If you’ve ever spotted “crudo” on a menu and thought wait, what’s that? — you’re not alone. Crudo is one of those dishes that feels refined and exotic, but at its heart, it’s simple: fresh, raw fish prepared the Italian way.
Crudo: Italy’s Answer to Sashimi
Think of sashimi, but with a Mediterranean twist. While Japanese sashimi celebrates pure fish, Italian crudo layers on olive oil, citrus, herbs, and a touch of spice. It’s not cooked, not cured, not smoked — just raw fish dressed to let the flavor shine.
At Slowly, we serve a tuna crudo with cucumber, poke sauce, chili oil, sesame seeds, aioli, and pea green shoots. It’s bright, delicate, and perfect alongside an Aperitivo cocktail.
Why Crudo Is Having a Moment
Foodies love our Crudo because it feels:
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Light & Fresh – A perfect alternative to heavier seafood dishes.
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Instagram-Worthy – Elegant presentation, colorful garnishes.
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Trend-Driven – From New York to San Diego, the dish is popping up on menus everywhere.
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Shareable – The kind of dish that kicks off conversation at the table.
Crudo vs. Carpaccio vs. Ceviche
Here’s where people get confused:
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Carpaccio → thinly sliced raw meat or fish, often pounded flat.
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Ceviche → raw fish cooked by citrus, often with onion and chili.
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Crudo → raw fish, dressed with olive oil, citrus, herbs — no “cooking.”
👉 So next time you order crudo, know you’re getting the Italian cousin in the raw seafood family.
Where to Try in San Diego
If you’re curious to experience it for yourself, you don’t need a plane ticket to Italy. At Slowly in Pacific Beach, our tuna crudo has become a guest favorite — light, flavorful, and crafted to pair with cocktails like the Aperol spritz or a class Dry Martini.
👉 Or, head straight to our Crudo San Diego page to dive into the dish we serve at Slowly.
👉 Explor our other Mediterranean Seafood Favorites
