On pulling up outside Carluccio’s, Covent Garden, I have to admit I was a tad confused. There were several awnings displaying the Carluccio’s name on this huge building, but I found it hard to ascertain which part of the building the restaurant was actually in. Simple – all of it! Once inside, I was taken aback by the sheer size. Formerly a bank, the building had been lovingly restored, whilst keeping many of the original features. Two excellent and spacious rooms with high ceilings greet you as you enter the building (one either side of the entrance), and this layout is repeated on the floor above, where we were eventually seated. The rooms feature effective modern lighting (but not too modern), which seems to combine extremely well with the open and relaxing ambiance of this stylish building. This is a beautiful environment in which to enjoy a meal, whether it is with work colleagues and friends, the family, or a more romantic affair.

We were greeted by Christina, who took us to our table. Once seated, I was struck by the space around us. Our table and that of our neighbouring diners were not separated by the thickness of a sheet of paper, it was in fact a very comfortable distance away, and this was repeated throughout all rooms. I suppose with areas of such a decadent size, it really isn’t necessary to cram people in, although I am sure many restauranteurs would indeed, go for the sardine approach. Fortunately, this was not the case here.

Our waitress for the evening, a lovely Polish girl named Sylvia, introduced herself and shortly afterwards brought over olives, bread, and a mix of oil/balsamic vinegar for dipping – very traditional. With a wonderful demeanour, and allowing ample time for us to eat at our own pace, Sylvia later presented us with our starter. I had gone for the homemade chicken liver pate, whilst Anna had ordered two breadcrumbed and deep fried risotto balls – one filled with pesto, the other with ragu, served with a red pepper sauce on the side. I sampled both risotto offerings, despite not being a particular fan of pasta, rice, etc., but then found it hard to resist the urge to eat both whilst Anna was speaking to Sylvia. Needless to say I resisted that urge, hence my limbs still being intact, allowing me to write this review! My pate however, took things to a whole new level. Served with toasted ciabatta bread and REAL onion relish, I will now find it difficult to enjoy my regular shop-purchased pate, for the one at Carluccio’s, like Tina Turner, was simply the best!

Our main course arrived, and here too, we were not disappointed. Zuccini, rosemary potatoes and a tarragon mayonnaise accompanied my ribeye steak, which was cooked to perfection, as medium should be – pink in the middle yet firm enough to cut with a knife. There was certainly nothing chewy about this steak. Anna chose lobster spaghetti, which is exactly as the name suggests – pieces of prime lobster in spaghetti, with a brown crab sauce and rocket. Very tasty, but as a self-confessed extreme carnivore, this would only serve as a starter for me. After all, I am Greek – have you seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding? Well, to give you an idea, in everyday life you would struggle to find a Greek vegetarian………….

Dessert arrived and we shared the two different dishes, halving each one. First off the blocks was warm pear and frangipane tart served with pear and ricotta ice cream – an unusual combination, but it worked very well. The second dessert was lemon tart with a sweet pastry, and a zesty filling. Both of these were up to the mark, and I found it hard to choose between them. We were now extremely satiated, and agreed this was a wonderful meal.

The history behind this brand is very simple, and almost reads like a novel. Antonio Carluccio and his wife Patricia opened their first restaurant in nearby Neal Street, although this was eventually closed 15 years ago, when this giant of an eatery took its place. However, at the time Neal Street became a huge hit with diners, but the couple also harboured a desire to open a deli, and become purveyors of the finest Italian foods. When the shop next door to the restaurant became available, they purchased it, and Patricia spent a year in Italy scouring the country, toiling (?) in search of small businesses, i.e. biscuit makers, vineyards for fine wines, farms for dairy and meat products, etc. securing products for their dream deli. Having stocked the deli and seeing it become successful, they began to open restaurants in various locations in the UK, most of these having an in-house deli, as standard. These provide locals and diners an opportunity to purchase genuine imported Italian foods of quality – foods which are in fact served in the restaurant, and include many of the desserts, ham, cheese variants, olives, condiments and sauces. An ideal way to take some of Italy’s finest food products home with you, but also a great advert for Carluccio’s when these goods are seen and sampled in your home. Brilliant marketing!

There is also an additional perk for diners at this particular restaurant. With such a vast choice of items to choose from on the menu, and reasonable portions, I perceive it as a good thing that from our 1^st floor dining area, the walk to the facilities is down the two flights of stairs taking you to the main entrance, and a further two flights to the basement. Ideal for burning off a few calories in between courses, especially if you are considering going all the way, and choosing from the dessert menu. Be prepared for the walk up! However, for those who do not see this walk as a perk, there is a lift available.

With regards the staff, General Manager Lorraine was very helpful as she took us into the deli, delighting at her staff discount (lucky thing!), whilst also answering some general questions I had. When I spoke to Christina over the phone a few days later, she had nothing but praise for the company, and effused compliments about the way she had been trained to understand all aspects of the day to day running, before being made a manager.

The wondrous Sylvia, when not ensuring we had all we required, virtually danced from one task to another, effortlessly. Being Polish, it could therefore be said she was a Pole dancer, but of course, I mean that play on words in the nicest way. She oozed energy wherever she went, all the while keeping her eyes out for a hand which may beckon her, or a plate which had been emptied and was ready for removal. A true professional, who obviously enjoys her job.

All in all, our experience was indeed, a positive one. I watched the staff dealing with other diners, and they all seemed confident and friendly – qualities which are of immense importance in this industry. I imagine the standard of cuisine and service are much the same in all the Carluccio’s  restaurants, and I would indeed recommend a visit to one near you.