A Crudo Florence Review | Eating Europe

A_Crudo_Florence_dining_room

I stumbled upon A Crudo while wandering around central Florence on a warm September afternoon. I hadn’t planned on eating raw seafood that day, but the name caught my attention and the clean, inviting look of the place drew me in. It’s a small spot that focuses entirely on raw fish, and it feels like a quiet alternative to the heavier Tuscan meals found all over the city. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I walked out impressed and a little surprised to find this kind of refined crudo experience right in the middle of Florence.

Location and Ambiance

A Crudo is located in the city center, not far from the Duomo, though the street it’s on feels quieter than the tourist-packed piazzas. The interior is minimal and sleek. The white walls, open counter, and subtle lighting give it a fresh, almost coastal feeling like something you’d expect in Liguria or Puglia more than Tuscany. It’s not overly decorated, and that simplicity works well here. You come in, you sit at a small table or the bar, and everything feels calm. When I visited, the room had a soft buzz of conversation and clinking glasses, but nothing overwhelming.

Address: Via Mazzetta, 5R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

Menu and Signature Dishes

The menu is focused and modern. It’s mostly crudo (raw fish and shellfish) prepared simply, with citrus, herbs, and high-quality oils. I tried the tuna tartare and scallop ceviche. The tuna came in small cubes, dressed with just enough lemon and olive oil to let the fish speak for itself. The scallops were thinly sliced and served with a subtle citrus marinade and microgreens. Both were plated cleanly, with lots of white space on the dish, which made the colors of the ingredients stand out. You can tell they want the food to look as fresh as it tastes.

There were other options on the menu too (from salmon sashimi to daily specials written on the board) but I stuck to the basics. It felt like the kind of place where less is more.

Ingredient Quality and Presentation

Everything tasted extremely fresh. The scallops in particular had a sweet, clean flavor that you only get when they’re top quality. The tuna wasn’t mushy or over-dressed like in some tartares. The plating leaned toward the elegant side: white ceramic, minimal garnishes, nothing unnecessary. It didn’t feel fancy or staged, though just thoughtful.

Portions were small but this is more of a tasting experience than a full meal. If you’re hungry, you’d likely order a couple of plates and a glass of wine to make it feel more complete.

Drink Selection

There’s a small wine list that focuses on whites and sparklings, things that pair well with raw seafood. I went with a glass of prosecco, which was crisp and light. It cut through the fattiness of the tuna nicely and didn’t overpower the scallops. I didn’t notice any cocktails on the menu, but I didn’t ask either. The vibe felt more wine-forward. The staff didn’t push any pairings, but they were happy to make suggestions when I asked.

Service and Guest Experience

Service was casual but attentive. I was greeted right away and seated at a small table. The server explained the concept briefly and answered my questions without rushing me. They seemed to genuinely care about what they were serving but didn’t hover or oversell. It was a slow afternoon, so the pace was relaxed. I imagine dinner might be busier, but during my visit, it felt like I had time to enjoy each plate at my own pace.

Pricing and Value

It’s not a cheap spot, but that’s expected with raw seafood in central Florence. I paid around €10–14 per plate. For the quality and setting, I felt like it was fair. This isn’t street food pricing, but it’s not trying to be. If you go in expecting a focused menu and a quieter, refined experience, the price aligns with that.

Why Visit A Crudo Florence?

A Crudo is a must-try in Florence if you want something lighter, cleaner, and more modern than the typical pasta or meat-heavy fare. It’s great for solo diners or quiet lunches, maybe even a relaxed date night. If you like seafood (especially raw seafood) it’s a spot worth trying. You won’t get dramatic plating or flashy flavors, but you’ll leave feeling refreshed, not stuffed, which is a nice change in this city.

Final Tips and Recommendations

If you’re on a Florence food tour, you must try the scallops if they’re available. They were the highlight of my meal. Go at lunch if you want a quiet table, or early evening for a glass of wine and a couple of plates before dinner elsewhere. If you’re unsure about crudo, start with just one dish and let the staff guide you. And don’t expect a full-course meal, this is more about quality bites than quantity.

FAQs

Do they accept reservations or is walk-in common?
Walk-ins are fine, but it’s a small space so a reservation could help for dinner.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free raw options available?
The menu is very seafood-focused. Vegetarian options may be limited, but gluten-free dishes are available since many are naturally so.

Is there indoor seating only, or sidewalk tables too?
Only indoor seating, from what I could see.

Can guests order takeaway or packaged dishes?
It seemed dine-in only, but you could ask.

Is it family-friendly or more for adult groups?
It’s a calm, adult-feeling space not unfriendly to kids, but better suited for small groups or couples.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Tuscany food: 10 traditional dishes you have to try. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/tuscany-food/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Florence seafood restaurant: 6 best places for fish & seafood. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/florence-seafood-restaurant/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Florence food: 10 dishes you must eat. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/florence-food/

Instagram. (n.d.). A Crudo. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1025218860/a-crudo/