Carluccio’s are springing up all over the place now, from Bluewater to Brent Cross, spreading the loveable TV chef’s gospel of good fresh food. Each restaurant is also a deli selling wonderful produce, and the menus offer a taste of superior Italian cooking. Carluccio’s is expensive and these many outlets cater for an upmarket crowd. On a recent visit to the Hampstead Caffe, my cynical dining companion suggested that they are essentially over-priced Pizza Expresses. This is far from the case.
The proliferation of the chain has had a few predictable effects: A uniform menu, reduced portions and less personal service. However the mission to wake England up to the joys of Italian cookery continues apace, with pizza and pasta of course, but also roasted sardines, veal tonnatto and adventurous meat dishes on the set menu, and some mouth-watering Italian breakfast options.The deli ingredients are of the very finest and each kitchen turns out wonderful food.
Pizza Express this is not: A meal at Carluccio’s is a lot more indulgent, interesting and considerably more memorable. Mind you, if you spent more than £80 for two at Pizza Express you might end up owning some art off the walls.
We heartily recommend that you visit your local Carluccio’s and find out what all the fuss is about: great eating.
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Carluccio’s are springing up all over the place now, from Bluewater to Brent Cross, spreading the loveable TV chef’s gospel of good fresh food. Each restaurant is also a deli selling wonderful produce, and the menus offer a taste of superior Italian cooking. Carluccio’s is expensive and these many outlets cater for an upmarket crowd. On a recent visit to the Hampstead Caffe, my cynical dining companion suggested that they are essentially over-priced Pizza Expresses. This is far from the case.
