We Love West Hampstead

Always happy to get into the festive spirit early, WeLoveHampstead.co.uk managed to get a sneak preview of the Carluccio's Christmas menu this week...

Maybe it’s the Carluccio’s three-pronged attack that sets its apart from the plethora of other chain Italian restaurants that are found on the high street these days. Or maybe it’s just the fact that the food is much better. Instead of just being a restaurant or a coffee bar or a shop Carluccio’s is all three, and though some critics will immediately assume the old adage, ‘jack of all trades, master of none’, since visiting the Hampstead branch this week, I won’t be one of them. 

The chain, which has scattered itself across north London with branches in Hampstead, Islington, Brent Cross and St John’s Wood, has just launched its concise but varied Italian menu for the festive season. 

For £20 Carluccio’s present a three-course meal (for an extra £5 you can get a glass of Prosecco on arrival as well as coffee and crackers) with a choice of two starters, five main dishes and three deserts. 

Get started with the sharing antipasti, which offers up a selection of salami, stuffed chicken, oven-roasted tomatoes, olives, bread and peppers. The sharing dish also comes with a much welcomed helping of the superb Carluccio’s caponata – an aubergine relish.

Mains include the vegetarian-friendly courgette dishes and a seafood risotto, as well as the meat-eater favourite Bistecca di Bue Patate (ribsteak), the chicken breast wrapped in parma ham (both arriving with potatoes) and a chargrilled lamb steak dish.

Hands down, the finest desert on the menu is the Pasticco di Cioccolato (chocolate bread and pudding), which is served as it always should be, warm. Worth trying. 

Away from the food, Carluccio's is showing off its Christmas shopping evenings, which are taking place on 3 and 10 December. Guests receive complimentary festive canapés and mulled wine and 10% off all Christmas purchases. Products on sale have been made for Carluccio’s by Italian producers and include the classic panettone tradizionale (£15.95 for 1kg) presented in a colourful gift box and various gift sets including the celebrazione (£35), which covers all seasonal indulgences, containing prosecco, panettone and a box of traditional Italian hazelnut chocolates.

Get involved in Christmas Carluccio style, just make sure you start on the caponata, finish with the bread and butter pudding, and then browse the shop - you won’t go far wrong.