Carluccio’s is what you might call a prestige chain showcasing Italian produce across a range of styles. Open from morning until night, the Glasgow shop has proved popular since it opened in 2012.

Exterior

The cafe premises are bright and airy with light wood to the fore. It’s a big place with room for 80+ diners in their main dining area.

Although this was another breakfast in Glasgow I had a few more spare minutes than usual so took the opportunity to sit in. I was greeted by a friendly and attentive waiter who kept things bright and breezy throughout, but the pace of delivery of food from the kitchen was rather pedestrian.

Interior

I felt a little sorry for the waiters and waitresses. While the manager got to stride around in a neat red pullover they were made to wear uniforms with little hats that looked more suited to the kitchen than front of house.

I was in the mood for eggs but swithered for a while between scrambled or poached eventually settling upon eggs florentine.

Eggs

When my eggs arrived they looked much as expected. The eggs were nicely poached with good runny yolks. The spinach was plentiful if a little underseasoned and the hollandaise packed a good citrus freshness. It didn’t particularly wow me, though; it was just a good solid effort.

So overall, I was slightly underwhelmed by Carluccio’s. What it does it does quite well but there was little flair and imagination at work. It struck me as reliable rather than remarkable. I can imagine visiting another of their many outlets but I’m not sure it’s top of my list of priorities.

Scores
Blythe scores Carluccio’s
3/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
3/5 for service
giving an overall 13/20

I ate: eggs florentine

I drank: espresso, water

I wore: workaday suit

Total bill: £9.45