Carluccio's is always a "safe pair of hands", but nothing more. It serves as a good backup: when other places are full or closed I've always counted on getting a table here, and enjoying a decent (never spectacular) meal with friendly service.
Unless memory deceives me, they've re-fitted this branch since my last visit, replacing the awful hard chairs with more comfortable ones and re-jigging the lighting and layout. Atmosphere's a bit cosier. The menu has changed somewhat, I tried the duck pappardelle labelled "new". As expected it was very decent, generous portion, but not mind-blowing.
One thing I do love here is the coffee, I always get a second one to take away it's so good. I think they edge out the independent coffee shops in the area for flavour. read more