Luciano’s by Gino d’Acampo

I recently visited Luciano’s by Gino D’Acampo, located near Covent Garden, expecting a delightful dining experience from a renowned chef. As I approached the restaurant, I couldn’t help but notice its busy surroundings, but the entrance was inviting enough to draw me in. I reviewed the menu and quickly realised that the prices were quite high, with dishes ranging from bruschettas and salads to pizzas, salmon, and steaks.

I decided to start with the bruschetta con gamberoni, which features sautéed king prawns, garlic butter, lemon, and chilli mayonnaise on toasted ciabatta, priced at £16. When the dish arrived, I was excited to dig in. However, I was met with disappointment; the bruschetta looked lovely but lacked a strong kick from the chilli mayonnaise and didn’t have enough lemon or garlic to elevate the dish. Despite the prawns being fresh, I felt let down by the overall experience, especially considering the cost.

Next, I ordered the fettuccine alla bolognese, which was priced at £22.50. Unfortunately, the timing of the dishes was off, as my pasta arrived before the bruschetta and wasn’t even hot. The preparation felt rushed, diminishing the dining experience. When I finally tried the spaghetti bolognese, I appreciated the vibrant colours and generous amount of Parmesan, but again, it was lacking in seasoning. I found myself adding salt and pepper, yet the dish still tasted average. It was something I could have easily made at home, leading me to question the value for money.
For dessert, I chose the chocolate and hazelnut cheesecake with Ferrero Rocher and sour cherry compote, priced at £10.25. This was a redeeming moment in the meal. The presentation was delightful, with layers that perfectly balanced sweetness and tartness, making it the highlight of my visit.

Despite the cheesecake saving the meal, the overall experience left much to be desired. The service was merely average, with dishes arriving out of order, which was frustrating given the prices we were paying. When the bill arrived, totalling £55.33 with a 13.5% service charge, I couldn’t help but feel it was not worth it. I would rate Luciano’s a disappointing 5 out of 10, especially when I compared it to a previous visit to another Gino D’Acampo restaurant in Knightsbridge, which had truly impressed me.

After this let-down, I decided to explore Somerset House nearby, soaking in its beauty and charm, which was a nice way to end the evening. I invite you to share your experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more reviews!