A Crudo Florence Review | Eating Europe

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I stumbled upon A Crudo while wandering around central Florence on a warm September afternoon. The name caught my attention, and the clean, inviting look of the place drew me in. It’s a small, family-run spot with a relaxed feel and a cozy terrace that offers a nice break from 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. Everything looked simple, mostly small plates made with local ingredients. I went for the tartarre, which came with just olive oil and a few herbs on top. You can tell they want the food to look as fresh as it tastes.

From my table I could see the kitchen, where the chef was preparing each dish in full view. It added a quiet kind of honesty to the place, like you could see exactly what went into your meal.

There were other options on the menu too (pappa al pomodoro, ribollita, some cured meats, and a few offal dishes) 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 tartarre had a clean flavor and good texture, lightly dressed with olive oil and herbs. The other dishes I noticed coming out of the kitchen looked simple but nicely done, 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 with both reds and whites, mostly local Tuscan labels. I went with a glass of red, which paired nicely with the tartarre (smooth, not too heavy, and full of flavor). It matched the food’s simplicity and felt right for the setting. I also noticed a few people ordering cocktails from the small bar near the entrance. The staff didn’t try to upsell anything, but they were quick to offer suggestions when 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 in central Florence. During the summer, they sometimes add a few seasonal seafood dishes, but the focus stays on fresh, local ingredients. I paid around €10–14 per plate, which felt fair for the quality and setting. This isn’t street food pricing, but it’s not trying to be. If you go in expecting a small, thoughtful menu and a calm atmosphere, the price makes sense.

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 simple, seasonal food made with care, it’s a spot worth visiting. You won’t find dramatic plating or rich, heavy dishes, but you’ll leave satisfied .

Final Tips and Recommendations

If you’re on a Florence food tour, you must try the tartarre 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?
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.