Carluccios Cafe

Came here with the children at the weekend. Been here lots of times before; it’s reliably consistent. We started with the garlic bread with cheese, which was absolutely delicious. Then I had the spaghetti vongole (a bit over cooked) and my son had the kids’ pollo Milanese, which he enjoyed. He would have liked ketchup though, and Carluccios do their own chunky tomato sauce, which is fine, obviously, for normal people. My daughter had the crushed meringue with raspberries for pudding, which looked lovely and Eton Mess-​like, but there was no way I was allowed to get anywhere near that. I virtuously had a cappuccino with an extra shot. Busy, with good service. I’m sure we’ll be back.

Best Italian food in Reading. They keep it simple and let fresh ingredients speak for itself.
Good service. If I’m craving Italian again, definitely my go to spot. Waiting for the warmer weather to enjoy a few drinks outside.

Having been in other Carluccio branches in London and Dublin, I pretty much knew what to expect — unfussy food, friendly service and reasonably priced. I wasn’t disappointed. Took the team there after a 3 day workshop in dire need of some light relief. 4 of the 5 had sea bass whilst your scribe, however, had the frito misto which wasn’t at all bad. Starters were a bit more diverse although, again, the bruschetta got the majority vote and was, indeed, very good. It’s not that the menu was short, it’s just that software engineers are a predictable bunch. A bottle of Pinot Grigio and two of a very acceptable d’Abruzzo topped off a very enjoyable evening. Bill for 5 including tip for the excellent service was £180. Good food, good company, good wine and a good price. Not too shabby at all.

Just popped in here for a water whilst out in Reading. Sitting out on the patio felt quite continental, despite it not being the warmest day. Inside is a restaurant and shop selling Italian products which looked very interesting and there is a wide selection on the menu.

Swung past here while interviewing in Reading. I had the pasta giardiniera — deep fried spinach and parmesan balls, with courgette and chilli over penne. Too salty, which I semi-​suspected but hoped wasn’t the case. Overall, depth of flavour was missing. I also had a peppermint tea, which I could see half the leaves in there were wilted/​dead — again, not the best tea I’ve had. Service was pleasant and how I live it… but had I left it at that, I probably would have been tempted to mark this as 2 stars as I wasn’t exactly blown away.
However, as I had 8hrs to waste, it seemed a little wrong to not to have dessert. I had spotted a panna cotta on the menu that sounded delicious — flavoured with rum and vanilla, with pieces of crystalised orange rind scattered around. Damn, that was good — the custardy-​creaminess of the panna cotta with a lovely alcoholic hum given off by the rum — throw the rind in there and it simply pleased all of the senses. It was such an improvement on the main course it deserves a star all of it’s own.

Modern café /​restaurant in a quiet new square overlooking Forbury Gardens. We ate outside on the large patio in front of the restaurant on a sunny evening. The food is excellent, simple Italian fare more reminiscent of a cantina in Lombardy than a typical Anglicised Italian. My lamb chops were excellent — well seasoned, tasty and tender. Beware the Ciocolata Fiorentina if you have limited musclepower in your stirring arm — I’ve not seen thicker drinking chocolate outside Mantova.

I have been here a lot, mostly for lunch and it is a great setting for that but I do think it is pverpriced for the food you get. the last 2 times I have went the food has been overly salty and I am normally not one to complain. the lasagne is good and their lemonade is second to none. Also their deli is great. I just feel that the service is lacking, takes too long and you don’t get value for money.

A great place for a working lunch. The pasta is devine (especially the Sage Butter tortelloni) and the wine is not too bad either.
Nice airy setting and it’s very tempting to buy a bunch of stuff at the attached shop on the way out.
Recommend.

Carluccio’s is perfect for a lunch. If you go in the summer you can sit outside in Forbury square.
I think Carluccio’s is very reasonable and the pasta is very nice indeed.