UK
Europe
USACarluccio's - Reading
Carluccio's - Reading Summary
- Address: Forbury Square, Reading, RG1 3EY (Map)
- Tel: +44 (0)118 958 3095
- E-mail: N/A
- Cuisine(s): Italian
- Opening Times:
Mon - Fri: 08:00 - 23:00
Sat: 09:00 - 23:00
Sun: 10:00 - 22:30 - Avg Price: £26.00
(Avg Price is the average cost per person for a full meal, drinks/wine and service/tip.)
Carluccio's - Reading Description
Carluccio's was started by Antonio and Priscilla Carluccio as a small café and shop stocking Italian food and ingredients in 1991, and grew into a restaurant serving authentic cuisine at sensible prices in 1999. Antonio is an expert on food and has been a wine merchant, restaurant manager and owner, cookery expert on television and author of twelve cookery books. It is therefore not surprising, that today Carluccio's has over thirty-four outlets across the UK.
Antonio believes Italian cookery involves minimum fuss and maximum flavour. This is exactly what his restaurants try to do by using fresh produce, and working largely with families who make things the traditional way - with care. Their passion also translates into special events like hands-on cookery classes and recipe sharing, Antonio and his team regularly organise for interested guests. They also offer takeaways and a catering service.
The breakfast menu offers croissants and breads served with butter and preserves or honey and free range eggs, either scrambled or fried and served with pancetta or ciabatta. They also have long cured Parma ham and healthier options like muesli and fruits. These are best had with coffee, tea or freshly squeezed juice. Carluccio's offers an impressive list of white, red, rosé and sparkling wines which complement your meal.
The restaurants offer a range of soup and salads which give your meal a nutritious start before moving on to the mains. If you like pasta, enjoy the small filled parcels served in a ham and cream sauce, or sample the Neapolitana spaghetti with whole fresh clams, garlic, herbs and chilli. The branzino con salsa e patate, fillet of pan fried sea bass served with tomato salsa and sautéed potatoes and Somerset rib-eye steak with rosemary potatoes, called bistecca di bue con patate, are good options too. If you are looking for something lighter, you could opt for the numerous sides called contorni and panini.
In the Tuscany region of Italy, meals end simply with almond biscuits dipped in a sweet local wine, Vin Santo and eaten. You can enjoy that experience at Carluccio's, or settle for a more conventional dolci of tiramisu, warm chocolate and kahlua pudding, your choice of Italian cheeses or gelatos in different flavours.
Your Reviews of Carluccio's - Reading
Fred Landeg (17 March 2007)
Concept good, food potentially excellent. But execution poor. We had booked by telephone but when we arrived our reservation could not be found. We were shown to a table in a draught; my wife had to keep her coat on through out the meal. The service was quick but indifferent. Worst of all the food which was well presented and well cooked was served on cold plates. It was the little touches that were missing. Value for money poor. Would I eat there again? I would try another Carluccio's but I would never eat at the Reading venue again.
Barry Hynes (11 September 2006)
This was a Saturday night at Carluccio’s in the slightly sterile surroundings that makes up part of the chain of his cafes. The mixture of deli shop and restaurant is quite nice with the open kitchen at one end. The Formica tables go well with the simple menu (see their website) and ambiance that is established. The food; started with calamari and their vegetable antipasta plate for two. The calamari worried me in its uniformity but didn’t offend although I would like to know where the tentacles went. The plate of antipasta was very good although at first they delivered the meat version. The aubergine jam/relish was very intense. The mains were a tagliolini of tartufo, and ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach, in sage and butter. Both were excellent; being fresh, homemade, very filling and excellent value. Coffee after that and the bill came to £50 with a bottle of wine.
Carluccio's doesn’t overcomplicate things but just does it in good Italian style. It doesn’t play with your food too much and uses some of the best ingredients (the mozzarella was sublime by itself but with the peppers and pesto it was fantastic). Don’t expect the traditional UK Italian restaurant’s checked tablecloth and Chianti rustica bottles with extensive menus. Carluccio’s is simple and effective. The staff are also very good. If you want to slow down just tell them you want to wait for your main. Again simple.
My only small gripe was the lack of a wine cooler, but this is our second visit to this establishment and would definitely go back again
Write A Review For Carluccio's - Reading
Have you eaten at Carluccio's - Reading? Then why not write a review for Carluccio's - Reading! It only takes a few moments, no registration is required.
Not sure what to write? Have a look through all of our restaurant reviews for inspiration!
Additional Info for Carluccio's - Reading
Children welcome
Groups allowed- Air conditioning
- Outside seating
- Reservations
- Cover Charge
- House red: £15.00
- House white: £15.00
- Service charge: Not included, 10% (optional) for 8 or more
Is this your restaurant? Make changes to this listing
Would you like to print this page or send it to a friend? | Send to a friend
Find Another Restaurant
Search for restaurants and locations (eg. grill in reading)
