Just a few minutes’ walk from Oxford Circus, after a day of browsing the shops, visit Carluccio’s for some authentic Italian food, approved by the late celebrity chef Antonio Carluccio. With dishes coming from a range of different regions in Italy, as well as the classic dishes everyone is familiar with, you can try something new too.
Changing its menu seasonally, you can always expect something new and exciting when you give Carluccio’s a visit. To start, opt for calamari fritti with lemon mayonnaise, tomato bruschetta, or burrata if you want something creamy to begin your meal.
If you manged to pace yourself through the starters, for mains, pick something from the extensive pasta menu. You’ll find dishes such as the wild boar tortelloni, or the veganesca spaghetti to give you a carb fix. If pasta doesn’t quite do it for you however, the main menu is bound to have something to impress. Opt for the classic Chicken Milanese, sirloin steak or the lamb gremolata with sweet and sour peppers and flaked almonds.
If you happen to make it to Carluccio’s early in the day and need an energy boost before tackling Oxford Street, visit this restaurant for breakfast. On the menu, expect all the classic egg dishes with an Italian twist of grilled ciabatta instead of the regular toast. The Italian French toast is also a must-try as it is made with the traditional sweet treat Panettone instead of bread and is served with ricotta, berries and cinnamon. Add a mimosa or Bellini if you feel like making the breakfast boozy.
Before you leave, don’t forget to give its mini grocery store a visit. Starting out as an Italian grocery store in London, it now incorporates a small element of its roots in each of the restaurants. So, if you are simply wowed by something you tried on the menu and want to give making it at home a go, stock up on the most authentic of Italian ingredients.