The All-New Seafood Forward Italian Restaurant “Oltremare” is Opening In Rittenhouse
Looks like Rittenhouse once again is adding another addition to their robust food scene with an all-new seafood restaurant. Oltremare, the new seafood-forward modern Italian restaurant from Chef-Owner and restauranteur Townsend Wentz, is making its debut in the bustling Rittenhouse neighborhood, at 2121 Walnut Street, this December.
Wentz’s second restaurant opening of this year (following The Hayes in January, located adjacent sister-restaurant Oloroso) promises flavors and an atmosphere reminiscent of Italy’s Amalfi Coast through exceptional cuisine and top tier beverage program.
The latest addition to the Townsend Wentz Restaurant Group, which includes Townsend EPX, A Mano, Oloroso, and The Hayes, Oltremare explores Owner/Chef Townsend Wentz’s dual love for culinary and the coast, as he is an avid sailor in addition to restauranteur and accomplished chef.
“Oltremare combines my love of Italian food and the sea,” said Wentz. “The vision for this restaurant is to transport guests to the coast of Italy through not just the interior, but more-so food and drink that you’d commonly find in Positano or Amalfi.”
Upon its mid-December opening, Oltremare promises a robust lineup of seafood-centric dishes, curated by Wentz and his team including revered Chefs Ted Manko and Christopher Reid, such as handmade pastas, crudos, seafood-centric entrées, desserts, and much more.
Menu highlights include:
- Bluefin Tuna Crudo: Pickled Kumquat, Calabrian Chili, Sorreto
- Fluke Ceviche: Mussel Vinaigrette, Fresno Chili, Shisho
- Spaghetti alla Limone: Sorrento Lemon, Parmesan, Basil
- Braised Lamb Pappardelle: Porcini Mushrooms, Pine Nut Gremolata, Sultan Raisin
- Ossobucco Bianco: Creamy Tallegio Polenta, Fennel, Citrus Salad
- Polpo: Charred Octopus, Pepperonata, Saffron, Bouquerones
- Dorade: Braised Escarole, Cipollini Onions, Romesco, Toasted Almond, Taggiasca Olives
- Amaretto Baba: Lemon Chantilly
Guests can look forward to an extensive selection of amaros, Italian wines, and classic and contemporary Italian-inspired tipples including Negroni Spagliatto with Cocchi Torino, Campari, and gin, topped with sparkling wine; Principessa composed of vodka, sage syrup, lime juice, Aperol, and sparkling wine; a riff on the Manhattan fashioned with Averna Amaro, Cardamaro, and rye whiskey; and Il Nono crafted with Tuaca, bourbon, and angostura bitters.
Prior to the pandemic, the space briefly served as Wentz’s eponymous signature restaurant, Townsend, before returning to East Passyunk Avenue as Townsend EPX. Now, the bi-level restaurant has been transformed once again into a sweeping, bright and open-formatted restaurant and bar with hues of blue, white marble, wood accents and a bevy of greenery. Just blocks from Rittenhouse Square, Oltremare is 2,200 square feet and features a spacious main dining room with 70 seats, intimate bar area with seating for 12, and a mezzanine with additional seating. The décor is vibrant, chic, and oceanic; the front windows are lush with live plants, while the main space has low lighting, mirrored arched walls, and plush seating.
Oltremare will open with dinner service six days a week, Tuesday – Sunday, from 4:30 – 10pm. Reservations can be made via Resy in the coming weeks.
