Is carpaccio always beef?

The original is, but menus now say carpaccio for anything sliced thin and raw, like tuna, scallops or even beets.

Does tartare come with a raw egg?

Classic French steak tartare often does, a yolk on top to stir in. Plenty of places skip it, so check the menu or ask.

Carpaccio vs tartare: what's the difference?

Both are raw beef, but carpaccio is sliced paper thin and dressed with oil, lemon and Parmesan, while tartare is finely chopped and mixed with capers, shallot and mustard.

Carpaccio

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Whisper-thin raw beef with lemon, oil and shaved cheese, light and bright.

Tartare

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Chopped raw beef, punchy with capers, shallot and mustard.

The real difference

Carpaccio is beef tenderloin sliced so thin you can almost see through it, laid flat and dressed simply. Tartare is chopped or diced raw beef, seasoned hard and shaped into a mound, often with a raw egg yolk on top. Menus also use both words for fish: tuna tartare, salmon carpaccio.

Side by side

CarpaccioTartare

CutSliced paper thinChopped or diced

Dressed withOlive oil, lemon, Parmesan, arugulaCapers, shallot, mustard, often egg yolk

TastesLight, lemony, delicateSavory, tangy, punchy

Comes withNothing, or breadToast, crostini or fries

Which to order

Order carpaccio if you want a light, elegant starter.
Order tartare if you want a bigger, bolder plate with more seasoning.

Quick questions

Is carpaccio always beef?: The original is, but menus now say carpaccio for anything sliced thin and raw, like tuna, scallops or even beets.
Does tartare come with a raw egg?: Classic French steak tartare often does, a yolk on top to stir in. Plenty of places skip it, so check the menu or ask.