Crystal introduces a Michelin-starred Italian menu at Osteria d’Ovidio, curated by the renowned Alajmo brothers, offering guests an unforgettable fine dining experience on the high seas.
Crystal Cruises has just elevated its world-class dining game by unveiling a brand-new Michelin-starred Italian menu at its beloved restaurant, Osteria d’Ovidio. This collaboration further elevates Crystal’s commitment to delivering a six-star dining experience at sea, setting a new benchmark in luxury culinary travel. Crafted by Italy’s famed culinary duo, Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo, the new menu brings the essence of Italy’s gourmet traditions to sea. Guests aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will soon indulge in a menu that blends refined flavors, bold creativity, and timeless elegance—delivering a dining experience that rivals even the most acclaimed restaurants ashore.
Massimiliano, the youngest chef ever to be awarded three Michelin stars, and Raffaele, co-owner of their celebrated restaurants along with Giovanni – Raffaele’s son and lead on the collaboration, will bring their signature culinary artistry to Crystal’s specialty dining venue located on both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony later this summer. This new menu reaffirms Crystal’s commitment to world-class gastronomy, complementing its distinguished dining portfolio, which includes the only Nobu at sea, Umi Uma, and Beefbar by Riccardo Giraudi.
The menu celebrates the finest flavours of Italy with impeccable craftsmanship. Guests can indulge in a multi-sensory journey through three distinct sections or choose to embark on their own adventure, selecting dishes à la carte from the three tasting menus.
Italia – Italian classics from across the peninsula
The Italia tasting menu is a heartfelt celebration of classic Italian cuisine. Guests begin with Vitello Tonnato, tender veal slices draped in a silky tuna sauce, followed by Minestrone al Profumo di Basilico, a fragrant, seasonal vegetable soup enhanced with the aroma of fresh basil. The pasta course features Maccheroni alla Carbonara, a luxurious combination of house-made pasta, egg yolks, olive oil, and crispy guanciale. For something hearty and nostalgic, the Lasagnetta alla Bolognese offers rich meat ragù layered between sheets of delicate pasta, while Parmigiana di Melanzane delivers the comfort of baked eggplant in tomato sauce with mozzarella. The main course, Costoletta alla Milanese, presents a golden breaded veal cutlet accompanied by peppery arugula and sweet tomatoes. Desserts are equally impressive, with the sparkling refreshment of Sorbetto Bellini – blending peach and Prosecco, and the irresistible charm of a classic Tiramisù, creamy and light.
Le Calandre – The signature dishes of the Alajmo family’s flagship restaurant
The Le Calandre menu offers a refined glimpse into the culinary mastery of the Alajmo family. It opens with Involtini di Scampi, featuring langoustines elegantly wrapped in pasta dough and served with a smooth lettuce sauce. The Cappuccino di Seppie al Nero follows—a playful yet luxurious take on cuttlefish in its own ink, lightened with a delicate potato cream. A pasta highlight is the Tagliolini al Fumo, a fragrant egg pasta dish subtly infused with smoked butter. Risotto allo Zafferano con Polvere di Liquirizia brings drama and depth to the table, marrying the warmth of saffron with an unexpected touch of licorice powder. For the meat lover, Battuta di Carne Cruda con Tartufo is a bold, raw beef tartare topped with the rich aroma of black truffles, while Carrè d’Agnello in Crosta features lamb chops crusted with herbs and served alongside tender sautéed endive. To cleanse the palate, Sorbetto Frizzante al Limone adds a zesty fizz, and the experience concludes with Cioccolato, Nocciola e Caffè, a decadent trio of chocolate, hazelnut, and coffee flavors woven together in harmony.
Venezia – Traditional Venetian dishes revisited by Chef Max Alajmo
The Venezia menu draws inspiration from the waterways and traditions of Venice, reimagined with a modern flair. It begins with Carpaccio di Tonno, showcasing smoked tuna carpaccio topped with caviar and a luxurious sturgeon sauce. The innovative Insalata Cotta al Freddo presents cold-cooked lettuce paired with a crisp vegetable tartare, offering contrast and freshness. Pasta lovers will be delighted by Ravioli di Burrata con Frutti di Mare, where creamy burrata-filled ravioli are immersed in a flavorful seafood guazzetto with tomato filets. The Spaghetti AOP con Bloody Mary introduces a whimsical twist—garlic, olive oil, chili pepper, and celery mingle in a bold pasta, served with a playful mini Bloody Mary on the side. A Venetian street-food favorite, Scartosso de Pesse, arrives as lightly battered and fried fish and chips, perfectly crisp and served in traditional paper cones, echoing authentic Venetian street style. The elegant Branzino alla Verbena offers sea bass on a bed of sour potato purée with verbena oil and seasonal vegetables. A sweet finale awaits in Bruschetta Dolce, a dessert style bruschetta generously drizzled with chocolate hazelnut spread, olive oil, and a hint of chili. Finally, Gran Gelato al Pistacchio brings the experience full circle with homemade pistachio gelato and an array of delightful toppings.
To learn more about this exciting new menu, visit www.crystalcruises.com