In Italian, there’s a saying, “fritte son bone anche le scarpe,” meaning “even a shoe tastes good when it’s fried.” While I’d prefer to keep my shoes on my feet, I can attest to the many delightful fried dishes that I’ve enjoyed during my travels in Italy. One of my absolute favorites is fritto misto di mare, or fried mixed seafood.
It’s a classic seaside street food staple that is largely popular in the coastal areas of the south, it is typically served in a paper cone as a combination of squid, shrimp and often paranza, a term for tiny whole fish such as sardines, fresh anchovies, baby mackerel, or mullet. While the selection of seafood used can vary from region to region based on accessibility, the preparation is generally the same. Luckily, we can enjoy this delicious, lightly battered, and fried antipasto right here in American. We scoured the coast and have rounded up some restaurants that are serving up stellar renditions with the added bonus of being located by the water so that you can enjoy fritto misto di mare the Italian way!
Solo Italiano, Portland, ME
Chef Paolo Laboa traded one port town for another when he moved from his native Genoa to Portland, Maine, bringing along with him the commitment to serving the freshest seafood in the traditional Ligurian style. Solo Italiano’s fritto misto is heavy on the fish, but includes some very special additions. Chef Paolo’s twist combines shrimp, calamari, and mackerel with zucchini blossoms, polenta and his favorite and most unique ingredient, borage leaves. For textural variety, some ingredients get a conservative dusting of flour before going into the fryer while others are coated in pastella, an Italian pilsner beer batter. Finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon and spicy aioli on the side for dipping, this misto is best enjoyed dockside, which happens to be just a few steps away!
Fritto Misto by SoloItaliano
Fritto Misto, Santa Monica and Hermosa Beach, CA
Owner Robert Kerr’s has mastered the art of serving substantial Italian food at reasonable prices without sacrificing quality. With two coastal California locations, these neighborhood favorites take their namesake dish seriously. A mixture of shrimp, calamari, artichoke hearts and seasonal vegetables are tossed in a spicy batter and are quick fried in vegetable oil until crisp. Served with cocktail sauce and a roasted garlic dipping sauce, this appetizer is not for the faint of heart, serving up to 4 people!
Osteria 57, New York, NY
“Dock to dish” is the name of the game at this seafood and vegetable-focused West Village restaurant. Chef Riccardo Orfino’s lighter take on fritto misto includes fresh fish and a vegetable that changes based on seasonality. We love the current summer-inspired combination of tempura battered and fried calamari and zucchini, served with a wedge of lemon. Grab an order to-go and stroll down to the Pier 45 at Hudson River Park for a riverside picnic!
Fritto Misto by Osteria57
Bellini, Coral Gables, FL
Located inside of the recently opened Mister C Hotel Coral Gables, Bellini brings a blend of Cipriani sophistication and approachable Italian cuisine to Biscayne Bay. The yacht inspired décor transports you to sea as you enjoy their traditional-style Fritto Misto alla Bellini, a classic combination of lightly battered and fried shrimp and calamari served with a tangy tartare sauce. Take advantage of their alfresco rooftop seating or enjoy for beautiful views of the bay!