Luca

This Michelin-starred Clerkenwell destination elevates Italian cuisine through innovative "Britalian" cooking that marries Italian techniques with British seasonal ingredients. The 1950s Italy-inspired interior spanning multiple spaces creates theatrical dining experiences, from the main room's sage and marble elegance to the Garden Room's retractable roof that opens to London skies. Their hand-rolled agnolotti cacio e pepe represents pasta perfection, while the Hereford beef tartare and Scottish halibut showcase how British ingredients can shine through Italian preparation. The famous Parmesan Fries have achieved cult status among food lovers who understand that simplicity executed perfectly creates magic. Michelin describes the cooking as "high quality" with ratings consistently hitting 4.5/5 for both food and service that reviewers call "20/10." The wood-fired and dry-aging techniques add depth to every dish, while the special hum and energy of the dining room creates atmosphere that matches the exceptional food. The Express Lunch menu provides more accessible entry to this level of cooking, though the full experience requires investment in both time and money that serious food lovers consider worthwhile.

Christoff's Tip:

Book the Garden Room at 7pm Tuesday-Thursday for optimal lighting and try the agnolotti cacio e pepe