Meet Maurizio, the chef behind new hidden seafood spot Osteria Al Mare

The calendar’s been crowded with restaurant debuts this spring. Two weeks ago, Italian seafood spot Osteria Al Mare opened at the end of the Coast Guard Pier, but it already feels like an old favorite thanks to chef-owner Maurizio Cutrignelli’s hospitality.

Osteria Al Mare isn’t Cutrignelli’s first foray into restaurants: He’s also behind Morgan Hill’s popular Maurizio’s. Cutrignelli moved to Morgan Hill in 1993, first opening Italian deli Piccolo, then his namesake restaurant in 1998. He’s cultivated a following, with diners drawn not just by his food, but his charisma.

Weekly: What inspired the name?

Cutrignelli: Osterias were places to share wine with a friend, a local spot, like a tavern. It’s a place to get together. In Italy, they’re in a place where you think there’s nothing there, but if you go right around the corner, there’s an osteria with people hanging around. Here I got inspired by this place, where you think there’s nothing anymore, but there’s a restaurant.

What’s the biggest misconception about Italian food?

People tend to say Italian food is heavy. Everybody asks for bread, but it’s not part of our culture. Bread is taking over our dishes.

How about the hardest dish to get right?

Aglio e olio peperoncino [spaghetti with garlic, oil, and chilies]. It’s all about the timing.

Best Italian export?

Pizza – true wood-burning pizza.

Worst offense for Italian food?

Pineapple on pizza. It’s very weird.

What’s your favorite thing about Monterey so far?

The ocean. [Motions to waterfront view.]