Visit Luciano at The Strand

Fine Italian food in central London

Did you know, everyone’s favourite TV Chef, Gino D’Acampo’s, restaurant has opened its summer terrace?

Situated in the gorgeous ME London hotel, this space is the ideal stop off for some of London’s best Italian food. Alongside the terrace comes the new seasonal menu, using the freshest of ingredients too.

We were very fortunate to visit on a sun-drenched day and made the absolute most of the terrace. Buzzy and vibrant, this is the space to truly feel like you’re a Londoner as you sip chilled rose, opposite some of London’s best theatres.

The inside is just as nice, with classy, Italian-inspired décor and beaming sunlight from the street outside, but if you can visit on a sunny day, definitely make the most of the terrace.

New antipasti dishes for spring include Costine di Maiale (Tuscan-style barbecued pork ribs with spicy ‘nduja) and Arancine al Ragu (Crispy fried risotto balls filled with a roast red pepper and tomato sauce), whilst we were tempted, there was a very delicious-sounding scallop special that we ordered, alongside a Prawn Bruschetta. The seafood was super fresh, well seasoned and tasty.

For mains, new dishes include the luxurious Ravioli Con Gamberi Rossi (fresh filled pasta with wild red Sicilian prawns, garlic, chilli, cherry tomatoes and fresh basil) and the fresh Risotto Primavera (Risotto mantecato with asparagus, sugar snap peas, caramelised garlic and extra virgin olive oil).

On the Speciali menu guests can find family style large plates, served tableside to share such as a Risotto all Pescatore with fresh seafood, wild red prawns, mussels, clams and calamari. A selection of Pizza Al Forno, made following a traditional method very similar to that used in Naples, includes the indulgent Tartufo; a white pizza with creamy black truffle and pecorino Romano sauce, chestnut mushrooms and fresh black truffle. I saw my absolute favourite dish, Salt Baked Seabass on the specials which I just had to order. The fish was delightfully seasoned and served with fresh salad – the perfect paring to our rose wine.

Drinks-wise a dedicated Luciano Signature list features a selection of spritzes and predinner sips including new seasonal cocktails Lost in Liguria, a fresh and vibrant drink made with the classic Italian liqueur Limoncello, and the Caprese Martini; a gin-based martini with tomato liqueur, basil and lemon. Elsewhere on the cocktail list guests will find some of their all-time favourites and interpretations of some renowned cocktails like the Coffee Boulevardier; a twist on a classic Boulevardier this bold, rich, whisky variation of a negroni drink is stirred with whole arabica coffee beans.

Desserts on the menu include the showstopper Profiterole Siciliano, a giant profiterole with panna gelato, freshly grated dark chocolate and pistachio cream, which was a must-order!

Families are also made very welcome with a special Bambino menu throughout the week. The menu encourages children to try classic Italian dishes such as Risotto Primavera and Bucatini Carbonara with child friendly portions. The Bambino menu also includes an option for children to choose their own pizza toppings. Desserts for children include a selection of gelato and an Italian chocolate pudding, Panna gelato

The meal was Bellissima and we will most definitely be back!

Find out more > www.melia.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/london/me-london/restaurants/luciano-by-gino-dacampo