Carluccio's

I go here reasonably regularly (once a month or so) and it's ok. Not great, not bad, just ok. So, why do I keep going back? Well, the rest of Canary Wharf is generally very badly served for decent restaurants.

Lunch for two (incl drinks) normally comes to about £25-£30, so it isn't exactly cheap, but if you look around at the other options round here like the dire Chili's of the woeful Tiffin Bites you soon realise that you're not exactly spoiled for choice. (I don't know what it is, maybe the rents they pay are extortionate?)

Anyway, if you fancy an average lunchtime meal in a very busy restaurant, this is ideal.
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Mike
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
Thursday, July 10, 2008

The restaurant works well. The food and service are to a good standard although it is still somewhat pricey.

The deli counter is abysmal. The standard of service is often shocking and frequently there are several staff milling about but nobody taking food orders. After tolerating uneven service for too many years I won't be going back.
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Wednesday, April 16, 2008

I love this restaurant - the food is always reliably tasty and the service is fine, if you wave around enough.

It's always packed so booking is a must on a Friday evening!

I must say, I wish this chain hadn't gotten so successful, because I do believe that it has become less creative and characterful, the more branches its opened, and the more samey the menus have become - pity. I wish it still felt like a deli-restaurant. I still love it though!
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Friday, June 15, 2007

verey good
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Sue
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, June 09, 2007

Wasn't impressed with this place at all!!!

Service was slow and food was very basic. not what I expected!! won't be going back.
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Daniel
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Saturday, May 26, 2007

I have to agree with Deborah (below). I went with a group of friends for a birthday meal in March and found it to be pretty average. I was pleasantly surprised by the prices, particularly for Canary Wharf, but realised why when the food came. It really is nothing special at all.

The menu is very limited; I found it hard to find something I actually wanted. The ravioli lacked something. Flavour? Oil? Something. And wasn't at all satisfying.

The staff was not particularly friendly nor efficient, the toilets were not that clean, the wine was average, and the waiting staff started clearing plates before we'd all finished eating even though the table wasn't booked after ours.

And beware the slippy wooden floor - the trek between the table and the toilets can be treacherous in heels!

In spite of all this, on the upside, the restaurant has a lively atmosphere and I had a great time in company with some lovely friends, but I most certainly won't make a point of going to Carluccio's again.
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Lisa Beaumont
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Friday, March 23, 2007

The first time I ate here I thought it wasn't so bad - reasonably priced and fine for a quick after work meal. On going back a second time I wondered what I was thinking - it really was exceptionally average and not that great value for money. We sent back the starter of fryed calamri as it was as tough as old boots and completely inedible. A replacement portion was marginally better but by this time my husband had asked me not to make a fuss. Our mains were better - mine a reasonable plate of pasta, my husbands was not what he ordered but was an OK dish of lamb and beans. We didn't bother with anything else as there didn't really seem much point. Not a meal to remember.
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Deborah
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Friday, November 10, 2006

I've eaten here a few times, and I've always found the service to be very good, and the food to be above average. It is quite basic, but good, Italian fare. As someone else has mentioned, the value for money on the wharf is very good (rip-off central!). The wine list is limited, but reasonable for a restaurant (decent Pinot Grigio for £15) - you must have dessert - the panna cotta and tiramisu are exceptional! 3-course for two people, with wine for about £65 - pretty good really. The atmosphere is a touch on the raucous side, but it's about as un-yuppified as Canary Wharf gets!
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Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Thursday, March 30, 2006