, and the “Campigliese Cheesecake with Pine Nut Ice Cream and Rosemary Air”. The menu changes frequently, following the rhythm of the seasons and Deborah’s creative inspiration, yet always with a consistency that ties together flavour, aesthetics, and truth.
A sincere, never formal, kind of hospitality
It’s easy to feel at home at La Perla del Mare. Not by chance, but by choice.
“We were born as a family-run restaurant with the desire to make a mark in the local dining scene.”
No unnecessary formalities, just constant care. A service that observes, anticipates, and gently looks after guests. Most leave feeling like they’ve been treated as friends, not customers.
This is the true elegance of La Perla del Mare: not an ostentatious one, but a natural kind. Made of unhurried rhythm, space, privacy, and music that supports the atmosphere without ever overpowering it.
And then there’s the setting: the terrace overlooking the sea and the salty breeze blending with the aroma of the dishes. The sunsets, offering an unforgettable show every evening. As the sun goes down, a light breeze rises, making the atmosphere fresh and pleasant, even on the warmest nights.
It’s not a single detail that makes the experience special, but the whole: the light, the sea, the energy of the place.
Future: evolving while staying true to yourself
Commitment and dedication: these are the words Deborah and Emanuele choose to describe themselves. And when they look to the future, they don’t speak of revolutions. Their vision is clear: to constantly improve what already exists, refine it, and help it grow.
At the same time, staying open to evolution remains essential, both in the kitchen and in the dining room, with a desire to experiment with new techniques, stay up to date, and keep growing with curiosity and openness.
“We move forward while preserving our identity; it will be our story that flows through the times to come.”
PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS
La Perla del Mare
Via della Principessa, San Vincenzo (LI)
www.laperladelmare.it
▶ Open for lunch and dinner
▶ Closed on Wednesdays | Closed months: November and January
▶ Reservation recommended at https://laperladelmare.superbexperience.com/
or by phone: +39 0565 702113