Board recommends Mare Mediterranean plan

By Kevin Elliott

Mare Mediterranean is planning to open in the former Cameron’s Steakhouse spot, 115 Willits, following special permit and site plan approval recommendation on Wednesday, May 26, by the Birmingham Planning Board.

Cameron’s closed the 6,891 square-foot establishment abruptly in 2019 without advance notice to customers. The site has been vacant since.

Mare Mediterranean is proposing a new restaurant in the location. The new restaurant would have 181 indoor seats and include a new outdoor patio with seating for an additional 38 people. The patio would be contained within two existing parking spaces and a portion of the sidewalk. A third space will be shared with the valet drop off.

Nino Cutraro is the man behind Mare Mediterranean, which would feature Greek, Italian and Spanish inspired dishes. The menu would consist of raw favorites, such as tartare tuna, ceviche and crudo, along with an array of seafood, kabobs, steaks, chops and other items. Cutraro and his wife took over Bella Piatti, 167 Townsend, in 2013. He is hoping to open Mare in September.

The new proposed restaurant would utilize a Class C liquor license and wouldn’t be contending for one of the city’s limited bistro licenses.

The planning board unanimously recommended approval by the city commission for the special land use permit and final site plan and design review.