I went for one of the tastiest lunches I have had in while last Wednesday at Crudo Cevicheria. Crudo is London’s first build-your-own Ceviche bowl restaurant, located in Fitzrovia, W1.
It was ideal for me to go during my lunch break, it’s less than a ten minute walk from my work. I almost pass by Crudo Cevicheria at first as it is an intimate spot.
Walking in I am greeted with a big smile from the lady behind the counter, and a large menu. From the menu you can either choose from their signature Cevicheria bowls or design your own.
Ceviche for those who haven’t heard of it before, is a seafood dish that originated in Peru, typically made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, such as lemon or lime, and spiced with ají, chilli peppers or other seasonings including chopped onions, salt, and coriander. If you’re a sushi or fish fan in general then this place is ideal, but there are also great Vegan options too, if fish isn’t quite your thing.
I decide to go with one of their signature bowls- Nikkei, it has a bit of everything I enjoy including crispy nori AKA seaweed thins, ( if you haven’t gotten into these, I suggest you do so immediately! You’ll be able to find some at your local supermarket, tasty and low in calorie-thank me later).
Chatting with the women who is making our bowls, I learn Crudo has been around for about five months now ( how had I not heard of it before?) and is becoming very popular especially with people ordering it for dinner not just lunch, It’s nice to hear independent restaurants doing well. As mentioned, it isn’t the biggest place, there is room for maybe about 5-6 people to eat in, but that isn’t really what this place is about, its about the quality of the food.
You can see all the ingredients In front of you, so you know it’s fresh and I am offered two types of chilli sauce to finish off the bowl, I went with the smokey one. The bowl is given to me and it is full of colour, something more of us need to be seeing when we have a meal. I take a bottle of the fizzy orange juice, sit down and have my first bite and honestly, I became an instant fan.
The smokey chilli sauce (highly recommend it) it’s not about the burn but the flavour compliments everything else in the bowl so well. The bowl is packed full of flavours and textures and it is so tasty. I finish my whole bowl and I am so full but don’t feel sluggish and again I feel this is down to the quality of food.
Ultimately I find Crudo Cevicheria is simplicity at it’s best. Fresh ingredients, good portion sizes, value for money and incredibly tasty as well as being healthy! Good enough for the Gram’ and good enough to eat!
I will definitely be back.
A northern girl living in London. Love trying new restaurants and bars and a self confessed Musical Theatre Geek. Determined to see as much of the world as I can whilst meeting every dog along the way.
