Crystal & Alajmo Brothers: Culinary Excellence
By Tully Luxury Travel | 10-17-2024 |
There are countless reasons why Crystal is revered as a gastronomic leader in luxury cruising. From the exceptional culinary talent on board to the refined presentation of globally inspired menus and the freshest locally sourced ingredients, the experience is as memorable as it is indulgent. Now, Crystal has elevated its culinary prestige even further with a remarkable collaboration: world-renowned Italian chef Massimiliano Alajmo and his brother Raffaele Alajmo, co-owners of the celebrated Alajmo restaurant group, have officially joined the journey.
This dynamic partnership brings Michelin-starred artistry to the sea with exclusive menus at Osteria d’Ovidio, the elegant specialty restaurant found aboard both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. It’s a bold move that further cements Crystal’s status as a leader in elevated dining at sea.
Osteria d’Ovidio, Crystal Symphony
Osteria d’Ovidio, Crystal Serenity
It’s a palate-pleasing match made in heaven
Massimiliano Alajmo, affectionately known as “Max,” became the youngest chef in the world to receive three Michelin stars at just 28. Today, he and his brother Raffaele oversee 14 acclaimed restaurants across Italy, France, and Morocco. From their flagship kitchen at Le Calandre in Padua—one of only a handful of three-Michelin-starred establishments in Italy—the brothers have become icons in the world of haute cuisine.
Their vision aligns seamlessly with the sophisticated Italian spirit of Osteria d’Ovidio, named after Crystal owner Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio. The restaurant celebrates regional Italian flavors with refined flair, combining Max’s culinary brilliance with Crystal’s commitment to excellence. Together, the Alajmos and Crystal’s culinary team are curating an exclusive onboard menu of signature dishes and bespoke wine pairings. With limited reservations available per voyage, dining at Osteria d’Ovidio promises to be an intimate and unforgettable highlight of any Crystal sailing.
This partnership joins Crystal’s already glittering roster of culinary collaborations, including Umi Uma, the Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant created with Nobu Matsuhisa, and the upcoming launch of beefbar in December 2024—a modern, Michelin-starred steakhouse concept by Chef Riccardo Giraudi.
It’s time to experience it for yourself
If you’ve been dreaming of an immersive, elegant cruise experience, now is the moment to make it reality. Crystal’s new culinary partnerships offer not just exquisite dining but unforgettable moments of connection, flavor, and refinement at sea.
On select Crystal itineraries, guests can also indulge further with Abercrombie & Kent shore excursions, featuring exclusive dining at the Alajmo brothers’ Le Calandre in Padua and Grancaffè & Ristorante Quadri in Venice—ensuring a seamless culinary journey from ship to shore.
Whether you’re a passionate foodie or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, this is your chance to sail in style and savor the flavors of Italy from one of the greatest chefs of our time.
Contact a Tully Luxury Travel Designer today to tailor your Crystal cruise experience, where fine dining, world-class service, and global exploration await.