by Angela Perez

[Editor’s Note: This new restaurant is included because they feature sprit-free cocktails on their menu. The specific cocktails and offerings are listed below.]

If you can’t make it to Croatia these days, never fear. An easier journey awaits Triangle diners as Chef/Owner Scott Crawford unveils Brodeto, the latest addition to the Crawford Hospitality brand. Located in the smart environs of Raleigh Iron Works at 2201 Iron Works Drive, Brodeto promises to transport guests to the sun-kissed shores of the Adriatic Coast, where seafood reigns supreme and culinary traditions flourish.

Drawing inspiration from his family’s cherished travel and culinary experiences along the Adriatic Coast, Chef Crawford’s newest venture pays homage to the region’s vibrant seafood-centric cuisine. Named after the fragrant coastal Italian and Croatian fish stew, “Brodeto,” the restaurant captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors with a refined, elevated twist.
At Brodeto, guests are invited to a culinary odyssey celebrating the Adriatic Sea’s bounty. The menu showcases seafood prepared and grilled over an open flame, from delicate crudos to coal-roasted wild mussels and house-made Stracciatella cheese. Each dish reflects the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Regional pasta, crafted in-house, includes Spaghetti al Nero adorned with sea urchin butter and gnocchi enveloped in hearty “pasticada” sauce. In Italian, the term “al Nero” translates to “in black,” referring to the dish’s distinctive dark hue. This iconic pasta dish is crafted using squid ink, a prized ingredient harvested from squid’s ink sac. The ink imparts a deep, briny flavor and lends the pasta its striking ebony color.

At Brodeto, Crawford elevates Spaghetti al Nero by pairing it with sea urchin butter. Sea urchin, or “ricci di mare” in Italian, is prized for its creamy texture and rich, umami flavor. The buttery sauce, infused with the essence of the sea, envelops each strand of pasta, creating a unique flavor experience. This dish epitomizes the spirit of Adriatic cuisine, showcasing the region’s bounty of fresh seafood and artisanal pasta-making traditions. Each bite promises to tell a story of coastal beauty and culinary craftsmanship.

[Angela’s Note: I have yet to eat there, I will let you know if it lives up to its promise.]

Another menu highlight is black risotto, enriched with cuttlefish ink and served with tender baby octopus and parmesan. Wood-grilled entrees are also available, including whole roasted branzino and aged porterhouse steak paired with grilled leeks, charred potatoes, and Anson Mills polenta cooked in whey. Brodeto’s signature dish is a seafood medley featuring branzino, mussels, clams, Italian prawns, and octopus.

Indulgent desserts like Italian Dark Chocolate Custard with Amaretti or Affogato served with house gelato are offered for the meal finale. Craft cocktails have been designed to feature Italian liqueurs and charred citrus, and there is an extensive selection of regional and European wines. The dining room is adorned with imported Italian mosaic tile and polished light oak. Guests can bask in the warm glow of the open kitchen and live fire grill.

“It’s an honor to finally welcome guests to Brodeto! This is a dream project for me, inspired by the flavorful coastal cooking my family and I savored on the Adriatic Coast. Bringing these cherished traditions to life here in North Carolina, where we have access to pristine local ingredients and exceptional seafood, is truly special,” says Crawford

Zero-Proof Drinks:
MAMBO (spirit free): House red Apertivo, Verjus Blanc, Grapefruit, Maldon Salt
SAINT AGRESTIS (spirit free): ‘Amaro Falso’ or ‘Phony Negroni’; Served on the Rocks With Citrus

The Parking Situation: My readers know that I value easy and convenient parking. The Brodeto website notes: In addition to street parking, Raleigh Iron Works provides complimentary deck parking.

For more information and reservations, visit Brodeto Restaurant or follow them on social media @BrodetoRestaurant.

Note: This article combines elements of a press release about the opening of Brodeto restaurant in Raleigh, NC.