Carluccio's

lenalouise

Perfect pasta 9th August 2009

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Myself and Keith were wandering around Oxford Street late at night and we hadn't eaten dinner. Carluccios was the only place around that was still serving. I've avoided it in the past as the food in chain restaurants is usually a let-down. We just had a plate of pasta each and both were fantastic. The pasta was cooked perfectly and there was so much flavour packed onto each plate.

Keith had the penne giardiniera which is penne pasta with chilli, courgette and spinach balls. The balls were wonderfully cheesy and a refreshing change from the usual pasta accompaniments. I had a classic spaghetti vongole and I had no complaints (well maybe just that keith's dish was nicer than mine!). There were plenty of clams and the pasta was well seasoned. I haven't been back again so I don't know whether the other food is any good but the pasta can't be faulted. Great meal.

bellaphon

Lacking heart and soul 3rd February 2009

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If the rumour (rather persistent I may add) surrounding Antonio Carluccio’s disenchantment with the chain of restaurants bearing his name is anything to go by, then I totally sympathise with him.

Popped in here on the snow blanketed Monday. The one positive thing about Carluccio's is the lunch offer at £8.50. The deal includes a breadbasket or salad to start with, any (ANY!) pasta as mains and a non-alcoholic beverage- this practically brings Carluccio's in tow with the likes of Café Uno and Ask. Still this offer is pretty much of a no-brainer, well at least it seemed so initially.

The Atkins’ perennial doom of the breadbasket was technically an entire meal unto itself. For all those bread lovers out there, no worries; you didn’t miss much. Except for the focaccia, everything in the tin was Grade C-. The olive oil that came with it lacked depth, in fact come to think of it didn’t taste much of olives either. The mains, Linguine Al Frutti Di Mare (with squid rings, mussels, prawns in garlic, herbs and chilli.) didn’t taste as good as the photo might suggest. The pasta dish tasted bland and was in serious need of some valorizzazione alla Parmigiana. I waited patiently for the cheese, it turned up five minutes later when my pasta was becoming tepid. The seafood, without the need of any hazarding whatsoever, obviously came from the frozen medley variety. Thumbs down, both hands included. I ended the meal with a below par cappuccino, I suspect that our Italian friends will be embarrassed with this brew. This particular branch of Carluccio’s only had white sugar on the table; I don’t know about you folks; brown sugar goes with coffee and white with tea, period.

I lied at this place. The monosyllabic sounding waitress asked whether I enjoyed my meal, I replied that it was great and thank you. Gawd, pants on fire!

The heart and soul of Signor Carluccio is nowhere to be found, well certainly not here anyway. Blame it on the snow, or maybe it was just Monday blues- sorry mate no excuses, this chain is going down the drain.

trustmeplease

Unbeatable 4th September 2008

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Possibly the best Italian food in London. The dishes come from a number of different regions around Italy, the food is fresh, the taste unbeatable. The service is always good, even when they're busy. But it can get a bit crowded, although that adds to the bistro atomsphere. Try the penne giardinera, their most popular dish. Pasta with fried vegetable balls and vegetable sauce.

arcantara99

Carluccio's 3rd September 2008

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This is a nice smart restaurant which is less expensive than it looks. It is in a great location as you can sit outside when it's dry in the square or go downstairs where it's more bar-like. It's popular with young professionals in the evening and ladies who lunch during the day. The pastas are particular good – really fresh and not overcooked. And there's a particularly good choice for vegetarians. Coffees and breakfast are great too. Everything tastes very fresh and Italian. The staff have always been friendly although the restaurant can get busy so it might not be one to one.

baks162

Okay 3rd September 2008

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I went there on 29th August - its okay.

Bread was good, my pasta was okay, and my side dish of spinach was also good. Atmosphere was also okay, cafe like. Service was good - i would go again.

Ps - their hot chocolate is nice!

frankyk

Carluccio's canteen 11th January 2008

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I preface this by saying - i lived in Italy and know a little something about Italian food. Carluccios is good, basic Italian food - with a difference -it's expensive - compared with Italy - though what you'd expect in London. I go to the South Kensington branch and it really does remind me of a simple trattoria somewhere in Milan.. clean, reliable, good food without pretense.. I would give it a higher rating if it wasn't so noisy and the decor was more Italian modern styling - which it isn't. Enjoy it for a casual, quick, lunch or dinner.

gilka

Carluccio's 4th January 2008

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I was there on 04/01/08. First the map here is wrong...
it is not on james street but on St Christopher's Place.
Not a bad option for bond street. We had Carpaccio and mixed salad for starters and gnocchi with spinach and cream for main. Panna Cotta for dessert. The Carpaccio was just ok- a bit dry and had too much vinegar. The bread was very dry.
The gnocchi was too stiff.The Panna Cotta was great.
I did enjoy the meal even with all these issues (not sure why...)
but lets say this place is for emergencies only :)
if you are fixed on italian- ping pong or busaba are close by.

bairesoho

Carluccio 10th July 2007

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really lovely italian soul!!simply...great

riazahmad

Disappointing faux-gourmet cuisine 5th July 2007

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I've eaten at two Carluccio's restaurants...one next to selfridges and one in ealing. It was really disappointing that this guy is milking his fame but churning out sub-standard Italian food. The lack of effort, from the food to the staff really left a sour taste and it's not cheap either! yet people still flock for some reason. go figure.
if you're in the area rather go to busaba or sofra.

paulas

Squisito 31st January 2007

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As estate agents are very fond of pointing out, location is everything, and it is certainly the cherry on the cake for Carluccios flagship store. The al fresco dining area is always busy during summer, and with good reason. Selfridges next door and the boutique shops in the area provide an endless stream of ladies who nibble. I know they want to be seen as a delicatessen/restaurant/culinary school/gastronomic display/Italian heritage centre, but for me the main, in fact, having a wheat allergy, the only attraction, is their coffee. Served in a beautiful square, far enough away from the bustle of oxford st, a complete absense of pidgeons…and a Godiva store just up the street for that extra treat afterwards…heavenly J