Truffle Oil
Carluccio's Colchester

Carluccio's Colchester

22b High Street, Colchester, United Kingdom

Cafés • Pizza • Pasta • Breakfast


"Carluccios was my first dining experience out following I was impressed by the measures put in place by the team and how well these were adhered to. I felt completely at ease throughout my meal, staff wore face masks, tables were socially distanced, staff...were visibly washing their hands/using hand sanitiser throughout and the cleanliness of the restaurant was unmatched. It was reassuring to see these protocols in place during these uncertain times. The staff really went above and beyond to deliver the authentic Carluccio’s experience despite the current challenges! My experience was amazing from beginning until end. I was greeted by management at the door and by the wonderful bar team, Gemma and Emma, who made me feel welcomed with their friendly greetings as I shown to my table. I was then greeted by my amazing waitress Sasina, who is an absolute credit to the team! She was so friendly and bubbly, very attentive to our needs and delivered an overall wonderful experience! Our drinks order was taken promptly, we were asked if we had any allergies (very impressive and offered bread and olives to start off with. Once our drinks arrived, our food order was taken quickly without any hassle. Sasina suggested the lasagna for my main with a side of the garlic and rosemary roast potatoes. Her suggestions were superb! Sasina was also very mindful of the fact my guest was a vegetarian, making sure to point out all the vegetarian options (and even went out of her way to get some vegetarian Parmesan cheese Our food came promptly and cannot be faulted. It tasted incredible (big thanks to the amazing chefs We had the garlic focaccia with cheese, tomato bruschetta and calamari to start which was delicious. The calamari is the best I have ever had! And for mains, we had the lasagna and the spinach and ricotta ravioli (which the lovely Sasina was able to change the usual sauce to a tomato one with a side of garlic and rosemary roast potatoes. Our meal was phenomenal and the service was even better! My mother and I will be returning to dine with the amazing team at Carluccios without a doubt! Overall, the restaurant had a lovely, welcoming ambiance. All of the staff were smiley and friendly and all made a point of saying goodbye to us as we left the restaurant. I look forward to coming back and trying more of the mouth-watering new menu! Thank you all for a terrific experience!"

Ballarò

Ballarò

34 Heath Road Twickenham, Greater London TW1 4BZ, United Kingdom

Bars • Fish • Italian • Sicilian


"Dreadful and outrageous service. We arrived within minutes of our booking time, to be advised that our table was not ready. There were several tables available, and we were reluctantly shown to one! We ordered two beers and two medium rare rib eye steaks. The drinks arrived promptly. One steak arrived with a tiny amount of undressed salad. This dish was priced at £25.50 and as we were advised did not include even a few chips. Actually I was asked if I had read the menu clearly not well enough to realise I’d ordered a thin uninspiring steak with a minuscule quantity of salad. I was provided with some oil and balsamic. We did ask of there were some chips to accompany the dish, and were told this was extra we politely declined. The second steak arrived with the same mediocre and frankly appaling presentation. Bizarrely, two portions of chips appeared as we were finishing what passed for the main course. When we enquired again if these were included, we refused them on the basis of the the unreasonable extra charge. We decided to leave without further ado, and asked for the bill at the front desk. The gentleman who appeared to be the manager/owner was surprised when we refused to pay the additional service charge. The food and service was dreadful, and I would suggest you consider the many other restaurants in Twickenham before booking here. I will not be returning the attitude and lack of service was staggering and a grave disappointment bearing in mind I had been recommended to this establishment."