When most people think of seafood, they picture butter-drenched lobster tails, fried fish platters, or a classic New England clam chowder. Delicious, sure — but the Mediterranean has always done things differently.
In the coastal towns of Italy, Greece, Spain, and beyond, seafood isn’t just food. It’s a way of life. Light, fresh, and kissed with olive oil, citrus, and herbs — Mediterranean seafood dishes are all about letting the ocean speak for itself.
What Makes Seafood “Mediterranean”?
Mediterranean cuisine is famous for its simplicity and balance. Instead of covering seafood in heavy sauces, the focus is on enhancing natural flavor.
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Olive oil, not butter – smooth richness without the weight.
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Herbs and citrus – parsley, basil, oregano, lemon, orange.
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Grilled, baked, or raw – never drowned, never hidden.
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Shared at the table – dining as a social ritual, not a solo event.
This is the Mediterranean diet in action: fresh, wholesome, and made for long, lingering meals with friends.
Branzino: The Mediterranean Star
If there’s one fish that defines Mediterranean seafood, it’s branzino. Known as European sea bass, this elegant fish has been grilled, baked, and shared along Italy’s coast for centuries.
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Delicate, mild, and flaky flesh.
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Traditionally cooked whole with lemon and herbs.
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A favorite in Roman banquets dating back 2,000 years.
- More on the Histoy of Branzino
At Slowly, our butterflied branzino with citrus butter-sage sauce keeps that heritage alive — simple, refined, and unforgettable.
More on our branzino.
Crudo: Italy’s Answer to Raw Seafood
You’ve heard of sushi. You’ve had ceviche. But have you tried crudo?
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Literally meaning “raw” in Italian, crudo is thinly sliced fish dressed lightly with olive oil, citrus, herbs, or chili.
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Unlike ceviche, it isn’t cured in acid. Unlike sashimi, it’s dressed and seasoned.
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Ancient Romans enjoyed early versions, seasoning raw fish with vinegar and herbs.
Our tuna crudo combines sushi-grade tuna with cucumber, poke sauce, chili oil, sesame seeds, aioli, and pea greens — Mediterranean elegance with a San Diego edge.
Learn more about crudo at Slowly.
Oysters: A Coastal Classic
Oysters may feel American or French, but they’ve been part of Mediterranean tables for millennia. The Romans adored oysters so much that they built the first oyster farms in coastal lagoons.
Why they fit the Mediterranean spirit:
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Fresh, briny, clean — no heavy flavors needed.
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Perfect with sparkling wine or a crisp Aperol Spritz.
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Shared as a social ritual, often during Aperitivo.
At Slowly, you can try oysters during Social Hour for just $1.50 each — the Mediterranean tradition meets Pacific Beach nightlife.
Discover our oysters.
Shrimp, Mussels & Clams: Rustic Comfort Meets Coastal Elegance
Not every Mediterranean dish is about restraint. Some are hearty, rustic, and designed for comfort.
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Shrimp: In the south of Italy, grilled shrimp with lemon is a staple. At Slowly, our coconut-crusted shrimp with sweet chili sauce adds playful San Diego flair.
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Mussels & Clams: Across Spain and France, mussels are steamed with wine, garlic, and herbs. Our take adds Mexican chorizo, cream, and cilantro for spice and depth.
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Sea Bass & Clams: Paired with saffron and quinoa, this dish feels both celebratory and nourishing.
These plates remind us that Mediterranean cooking is about balance: sometimes light, sometimes rich, always connected to the sea.
Salmon: A Seasonal Guest with Mediterranean Flair
Salmon isn’t native to the Mediterranean, but modern chefs love applying Mediterranean techniques to this global favorite.
At Slowly, we prepare salmon gnocchi with potato gnocchi, peas, corn, curry sauce, and cotija cheese — a fusion that nods to Mediterranean principles of freshness while embracing local creativity.
Why Mediterranean Seafood Is Having a Moment
So why are Mediterranean seafood dishes exploding in popularity?
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The Mediterranean diet is recognized as one of the healthiest in the world.
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Diners are seeking lighter, fresher alternatives to heavy seafood classics.
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Social dining — oysters, crudo, shared plates — mirrors how we want to eat today.
Mediterranean seafood isn’t just about food. It’s about a lifestyle: casual, communal, vibrant, and refreshing.
Experience Mediterranean Seafood at Slowly
You don’t need a ticket to Rome or a table in Barcelona to taste the Mediterranean. At Slowly in Pacific Beach, we’ve built a menu around seafood that’s fresh, modern, and made for sharing.
From crudo and branzino to oysters, mussels, and shrimp, each dish is a nod to tradition with a San Diego twist. Pair it with a martini or spritz, soak up the Pacific Beach energy, and discover why Mediterranean seafood is the future of coastal dining.
Reserve your table today and taste Mediterranean seafood in San Diego.
