Sementis: The Taste of Consciousness in the Heart of Pietrasanta
In the artistic heart of Pietrasanta, there is a place where food is more than just nourishment—it’s an experience that connects people to nature, tradition, and awareness.
Sementis is not just a vegan restaurant; it’s a space where every dish tells a story—one of carefully selected ingredients, deep respect for the environment, and a passion for plant-based cuisine.
Behind this project are Masha and Luca, two dreamers with a vision, who turned their idea into reality: creating a restaurant that is also a gathering place for those seeking a sustainable and authentic approach to food.
With their philosophy of “Conscious Nourishment”, they have crafted a menu that blends Italian tradition with international influences, proving that plant-based eating can be a journey of discovery, flavor, and emotion.
In this interview, they share the path that led them to create Sementis, the challenges they faced, a behind-the-scenes look at their culinary creations, and the importance of a welcoming, judgment-free atmosphere. And for the curious, they reveal a special recipe that brings a taste of Thailand straight to their kitchen.
Ready to be inspired?
Interview with Masha and Luca of Sementis
Hi Masha and Luca, welcome! Can you tell us how Sementis was born and what inspired you to open a vegan restaurant in the heart of Pietrasanta?
Sementis was founded in 2016 from our desire to combine our passion for cooking with our commitment to a more sustainable and compassionate lifestyle.
After embracing veganism, we felt the need to create a place where food would be more than just sustenance—we wanted it to be an experience for the mind and soul as well.
That’s why we decided to go beyond the idea of a simple restaurant and create a hub for discussion and discovery on topics that matter to us. Pietrasanta, with its artistic soul and creative energy, felt like the perfect place to bring our dream to life.
The concept of “Conscious Nourishment” is at the heart of your philosophy. How do you define it, and how does it reflect in your culinary and business choices?
For us, “Conscious Nourishment” means carefully selecting every ingredient, respecting its seasonality and origin, and creating dishes that nourish not only the body but also the mind and spirit.
This philosophy translates into a deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and the desire to offer an inspiring culinary experience for everyone who chooses to dine with us.
Your menu combines Italian tradition with global influences. How does your creative process work when developing new recipes?
We let seasonality and our personal experiences—through travel and research—guide us.
We often enjoy reinterpreting traditional dishes in a vegan key, preserving their emotional and cultural essence. At the same time, we love experimenting with new combinations inspired by international cuisines, bringing flavors from around the world into our kitchen.
Using organic and locally sourced ingredients is a priority for you. How do you choose your suppliers, and what criteria do you follow to ensure quality?
We mainly collaborate with local producers who share our values of sustainability and transparency.
For us, it’s essential to establish a direct relationship with those who grow or produce the food we serve. We personally visit farms, get to know the people behind each product, and carefully select only ingredients we can fully trust in terms of traceability and quality.
Your restaurant’s design stands out for its use of repurposed materials and objects with a history. Can you share some anecdotes about how you chose and transformed some of the furnishings?
We designed our space with a strong focus on upcycling, giving new life to pre-loved objects and materials.
For example, our lamps are crafted by weaving recycled plastic bottles with raffia, while our handmade tables are made from old boat planks.
Among our most cherished pieces, there’s an antique Singer sewing machine and a vintage Olivetti Valentine typewriter, both rediscovered in our grandparents’ attics!
In addition to the restaurant, you also offer plant-based cooking classes and hospitality services. How do these activities fit into your mission to promote a more conscious lifestyle?
Our cooking classes and guest accommodations are a natural extension of our mission.
We want to inspire people to cook in a healthy, creative way without animal products, even at home. Through these experiences, we aim to spread knowledge and awareness, offering practical tools for those looking to adopt a more sustainable diet.
For those visiting us from afar, staying in our guest rooms allows them to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
You emphasize the importance of creating a space where people can feel at home and make lifestyle choices in line with their values—without judgment. How do you foster this welcoming atmosphere?
We believe in genuine hospitality, free from judgment.
Everyone is different, which is why we offer a menu with various options, including many gluten-free dishes, to ensure that everyone feels welcome and included.
What were the biggest challenges you faced in opening and running a vegan restaurant in Pietrasanta, and how did you overcome them?
At first, the biggest challenge was helping people appreciate the value of a fully plant-based cuisine in a region deeply rooted in traditional gastronomy.
We overcame this by focusing on high-quality dishes and offering a unique dining experience. Engaging in conversation with our customers was key in sharing our values and introducing them to a new way of experiencing food.
Can you share one of your favorite recipes and the story behind it?
One of the signature dishes at Sementis is our Pad Thai, which is always on our menu but evolves seasonally with plant-based ingredients.
We learned to prepare it firsthand in Chiang Mai, Thailand, during a traditional cooking course. It was an authentic experience that allowed us to bring the true flavors of this dish back to our restaurant.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 100 g chopped tomato
- 1 tsp chili paste
- 130 g coconut milk
- 2 tbsp roasted salted peanuts, crushed
- 4 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp tamari soy sauce
Preparation:
- In a wok, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the chopped tomato, pressing it with a wooden spoon as it softens.
- After 3 minutes, lower the heat and add the chili paste, coconut milk, and peanuts.
- After another 2 minutes, stir in the brown sugar, lime juice, and finally the tamari soy sauce. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Ingredients for the dish:
- 160 g dried rice noodles (soaked)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 30 g julienned carrot
- 40 g thinly sliced cabbage
- 20 g chopped scallion
- 40 g diced firm tofu
- 85 g water
- Peanut and coconut milk sauce (prepared earlier)
- Bean sprouts and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- In a wok, stir-fry the scallion, carrot, cabbage, tofu, and garlic.
- After 3-5 minutes, add water and the soaked rice noodles. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the peanut and coconut milk sauce, adjusting salt if needed, and let it cook through.
- Garnish with fresh bean sprouts, a lime wedge (to squeeze over the dish for an extra tangy kick), and a sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone looking to adopt a more conscious and sustainable diet?
The first step is to approach it with curiosity and openness, without fear of making mistakes.
Focusing on quality ingredients and simple recipes makes the transition feel more natural. Educating yourself and finding a supportive community can also make the journey more enjoyable and rewarding.
Every small, conscious choice can make a big impact—for ourselves, our communities, and the planet.
Thank You, Masha and Luca!
A Journey Through Taste and Awareness
Masha and Luca have shown us that plant-based cuisine is not just a dietary choice, but a lifestyle—one that embraces sustainability, creativity, and connection.
With Sementis, they have created a space where food tells a story, sparks change, and welcomes everyone with warmth and authenticity.
We are grateful for their time, insight, and passion in sharing their vision with us.
Want to discover more about their culinary creations and get inspired by their philosophy? Follow them on Instagram 👉 @sementis.veg and visit their website 👉 sementis.superbexperience.com.
Have you ever experienced “Conscious Nourishment”? Let us know in the comments!
