Genuine Italian fare is what you'll find at this homely and deservedly popular little café-restaurant in the attractive 'Dublin village' of Sandymount.
It's a younger branch of the Dunne & Crescenzi group's original restaurant and deli in Dublin 2 (see entry) and was rebranded 'Crudo' ('Raw') in 2019, with the arrival of Dunne & Crescenzi's next generation, brothers Ghinlon Wang and Sean Crescenzi. This heralded a fresh approach and brought some great new dishes, but this Dublin restaurants changes have been more tweaks to the menu than reinvention - and, like its older sister, it remains first and foremost a quality ingredients-led destination, with many speciality items sourced directly from Italy while local producers and suppliers are also given special credit on the menu.
Cosy and buzzy,with tightly packed tables, an extensive Italian wine list and a menu that offers upbeat versions of many of the Italian classics as well as fresh new dishes, regulars need not fear that their best-loved dishes will be sidelined at this neighbourhood favourite.
Small plates may include fresh whole prawns in a garlic & ndjua mint butter, served with Remus’s focaccia or perhaps buffalo milk burrata, charred fennel, gremolata, mixed seed crunch, herb oil & sourdough. Large plates include the popular osso buco - slow braised beef shin with pumpkin & saffron risotto, braising jus & cais na tire.
And while it's fine to pop in for a light bite rather than a full meal, don't skip dessert which could be a highlight of your visit. Authentic tiramisu, dark chocolate tart and pecan pie may be just the thing to finish in stlye.
By offering simple excellence - great kindly-priced cooking, with gutsy flavours and warmly professional service to match - Crudo's popularity is well earned.
Convenient to the RDS and Aviva Stadium, this is a good spot for a meal before or after an event and the great range of directly sourced Italian wines is a special draw.
