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.

“We’re bringing Italy to our harbour…”

The name Lu Mare (pronounced Loo MAH-ray) means ‘The Sea’ in owner Maria’s Marchigiano dialect. 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 new relaxed coastal restaurant, serving exceptional Italian food made with heart. Honest, traditional dishes from both the coast and countryside, great wine, and that welcoming Italian spirit.

Our hand-painted mural of Italy reflects the range of regional dishes on our menu—from veal cotoletta inspired by Milan to vongole e bottarga from Sicily. Each dish tells a story of place, season, and memory. We bring it to life with local, seasonal produce and a gentle 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 time-honoured dishes. Together, they’ve created a space that feels familiar, generous, 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.