Riva Mare

Renowned restaurateur Steve Palmer is opening a new coastal Italian rooftop restaurant in the Charleston Design District at Navy Yard Charleston this summer. Inspired by fishing villages along Italy’s Ligurian Coast, Riva Mare will serve Lowcountry seafood with European influence. Set atop Storehouse Nine overlooking the Cooper River's working waterfront, Riva Mare will be the first full-service food and beverage experience to join the creative ecosystem rising as part of the multi-phase Navy Yard Charleston redevelopment.

A love letter to the Italian coast, Riva Mare will embrace a chic, coastal vibe: lively, joyful, and deeply rooted in la dolce vita, with nods to both the port city of Genoa and the Navy Yard’s maritime history. Designed to feel like a timeless seaside retreat, the restaurant’s aesthetic will blend an open kitchen, warm woods, marine-inspired furniture accented by red and white striped décor, and relaxed outdoor spaces. David Thompson Architects is leading the restaurant’s design alongside Jamestown with Lennon Construction managing the buildout.

Riva Mare’s menu will celebrate coastal Italian cooking with a focus on fresh, local seafood, crudos, whole roasted fish, house-made pestos, and rich olive oils with unfussy, intentional preparations that allow ingredients to shine. Wood-fired dishes and seasonal accompaniments will round out the offerings inspired by the coastal land and surrounding sea. Additional details, including the culinary staff and opening timeline, will be announced in the coming months.