Created by the late Italian chef Antonio Carluccio, this restaurant takes simple Italian ingredients and makes them into wonderfully authentic dishes similar to what Carluccio cooked back home in Italy.
Carluccio’s motto of ‘MOF MOF’ (minimum of fuss, maximum of flavour), makes for a simple yet effective menu full of all the classics. You won’t find any unwanted flavours or dishes in this popular chain restaurant.
Seasonal menus mean that there is always something new to try when you pay Carluccio’s a visit. Expect to find sword fish muddica with parmesan breadcrumbs and courgette or scamorza arancini – Sicilian rice balls filled with spinach and mozzarella. Of course, you can’t have an Italian restaurant without the classics such as mushroom risotto and lasagne, which are on the menu all year round to be enjoyed.
The chef’s special menu, which uses seasonal ingredients and recipes that mirror those cooked in various different Italian provinces, is worth a try; the crab tonnarelli with courgette and Swiss chard, or the rose veal escalope or the risotto perhaps? Accompany your meal with a flavoured Negroni to top off your Italian dining experience.
Lastly, you can’t forget the host of Italian desserts on offer to finish your meal. You’ll find tiramisu and torta di cioccolata ready for the taking, but if you’re after a British dessert, the chocolate bread and butter pudding puts a spin on the hearty classic.
Catering to a range of different dietary requirements, coeliacs no longer have to miss out on the pasta-filled dishes. There are lots of vegans and vegetarian dishes on offer too.
All located in Cambridge city centre and minutes from the university campuses, Carluccio’s will give you a taste of Italy the authentic way, whether you decided to visit after exploring the city or after a long day of hitting the books in the library.