Where
Carluccio’s, Garrick Street, London

What
The infamous Italian restaurant chain, Carluccio’s, has launched a new spring / summer menu so I was invited along to the Garrick Street restaurant, near Covent Garden, to celebrate.

Experience
It was a sunny afternoon at the beginning of spring when I made my way to meet my friend Alice outside Carluccio’s. Sun seekers had already filled the outdoor tables, sipping on ice cold white wine, enjoying the hottest day of the year.

We were lead up a grand, spiral staircase which lead to a private dining room, and presented with an offering of a prosecco cocktail – yes please. The prosecco was lightly quenched with limonchello and made an uncomfortably warm girl instantly revived.

The Garrick Street Carluccio’s is housed inside an historic London building with tall ceilings and whiter-than-white painted walls. It hosts a bar and dining area over two floors, along with a private dining room and of course the infamous Carluccio’s deli.

In the far corner were the guys from Peroni working their magic shaking and stirring cocktail infusions. I sampled the Peroni Strawberry Field, which was right up my street. Although the first taste is sweet strawberry, the sourness of lemon and bitterness of Peroni Nastro Azzurro made an overall balanced effervescence. I will never think of Peroni the same way again.

I often take my time reading, and re-reading, menus. I am as indecisive as can be and always hope my dining partner will order something to share. The Carluccio’s spring / summer menu introduced new sharing plates and sharing boards so that guests can try a little bit of everything – perfetto!

The Polpette dish consists of juicy beef meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, served on sticks for neat chomping. Alice is a vegetarian, so lucky for her there was an abundance of meat free treats. The Pepolata Arancini rice ball is bite-sized, deep-fried and cheese-stuffed. Caponata is a traditional Sicilian aubergine sweet and sour stew served chilled with toasted focaccia for dipping. This is unbelievably good and I couldn’t help but go back for more.

The service is great, the food is delicious and the Peroni cocktails are to die for. Call a friend, arrange a time, grab some sharing plates and enjoy your evening!

Address
Carlucio’s
Garrick Street
London
WC2E 9BH

Cost
Sharing Plates £3.95
Sharing Platter £12.25 – £16.95