Carluccios, 28 Mar 2007

My first trip to the Carluccio's restaurant here - I've had a take away calzone, and have eaten at the restaurant at Canary Wharf before, so I know the score.

The restaurant had a number of free tables for us to chose from, at just after 12.30, was not bad - in fact I don't think it was full at any time during our visit, but I know it can get v busy. However, there were a number of other tables occupied by colleagues, so it is becoming popular in this office!

I had one of the specials, lemon and chicken risotto, and my companion had teh spicy sausage penne, which, I have to admit, I've had a number of times before. The risotto was well cooked, but not creamy. There was a distinct lemon flavour, and the chicken was cooked just right. The chef had applied some olive oil to it - perhaps it was lemon flavoured to deliver that taste - as there were small pools of it around the edges, but it was not smothered in it. The penne was appreciated - a bit spicy, but I did not see much specific sausage in the dish.

In terms of ambiance, the restaurant is lively, but can be noisy to have a serious conversation in, as the room is echoey. If you like standard Italian fare, this can't really be beaten - although if you want similar in more intimate surroundings, I understand Sweet Basil on the southern edge of the market may well be better.