Civico 57 In Formia

On Sunday evening, we dined at Civico 57, and the experience was simply excellent, from every perspective. We started with roasted octopus and "the real" seafood salad: both were impeccable, but a special mention goes to the seafood salad, prepared with the freshest fish and a truly rare balance of flavors. For our first courses, we chose spaghetti with sea urchin and fish-filled ravioli with pistachio sauce: two carefully crafted dishes, rich in flavor, and made with the highest-quality ingredients. All accompanied by an excellent bottle of wine. What's striking, beyond the cuisine, is the quality of the fish. Knowing that the owner is, first and foremost, a fisherman, is evident in every dish: the freshness of the ingredients is evident and truly makes the difference. We were pleasantly surprised to find such fresh fish, even on a Sunday evening, at the end of the service. The restaurant is intimate, elegant, and meticulously designed, with a welcoming atmosphere that immediately makes you feel at ease. The entire staff was extremely kind, professional, and attentive, without ever being intrusive. A special thanks goes to the owner, who stopped to chat with us after dinner, passionately sharing his experience, his work, and his love for the sea and cuisine. It's rare to meet people who exude such expertise, humility, and authenticity. We come from a city that thrives on the sea and where seafood restaurants abound. Precisely for this reason, we can confidently say that Civico 57 pleasantly surprised us: the value for money is truly exceptional and, as far as we're concerned, superior to many restaurants in our area, where prices, especially in the summer, rise while quality often declines. When you work with passion, expertise, and respect for the raw materials, the result can only be this. Congratulations to the entire staff. We will definitely return and will happily recommend it to anyone who loves properly cooked seafood.

Very good food, but high prices and small portions, which is a shame because it could have been a great experience, but it wasn't... Patience

Excellent food, elegant location, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. I'll definitely be back and bringing friends and colleagues.

Absolutely worth a try. We went on July 5th. Everything was very good.

Title: Ten years later, confirmation of a successful gamble: absolute gourmet excellence! In August 2016, during one of my first visits, I had the pleasure of writing the very first review for this splendid establishment. I concluded by saying that, with commitment and a constant pursuit of improvement, Giovanni would achieve great success in the future. On Saturday evening, I returned to Civico 57 and can say, with immense joy, that that prophecy came true, far exceeding expectations. A gamble that paid off across the board. Giovanni is not only an enlightened and exceptionally helpful restaurateur, but also a friend who has transformed a wonderful intuition into a top-notch gastronomic establishment, without ever losing the humility, expertise, and attention to detail that have distinguished him since day one. Saturday evening's dinner was a memorable experience, a true tribute to the finest ingredients. We sampled a selection of raw seafood that bordered on perfection: red shrimp with a disarming sweetness and texture, ultra-fresh scampi, plump oysters, impeccable tuna tartare, and a delicate carpaccio, all refreshed by a julienne of cuttlefish with lemon zest that cleansed the palate with every bite. Dishes crafted with technical mastery and aesthetic elegance that rival even the most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants. Everything was beautifully complemented by an excellent bottle of Tommasone white wine, served at the perfect temperature in an ice bucket. If ten years ago, Civico 57 was a "nice discovery," today it is an essential seaside destination for anyone seeking authentic excellence and seafood cuisine crafted with intelligence and passion. Heartfelt congratulations to Giovanni and the entire staff. A resounding success, I can't wait to return!

Quality food, perfect service, well-made place

Great place. Friendly welcome and quick service. Good food.

We ate very well, and the courtesy and kindness are the hallmarks. Congratulations!