Britain just loves an Italian restaurant. Take a look around your high street and you’ll no doubt see a Pizza Express, Zizzi , Bella Italia or a Prezzo.
In my search for the perfect authentic Italian restaurant, I wanted to see how Carluccio’s was different to the other Italians I’d dined in. I had heard some really positive reviews about Carluccio’s; how it attracts a more discerning clientele than your average high street chain restaurant and that the service is top notch – not to mention the quality of the food. So I went to the restaurant at the Trafford Centre in Manchester to find out.
Carluccio’s – Trafford Centre, Manchester
The Trafford Centre branch of Carluccio’s is one of 96 in the UK. A pretty impressive number – but when you consider that its better-known sister, Zizzi, has 140 restaurants, Carluccio’s has some catching up to do… Or perhaps it prefers to be less well-known to add to a sense of exclusivity?
I visited Carluccio’s in the early evening with a friend for a well-earned respite from shopping.
As soon as we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by a friendly waiter with a huge smile on his face. I was also pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t too busy in the restaurant – and that instantly sets it apart from the other Italians in the Trafford Centre. The décor is simple and minimalistic with its clean and uncluttered design which I much prefer to the gaudy and over-facing interior in some of its rival restaurants.
The service really was fantastic. Our waiter, Edwin, was extremely attentive and knowledgeable of the menu, offering us some sound advice on the menu options.
Menu
Upon first glance of the menu, you can distinctly tell that it is more authentic in its Italian cuisine than some of its rivals – and there really isn’t much of a price difference, either.
The food options are different (superior, I’d say) to your other chains.
For example, “while you decide” you can order assorted breads from the onsite deli (£4.50) which are freshly baked daily. You could also choose crab macaroni (£6.95) for a starter, cod in Cartoccio (£13.95) and Meringa Al Frutto Della Passione (Meringue with a passion fruit cream, fresh raspberries and a raspberry coulis) at £5.25. The menu also offers your standard Italian offerings such as marinated olives (£2.95), lasagna tradizionale (£10.50) and panna cotta (£4.95).
There’s a vast selection of drinks on offer – ranging from Peroni (£3.95) to a bottle of Ferrari Maximum Brut NV Trentino at £37.50 which was voted ‘Best Italian Sparkling Wine 2016’. I ordered Prosecco Santa Sara (£5.95 per glass) and loved its dry, crisp and fruity taste. My friend ordered a Summer Garden apple juice (£3.95) and she reported that it was fresh, with just a hint of zing.
The children’s menu is £6.95 for three courses. Not a great deal on the menu though – and if your child isn’t a fan pasta or chicken, then they might not be happy.
Our order
We had the delicious focaccia to nibble as we chose from this mouthwateringly varied menu.
For a starter, I ordered the marinated prawns (£6.95) which tasted divine – and so fresh. The white wine and tomato sauce accompanied the prawns perfectly. My friend ordered the calamari (£6.50) and absolutely raved about the lemon mayonnaise that it was served with.
For my main, I ordered the risotto al funghi (£12.95). Divine. There was a hint of chilli in the truffle oil but this was not overpowering; it only enhanced the flavour of the mushroom. My friend was equally happy with her choice of main: sea bass in padella (£14.95). The sea bass was delicately pan-fried, the broccoli al-dente and had a lovely touch of chilli-infused almonds.
We shared a pudding (I have a wedding coming up!). We chose the tiramisu (£5.50) and we were taken back by the strength of the coffee in this dessert. Wowzers! A tip – fine to order at lunchtime, but do not order in the evening if caffeine affects you; you’ll never sleep!
Conclusion
The restaurant is great for small parties and couples, but I wouldn’t say that it is particularly suited to young children. However, I was pleased that the restaurant wasn’t brimming with over-excited children (I have enough of that at home!) and I think the overwhelmingly adult presence adds to Carluccio’s air of sophistication.
We spent as much money as we would at any other high street Italian restaurant, but we were treated to a first-class service from the staff, divine food that you’d think would be served at a posh restaurant and dined in sophisticated surroundings.
I can safely say that Carluccio’s is not just another Italian – far from it.
For more about Carluccio’s Italian restaurants visit this link https://www.carluccios.com
