Depends on the Cook. There is a bit of an issue with this chain because the delicious pasta dish I had at this location tasted absolutely horrible at another Carluccios (tasteless, shriveled and unopened clams) that I only finished a quarter of the meal and was not charged. At least the time I was at this location, the service was absolutely friendly and the chef seem to know what he was doing.

Steady. Carluccio's in Smithfield is like a back-up, a reasonable alternative for me when I pop into nearby Smith of Smithfield or Comptoir Gascon and they are full for a weekend breakfast/brunch. This is quite a common predicament as SoS & CG slide higher up the scale and are more desirable by the trendy & more affluent crowds that frequent this part of the city. But we shouldn't think any less of this local Carluccio's. It has been turning out Italian cafe food of a steady quality. Yes, the deli items in front of the shop are over-priced but there is a focus on regional specialties, and it's a convenient stop for mozzarella, ricotta, Parma ham, dried porcini, risotto rice, squid ink and saffron when you can't find it elsewhere.

The interior of this branch is light and airy, with high ceilings and a very relaxed feel, which makes it ideal for a long brunch with friends and some weekend papers. Coffee and pastries are decent, the full breakfast not bad for £8.50, which includes coffee & juice, plus you get grilled pancetta instead of greasy bacon. Nice! It's also one of the rare places in London that does bicerin.

There are no pizzas here but the pasta is again decent. I like the ricotta & spinach ravioli served simply in sage butter. Pasta here is generally correctly cooked to al dente. I also like their thick, peasant-like pasta e fagioli (pasta & bean soup) but not so keen on their meek & watery mushroom soup. The menu changes with the season and there are daily specials, which for a chain, is nice to see.