Restaurateur Steve Palmer of Indigo Road Hospitality Group is set to unveil a new concept this summer.
Riva Mare will open atop Storehouse Nine in the Charleston Design District at Navy Yard, offering coastal Italian cuisine with views of the Cooper River waterfront, according to a press release.
“Italy is an incredibly diverse country, and I’ve always been especially drawn to the vibrant, ingredient-driven cuisine of its coast,” Palmer said in a statement “I’m excited to bring that energy to the Navy Yard and be part of the momentum happening there right now.”
Navy Yard Charleston is transforming the former Charleston Naval Base into an 85-acre mixed-use neighborhood in North Charleston.
The redevelopment combines restored historic buildings with new construction and is home to dozens of businesses, with plans to grow to more than 3.2 million square feet of offices, residences, retail, dining, entertainment and cultural spaces.
Riva Mare will be the first full-service restaurant to debut in the redevelopment.
The menu will fuse Italian and Lowcountry flavors, showcasing local seafood, crudos, whole roasted fish, and housemade pestos and olive oils. Wood-fired dishes and seasonal offerings will complete the selection.
The restaurant is designed as a “timeless seaside retreat,” blending Genoa’s port-city charm with Navy Yard’s maritime history. Interiors will feature warm woods, marine-inspired furnishings, red-and-white striped accents and an inviting outdoor space for guests.
The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is a Charleston, South Carolina-based company founded in 2009. What began with a single restaurant has grown into a collection of more than two dozen concepts across the Southeast, including locations in Charleston, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte and Washington, D.C.
The group operates a range of restaurants such as O‑Ku, Oak Steakhouse, Indaco and The Cocktail Club.
“At The Indigo Road, no two concepts are the same–because no two places are the same. Whether it’s a hotel, a restaurant, or a rooftop bar, we don’t impose a brand; we uncover a story. Every space we create is shaped by the history, culture, and character of its surroundings, forging an authentic connection between past and present, guest and destination,” the group’s website reads.
Known for its people-first approach, Indigo Road emphasizes hospitality, community, and creating meaningful guest experiences.
Riva Mare does not have an official opening date yet, but on Saturday, March 14, it will host an Insider’s Pass luncheon during Historic Charleston Foundation’s annual Charleston by Design fundraiser, giving 100 VIP guests a first look at the space.
Visit the Riva Mare website and follow along on Facebook for updates.
