Celebrating 25 Years of Carluccio's: A Legacy of Tradition, Taste, and Community
This year marks a tremendous milestone for Carluccio’s—25 years of serving authentic Italian food, inspired by the life and passion of Antonio Carluccio, fondly known as the “Godfather of Italian gastronomy.” To commemorate this occasion, we’re bringing back some of Antonio’s most cherished traditional dishes at their original prices on a special anniversary menu as well as a one-of-a-kind gift box bursting with a carefully curated selection of our finest and most beloved Italian delicacies. It’s our way of honouring the man who brought the us the heart of Italy here in the UK, while thanking the community that has supported us over the past quarter century.
The Beginnings: A Dream on Neal Street
Carluccio’s journey started in 1991, when Antonio and his wife, Priscilla, opened a small food shop on Neal Street in Covent Garden. They were driven by a passion to bring the finest regional Italian produce to London, offering the vibrant flavours of Italy’s countryside to the capital’s busy streets. Each product was carefully sourced, and every label was handwritten, reflecting the personal connection Antonio had with the ingredients he offered.
From the sun-kissed fields of Sicily to the misty hills of Piedmont, Antonio travelled across Italy, unearthing the best ingredients from small, family-run producers. His dedication to quality became the hallmark of Carluccio’s and is a value we hold dear to this day.
Carluccio’s Caffè: Introducing Italy’s Soul to London
In 1999, Antonio opened the first Carluccio’s Caffè in Market-Place, London. It was more than just a place to eat—it was a chance to experience the Italian way of life, where food is not simply fuel, but something to be savoured and shared. The concept of combining a casual Italian dining experience with a retail space filled with handpicked Italian products was an instant hit. Londoners could finally enjoy an authentic slice of Italy, not just on their plates but in their homes too.
Twenty-five years later, Carluccio’s has grown across the UK and beyond, but our commitment to serving fresh, authentic Italian food remains unchanged. We continue to honour Antonio’s legacy, sourcing the finest ingredients and creating dishes that celebrate togetherness and the joy of eating.
Antonio Carluccio: The Man, The Legend
At the heart of Carluccio’s is the man himself—Antonio Carluccio. Born in 1937 in the Piedmont region of Italy, Antonio’s passion for food began in the Italian countryside, where he developed a love for foraging. His favourite pastime? Mushroom hunting. He often said that mushrooms were his “first love,” and his knowledge of wild fungi became legendary.
Antonio’s warmth, generosity, and respect for ingredients made him beloved across the world. He wasn’t just a chef—he was an ambassador for traditional Italian cuisine. Through his cookbooks, television shows, and public appearances, Antonio shared his passion for simple, authentic cooking, inspiring both home cooks and chefs worldwide.
The Antonio Carluccio Foundation
In addition to his culinary legacy, Antonio’s passion for helping others lives on through the Antonio Carluccio Foundation. Established by Antonio, the foundation supports causes close to his heart, from combatting hunger to providing culinary education and opportunities for those in need. By championing sustainable food practices and promoting training in the hospitality industry, the foundation ensures that Antonio’s love for food and people continues to make an impact.
25 Years of Carluccio’s: A Special Menu to Celebrate
To mark our 25th anniversary, we are offering a special menu featuring some of Antonio’s most iconic dishes—served at their original prices. This is our way of taking you back to where it all began, with some of the classic recipes that captured the hearts of many, each dish reflects the authenticity and passion that Antonio poured into his cooking.
The Road Ahead: Continuing the Journey
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we reflect with gratitude on everything we’ve achieved and look forward with excitement to the future. Carluccio’s remains dedicated to preserving Antonio’s legacy while evolving to meet the changing tastes and trends of our time. Our mission remains as it was 25 years ago—to bring people together over great food, just as Antonio intended.
Here’s to 25 years of Carluccio’s, and to many more to come. We invite you to join us in celebrating by visiting your local Carluccio’s and enjoying a taste of Italy with our special anniversary menu.
Grazie e buon appetito!
