Carluccio's, Covent Garden, London

The prix fixe evening menu is fantastic value for money in central London. Not much choice - but at £8.50 for two courses and coffee, what can you say? Buzzy lively atmosphere. Great to grab a quick, early evening bite before making the long journey home….

I have a bit of a soft spot for Carluccios. Their coffee is good, they have an awesome selection of pastas, sauces, meats etc.

To be honest, I’ve never eaten in the restaurant, but for taking home ingredients like pasta sauces then they beat the pants off Ragu and Lloyd Grossman.

Oh and the cakes are pretty sweet as well.

Part of the chain of Italian restaurants that have popped over all over London now, the Covent Garden Carluccio’s was refitted about a year ago and is still a lovely place to grab a bite to eat.

Slightly on the pricey side, at least the menu is not off the shelf Italian and you can be assured of good quality food. The deserts and coffee especially are exceptional (but then, I have a sweet tooth!).

The crowd is funky and vibrant and not-too-touristy, whih makes a change for Covent Garden.

Definitely worth a visit if you want a quick meal - be sure to book during busy times as it gets full!

Beautiful, delicious, fresh simple flavourful food. A lovely dining atmosphere as well! Unfortunately, our experience was marred because of the extremely rude and snobby service. The service staff should be ashamed of themselves for gossiping so obviously about the patrons. I would purchase food from the shop for take away without a doubt, but I would never dine there again. Unfortunately.

I had a lovely time at Carluccio’s while I was in London. The prices were certainly high, but prices are high everywhere in London right now. The desserts were very nice, but the coffee (specifically my caffe latte) took the cake! (Pardon the pun.) It was everything an Italian coffee should be. I also ended up buying lots of little Italian treats to take home with me!