Our Story

Two women in white shirts, one kneeling and one standing, laughing in front of a white wall with a large blue outline of the map of Italy.

The name Lu Mare (pronounced Loo MAH-ray) means ‘The Sea’ in the Marchigiano dialect of owner Maria. With the restaurant steps from Wollongong Harbour, and windows that frame the waterfront from every seat, the name felt only right.

Lu Mare is Wollongong’s relaxed coastal restaurant, serving exceptional Italian food made with heart. Our hand-painted mural of Italy reflects the vast regions that influence the menu — from veal cotoletta inspired by Milan to vongole e bottarga reminiscent of Sicily. Some dishes stay close to tradition, while others reinterpret familiar flavours. Every plate speaks to place and season, finished with a thoughtful modern touch.

This is the third collaboration between owners Maria Luciani and Keana Lufe, who have been working together for almost a decade, creating warm, thoughtful venues in Wollongong, designed to bring people together.

Their first, K.malu Kitchen & Bar, brought a fresh take on modern European dining to Keira Street. Then came Casa Lu, a love letter to traditional Italian sandwiches on Kembla Street.

With Lu Mare, Maria shares a part of her heritage with the coastline she now calls home, while Head Chef Keana brings her refined hand to classic Italian flavours. Together, they’ve created a space that feels generous, welcoming and made for all occasions.

Group of people enjoying a meal and drinks at a long outdoor table on a narrow street with brick buildings, some wearing hats and smiling, celebrating together.
A bell hanging in a small arched opening of an old stone brick tower, partially obscured by green leaves in the foreground.
A historic stone fortress with a circular tower and archway, Italian flag flying, in a small town under a clear blue sky.
Person holding a tambourine, dressed in traditional clothing with a floral shawl.
An elderly man with gray hair and sunglasses sitting on a wooden chair in a narrow European alleyway, surrounded by old brick and stucco buildings with shutters and small windows.
Cows grazing and resting on a hillside with green mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of lush green hills, vineyards, and distant mountains seen through a framed opening between brick buildings.
A sunflower in the foreground with a hillside town and church in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.