Is crudo the same as ceviche?

No. Ceviche marinates fish in lime juice long enough to firm it up. Crudo is dressed right before serving, so it stays soft and raw.

Is sashimi always fish?

Mostly, but not only. Sashimi means sliced and served raw, and you'll also see scallop, shrimp, sea urchin and even beef.

Crudo vs sashimi: what's the difference?

Both are raw fish, but sashimi is Japanese, sliced and served plain with soy and wasabi on the side, while crudo is Italian-style, dressed with olive oil, citrus and salt.

Crudo

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Raw fish dressed in olive oil, citrus and flaky salt.

Sashimi

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Pristine slices of raw fish, all about the fish itself.

The real difference

Sashimi is about the fish: cut precisely and served undressed, with soy, wasabi and pickled ginger on the side. Crudo, Italian for raw, comes already dressed, usually olive oil, citrus, salt and maybe chili, herbs or fruit. Crudo tastes brighter and more seasoned; sashimi tastes cleaner.

Side by side

CrudoSashimi

FromItalian-styleJapanese

DressedOn the plate: oil, citrus, saltNot dressed; soy and wasabi on the side

TastesBright, salty, rich from the oilClean, delicate, pure fish

Which to order

Order crudo if you want raw fish with lots of bright seasoning.
Order sashimi if you want to taste great fish with nothing in the way.

Quick questions

Is crudo the same as ceviche?: No. Ceviche marinates fish in lime juice long enough to firm it up. Crudo is dressed right before serving, so it stays soft and raw.
Is sashimi always fish?: Mostly, but not only. Sashimi means sliced and served raw, and you'll also see scallop, shrimp, sea urchin and even beef.