FeignedMis­chief's review of Carluccio's Upper Street

It was a choice whether to go to Osteria Basilico in Notting Hill or Carluccio’s in nearby Islington, but not having booked our reservations with the former, we were left with the latter. My sister Shi have not tried Carluccio’s in all the times she visited London so this is really more like her treat. For starters, we ordered their antipasto massimo which is a large mixed antipasto for two – focaccia, Napoli and Milano salami, roast ham, stuffed chicken, fresh green bean and mint salad, caponata, oven roasted tomatoes, marinated peppers and olives (£9.95). I wish I had taken a photograph to show you how it couldnt possibly be good for two but it did taste quite good.

For our main course Shi ordered Branzino con salsa e patate – fillet of seabass panfried with a tomato salsa and sauteed potatoes (£11.75) and I opted for the Fegato Veneziana – panfried strips of calves liver and balsamic onions with rosemary potatoes (£10.95) which I must admit despite a not so generous portion tasted good on the palate. Four our dolci (afters) Shi had a ciocolatto fondente – warm chocolate and kahlua pudding and vanilla ice cream (£4.75) and a cafe latte (£1.95) whilst I had affogato – vanilla ice cream served in a tall glass with a strong espresso to pour on top (£3.95) .

This was a much better experience than I had at their Canary Wharf caffé. Meal for two with Peroni Nastro Azzurro was £49.50 plus 10% gratuities.