An Affordable Italian Experience with Room for Improvement
Carluccio’s South Kensington offers an affordable dining experience that brings a taste of Italy to the heart of the fancy South Kensington neighborhood. There are some areas that could benefit from improvement, resulting in a middle-of-the-road rating.
The vibe of the restaurant is definitely on the casual side. They create a cozy atmosphere with dim lighting, although it may be considered too dark for some. Personally, it reminded me of those laid-back Japanese family restaurants, where you can even pop in wearing your comfy home clothes.
When it comes to service, they maintain a casual approach. Don’t expect the staff to be super polished, but they were relatably attentive. I must mention that improvements are needed in the bathroom. When I went in there, it was a mess. Toilet paper all over the floor, toilets not flushed, and water leaking from the sink. Not a pleasant sight.
What I Ordered:
Mixed Antipasti
It presented a delightful assortment of flavors and textures that captured the vibrant spirit of Italian cuisine, setting the stage for what seemed to be a promising dining experience.
First off, the Pane Carasau, a traditional Sardinian flatbread, brought an awesome crispy and rustic element to the table. It served as a crunchy canvas for all the other delicious components to shine. The 24-month aged Parma ham and Finocchiona salami both delivered a rich and savory taste that elevated the experience.
But it wasn’t solely about the meats. The marinated green beans and chargrilled courgette added a fresh and vibrant kick to the platter, providing a burst of refreshing flavors that balanced everything perfectly. The dried tomatoes were incredibly addictive. And let’s not forget about the olives and caper berries! These small, briny, and tangy gems infused the dish with Mediterranean charm, giving each bite an extra savory kick that delighted the palate.
Minute Steak
A minute steak should ideally be tender and juicy, however, with Carluccio’s Minute Steak, it didn’t quite reach that level. Furthermore, the seasoning and flavoring of the steak were lacking, even with the addition of salt and pepper. It just didn’t hit the spot and left something to be desired.
That being said, it’s important to take into account the price point of the dish. The affordability of the steak may help compensate for some of its shortcomings, making it a reasonable choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option.
*Pistachio Ice Cream
When it arrived at my table, a smile spread across my face as they presented me with two generous scoops of pistachio ice cream, accompanied by a delightful biscuit!
The pistachio flavor stole the show. The ice cream truly embodied the essence of roasted pistachios, perfectly balancing sweetness with the inherent nuttiness. It was evident that real pistachios were used, which I greatly appreciated. The combination of creamy ice cream and crunchy pistachio bits created a delightful contrast of textures.
Tiramisu
It certainly had room for improvement. Unfortunately, the coffee powder sprinkled on top had a somewhat sour taste, which detracted from the overall sweetness. Furthermore, a successful Tiramisu should be light, airy, and moist, with each bite unveiling a delicate interplay of textures. However, Carluccio’s Tiramisu fell short in this regard, as it was noticeably dry.
As a lover of Tiramisu, I hold it dear as a timeless favorite Italian dessert. It’s disheartening to say that they did not deliver the proper execution of this beloved treat, especially being an Italian restaurant.
Conclusion:
Carluccio’s South Kensington provides an affordable dining option with a decent antipasti selection. The casual atmosphere and service align with the restaurant’s pricing, making it a suitable choice for those seeking budget-friendly Italian fare. The most ideal way to enjoy this spot would be to wake up, freshen up, and head over for a leisurely brunch in the neighborhood with a cup of coffee. Or you can also drop by whenever you feel a bit sleepy, as they serve cappuccinos even as late as 7pm.
