Crispi 19 — Restaurant in Rome

This is a true hidden gem! We randomly dicovered this place on a trip to Rome, after searching online on foodblogs for good places to eat in Rome. After a lot of disappointing foodexperiences elsewhere (tourist-traps), we were hoping that this restaurant could give us a true taste of Rome. And it certainly did!!

Do not be afraid when you first arrive - outside it may look a little dull, but inside you are greeted by the most amazing staff. The dining room is beautiful, with murals on the walls and calm atmosphere. We had the restaurant almost to ourselves, only two more tables that came in right after us. We had the 7 course fish tasting menu, which was amazing. All the dishes was clearly well thought out and looked just as good as it tasted. Exciting but simple flavours at the same time. Everything was fresh and the staff told us about the ingredients and how it was prepared. Our favorite was the tortillini with a seafood bisque, so yummy. The wine was impaccable and they also had non-alcoholic drinks for my husband who does not consume alchohol, which was a big plus. They had several menu options, including a la carte menu.

Talking about the staff - the service is so good. They were very friendly and clearly cared about the place, the food and their guests. The owner came in twice to talk to us, asking about our experience, making sure we liked everything and chitchatted a little. He also talked to us on the way out, telling us that the business was slow after covid and that they had a hard time getting customers. Such a shame, 'cause these people deserve a fully booked restaurant every day! You could tell they had a passion for food - and nothing makes me want to go back to a place more then when I see true passion for the food and the work.

We have eaten at a lot of fancy places and are kind of snobbish when it comes to fine dining, but this was some of the best we've had. The day after we actually went to a michelin-starred restaurant in Rome, and we kept comparing everything to Crispi 19.

I warmly recommend this place - we will definetly come back next time we're in Rome and we'll make sure to spread the word about Crispi 19. I truly hope they survive these difficult times...

Crispi 19 is probably the best seafood restaurant in Rome.

Disclaimer: Crispi 19 is restaurant is NOT to be confused with the establishment right next to them with the outdoor patio and which serves pizza and standard pasta for a more touristic clientela.

Crispi 19 has an inside classy room where they serve high end and refined seafood dishes. The quality of these dishes is unparalleled. My wife and I live in LA but we come to Crispi every time we come to Rome (once a year for the last 4 years). Every time the food and the service were excellent. Their tuna filet cooked with a delicate foam is unbelievable and melts in your mouth. Their squid ink pasta is another crown jewel of the menu. They also serve an excellent bottarga, clams, and shrimp pasta (off the menu) which I regularly get. This is a high class restaurant that does not compromise on the quality of the food and or the service. Last night we also got a Sicilian crust tart that was out of this world. If you are a seafood lover you should definitely check this restaurant out when you come in Rome.

The price-quality ratio is absolutely justified and in line with the classy establishment the restaurant is. Please beware of reading the other reviews here which conflate Crispi19 with the other touristic and lower end restaurant. This confusion is hurting the online rating of Crispi, but the two restaurants have nothing in common except...

It was a very nice delicacy restaurant. Not the typical Italian. Small designer portions. Very expensive but creative. Do not go hungry. It’s more for the experience. The owner stands over the servers, shoulder the entire time to make sure that everything is properly explained. I know that it has to be uncomfortable for them because it’s uncomfortable for yourself. My husband’s comment when we left was, I would hate to have to work here. In the same sentence, the owner does run an in that same sentence, the owner does run a tight shift And wants everything perfect . He’s also very customer friendly, and comes to the table quite a bit.And he’s very attentive to the tables himself. It’s almost slightly intimidating. There are cameras on you and you’re really not going for the ambience.. you were in a very small painted room with may be 15 tables if that . Almost like a closet, last year New Year’s Eve, we went to a similar dinner in Paris, but it was at a very famous restaurant. The ambience was outstanding. For the restaurant and the slightly stuffy uncomfortable feeling I don’t feel like the price is adequate. I understand that everything is fresh, but in most cases, a lot of the restaurants hear everything is fresh and creative. This is a designer dinner with a very creative chef. Very beautiful dishes very small proportions. And a very long time. Great for a two hour...