Colorado Springs Food Photographer | Osteria Al Mare, Monterey

Every once in a while, a restaurant feels less like a dining room and more like an experience. Osteria Al Mare, tucked along the scenic Monterey coastline, is one of those places. Led by Chef Maurizio Cutrignelli, this Italian gem blends coastal freshness with the warmth of Southern Italy, creating dishes that speak directly to the soul.

As a Colorado Springs food photographer, I’m always drawn to restaurants where creativity, craftsmanship, and community come together — and Osteria Al Mare was all of that and more.

Capturing Culinary Artistry

Our photoshoot was as immersive as the food itself. The air was filled with the scent of garlic and olive oil while Chef Maurizio worked with the focus of an artist, plating handmade pastas, delicate seafood, and rustic Italian classics. Each dish told a story — one of heritage, precision, and pure love for the craft.

I approached this session with a documentary mindset, wanting to preserve both the food and the atmosphere that surrounds it. Every detail — from the gleam of a wine glass to the steam rising off a freshly tossed linguine — added to the story.

If you love this style of restaurant photography, you might also enjoy my other collaborations with culinary teams like:

• Food Photography at Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen

• Another Photography Session with Poke House | Round II Food Photography

• Food Photography Session with El Greco Grill

Natural Light and Artful Composition

I relied primarily on natural light streaming through the restaurant’s windows to illuminate the dishes, complemented by subtle reflectors to bring out each texture and tone. The interplay of light and shadow created a warmth that matched the intimacy of dining at Osteria Al Mare.

Food photography, for me, isn’t just about making a dish look appetizing — it’s about capturing a feeling. The light, the motion in the kitchen, the pause before the first bite — that’s what brings an image to life. You can learn more about this approach in my Branding & Lifestyle Sessions, where I combine story-driven photography with brand identity.

A Taste of Italy in Monterey

Dining at Osteria Al Mare feels like stepping into a seaside trattoria in Italy. From handmade pasta to the fresh catch of the day, every meal celebrates tradition and innovation in equal measure. Chef Maurizio’s ability to blend authenticity with creativity is what makes this restaurant unforgettable.

For anyone planning a visit to Monterey, I can’t recommend this place enough. You can explore their menu and reserve a table at Osteria Al Mare — and prepare to be transported straight to Italy.

Colorado Springs Food Photographer

Whether you run a restaurant, café, or creative food brand in Colorado Springs or beyond, high-quality photography can bring your menu — and your story — to life. I’d love to help you capture that same authenticity and artistry.

📩 Inquire about your branding session here