At the heart of Marylebone Village, Carlotta unveils a total spectacle: a flamboyant decor, a 100% Italian menu (no pizza, yes indeed), a basement reminiscent of a futuristic speakeasy, and an improbable “social club” featuring a luminous Virgin. Guided by the energy of the Big Mamma group and the cooking of Armando di Costanzo (Neapolitan at heart, Nonna in the DNA), this spot in London bets on flair, generosity, and a service that makes the room vibrate. Amid crispy antipasti, hearty primi, and melting secondi, we laugh, we eat, we look everywhere… and we come back.
A decor that winks at Italian cinema (and Las Vegas)
From the entrance, a sparkling bar sets the tone: at Carlotta, we’re not here to whisper. The walls are adorned with heavy Venetian curtains in golden hues, exiled from a casino—perfect for a glam-shot. Large mirrors reaching the floor, carved palm trees, photos of boxers ready to face off, and even retro portraits of the owner’s uncle and aunt, 70s style, make up a gallery as crazy as it is warm. We enjoy detailing everything… and almost forget we’re here to dine.
The “social club” that blushes and brings smiles
As we head towards the restrooms—sorry, the social club—a staircase lined with photos of vintage weddings (brought back by the team, real life, you know) prepares the scene. The room, bathed in red light, showcases a statue of the Virgin, halo included. A guaranteed “raised eyebrow” moment, blending sacred fair with a pop wink. We love the audacity, and especially the humor.
A basement that plays the speakeasy of the future
Downstairs, a mood shift. The “overflow” features an open kitchen, lots of steel, bright red chairs, and darker lighting: it feels like the chic mess hall of a science fiction vessel. A speakeasy from the 23rd century where you might almost hear the captain asking, “another plate of pasta, Scotty!”
On the plate: Italy, yes, but without pizza
No pizza here—we repeat for the skeptics—but a truly Italian menu organized into antipasti, primi, and secondi. The Neapolitan chef Armando di Costanzo draws from the culinary culture of the Boot and the memory of his Nonna’s trattoria in 1950. We start frivolous and crispy: tempura shrimp cocktail, lovely gambas, or a burrata ball ready to flow. It’s generous, it’s joyful, and it smells like a great-aunt who keeps serving everyone “for the road.”
Tasted bites: breadcrumbs, ‘nduja and cacciatora galore
First up, the Parmigianine Fritte: three small eggplant parmigiana, breaded, golden, even more golden, then topped with shredded ricotta salata. Crispy on the outside, soft and tomatoey inside, with a touch of tender eggplant and a hint of spice: the bite calls for the next one—then the next.
Next, spaghetti with ‘nduja meatballs: straightforward tomato sauce, plump pork-beef meatballs, and a cloud of Parmigiano. A robust dish, maximum comfort; a solid appetite and a friendly server are recommended to roll you to the taxi.
The tableau continues with Cacciatora de Carlotta: three thighs of chicken slow-cooked, bathed in tomatoes, Taggiasche olives, and capers. Herbs galore, generous juice, tender meat teetering on the edge of “spoon only”: tradition that melts the room.
Finale in cream with a cheese sweetness like torta di queso—ultra-melt-in-your-mouth texture, generously enriched with cream cheese and mascarpone. It’s sweet, it’s decadent, it’s Italy in pillow form.
Vibe, service, and audience: it vibrates, and strongly
Between plush benches and round café tables, the room is full and there’s a joyful level of decibels. The staff is so kind it borders on telepathy: they anticipate your needs before you do. The whole place exudes a frankly friendly spirit, a spot that rocks for those who love to dine with energy. The portions are more than generous: you leave stuffed, satisfied, and a bit proud to have conquered the ‘nduja.
An Italian interlude, dreams of lakes and escapes
If the desire for Italy persists after the bill, extend it in thought towards the Italian lakes, havens of serenity and enchanting landscapes: perfect for balancing the exuberance of Carlotta. And for those curious minds who like to vary horizons, here are other gorgeous lakes to discover in Europe, a way to travel from Marylebone without putting down your fork.
