Italian food is a global favorite, best known for their classic dishes like pizza, pasta, and gelato. But Italian has a delicious secret, one that is not as well-known as their other classics – raw fish dishes. Italian raw fish dishes are often overshadowed by the famous , sashimi, or ceviche from Japan, Peru, or Mexico, yet Italian raw fish is a delicacy that is worth exploring.
In Italy, raw fish is often referred to as “crudo,” which means raw in Italian. Classic Italian raw fish dishes like carpaccio or tartare are often made with fresh seafood like tuna, salmon, swordfish, or octopus, and are usually served with a drizzle of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. These ingredients work collaboratively, resulting in delightful flavors and aromas that are not overpowering, giving the seafood the opportunity to shine.
If you are a seafood lover, Italian raw fish restaurants are a must-visit spot for foodies looking for something new. Whether you are dining in Rome, Milan, Venice, or anywhere else in Italy, there are plenty of choices that offer top-notch raw fish cuisine.
Let’s take a look at some of the best Italian raw fish restaurants.
1. Cracco, Milan
One of the most famous raw fish spots in Milan is Cracco, owned by the world-renowned chef Carlo Cracco. Cracco uses the freshest seafood ingredients to create a unique and sensational raw fish experience. One of the favorite dishes includes bluefin tuna and amberjack marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and wasabi, served with vegetable cream and miso sauce.
2. Ristorante Piero e Alberto, Rome
Located in the heart of Rome, Ristorante Piero e Alberto is famous for their raw fish delicacy, the “Fruit De Mer” platter. The platter is a medley of shellfish, oysters, mussels, razor clams, scallops, prawns, and lobsters, and is perfect for seafood lovers who want to try a little bit of everything.
3. Da Fiore, Venice
Da Fiore in Venice is a Michelin-starred restaurant that is known for its incredible seafood menu, and their raw fish dishes are no exception. The classic ”Crudo misto” consists of an assortment of raw seafood such as sea bass, prawns, scallops, and razor clams dressed with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Calafuria, Florence
While Florence might not be the first city that comes to mind for seafood, Calafuria, located in the heart of the city, is changing this perception. Their raw fish specialties are based on the day’s catch, which is freshly sourced from the local Tuscan coast. One of their most popular dishes is the Tuscan red prawn tartare with zucchini flowers, tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of olive oil.
5. La Torre di Gargonza, Arezzo
La Torre di Gargonza is a unique restaurant located in the picturesque town of Arezzo that serves an authentic Tuscan raw fish cuisine. The carpaccio di gambero rosso, or red shrimp carpaccio, is a standout delicacy that is made with the freshest local ingredients, including olive oil, lemon, and parsley.
In conclusion, if you are in Italy and you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, Italian raw fish restaurants are the perfect choice. You’ll be in for a delightful surprise at every bite, as Italian raw fish dishes are not only delicious but also showcase a new and exciting side of Italian cuisine that is yet to be discovered by many.