CRUDO Ristorante | Lounge bar — Restaurant in Syracuse

READ THIS IF YOU TRULY UNDERSTAND FOOD

Sorry for the gaudy caps — but once you eat at Crudo’s, you’ll understand why I needed your attention.

Crudo’s tasting menu moves at such a high Epicurean velocity, I had to consciously focus to keep up. So much so, my wife — who has an extraordinary palate — had to explain what I was experiencing more than once. With that said, and despite my own gustatory shortcomings, the evening unfolded into a cacophonous culinary crescendo that, somewhere along the way, completely altered my worldview on food.

We had the full tasting menu with wine pairing. You must go and try it. I cannot justly describe it — but only offer this humble analogy in recompense:

Imagine walking into the Sistine Chapel and gazing upward at Michelangelo’s ceiling. You’ll stare for hours, but only to find it so overwhelming you can never fully process what you are seeing in one sitting. If you are like me, later, in quieter moments — when blinking, or closing your eyes — fragments of its brilliance will return to you in high definition. You’ll be left awestruck, humbled by beauty greater than you can grasp.

That’s what Crudo’s menu did to me. Not because it’s the greatest meal on Earth — I know other great menus exist — but because I am what the Roman’s would call a ‘pleb’ and for me it was the first time I truly understood what food and wine can do when they dance together at this level. It was a sensory awakening. One that will return to me in flashes of brilliance for some time to come!

For context: I’ve eaten at several Michelin-starred restaurants. But never — until Crudo’s — have I encountered something so far beyond my comprehension.

I won’t spoil the menu by clumsily attempting to describe it here. I’ll just say this: Paolo Crudo comes from a fishing family (apparently one with a Renaissance level taste), and will therefore travel every week to the Catania fishing market to have first pick of the freshest catch. The ingredients are chosen with obsessive care and put together with genuine artistry — to please both the seasoned artist and the hungry pleb who knows what it means to pay for quality.

This is your jump off point. The rest? You’ll have to experience it yourself.

It is...

We recently had the pleasure of dining at an exceptional restaurant in Syracuse that delivered an unforgettable culinary experience. The evening was a true celebration of Sicilian flavors, with a focus on raw seafood that was nothing short of extraordinary.

Opting for the "Menu Degustazione," we were treated to a tasting menu that allowed us to savor a variety of dishes, each one a masterpiece. The chef’s creativity and skill were evident in every bite, from the delicate carpaccio to the vibrant crudo. Each dish was a testament to the freshness and quality of the ingredients, highlighting the best of what the region has to offer.

What made the experience even more special was the expertly curated wine pairing. We were introduced to seven different Sicilian wines, each selected to perfectly complement the flavors of the dishes. The wines enhanced the dining experience, offering a journey through the diverse terroirs of Sicily, from crisp whites to bold reds. The sommelier's knowledge and passion were evident, and we left with a deeper appreciation for Sicilian wine.

The ambiance of the restaurant was sophisticated yet relaxed, providing the perfect backdrop for the evening. The service was impeccable, with staff who were attentive, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do.

For anyone who loves seafood, especially raw preparations, this restaurant is a must-visit. I would love to share some photos of the stunning dishes, but I promised to keep the menu a surprise. Trust me, it's worth discovering it for yourself! We can’t wait to return and explore more of what this gem in Syracuse...

The reason for the one star review is the following:

We were in 7 people (of which one was 10 years old and the other was 16). We ordered 3 tuna tartar, 3 pescato tartares, 1 ceviche, 1 seppia e Nero, 1 mar rosso fusion, anchovies, and a gazpacho for a total of 11 appetizers all ranging from €14-€20 each. Our entrees were: 2 tataki salmon, 2 tataki of tuna, 2 polpo Siracusa, a gamberone al guanciale, 2 cappesante and 2 pastas for the kids - for a total of 11 entrees, and spent just short of €500. We are a family of doctors from Italy, and we have visited multiple places around the world and have eaten at many restaurants. We enjoyed 3 bottles of wine around €35 each for 6 people, but the wine, and the money itself, was not an issue - In our opinion, for the amount of food we ordered, to leave hungry is unacceptable - the portions were very small. For a “crudo” restaurant not to have an acceptable selection of crudité and to have such a limited menu clearly leaves a lot of room for improvement. I would advise others to visit similar restaurants in the Ortigia region (for example, Sicilia in Tavola) to see how this cuisine (including crudo) can be done correctly. I’m not a person who leaves many reviews - in fact, this is my first - but we were quite shocked at...