Carluccio’s Review: Something is Missing Here?

 

If you’re after a solid breakfast in the heart of Dublin, Carluccio’s on Dawson Street might seem like a tempting pick. Known for fresh, high-quality ingredients and sleek Italian charm, it’s a popular spot—but when we stopped in for breakfast, we left feeling a little underwhelmed.

What We Ordered

Avocado, Smoked Salmon & Poached Eggs

We went for the Eggs Pancetta Benedict (€10.25) and the Avocado, Smoked Salmon & Poached Eggs (€13.50, gluten-free version).

First up, the Eggs Pancetta Benedict—a classic done Italian-style with crispy pancetta, perfectly toasted bread, and a rich, tangy Hollandaise sauce. The flavours were spot on, but the eggs were slightly overcooked and the portion size felt a bit stingy. At over a tenner, we were hoping for a little more bang for our buck.

Then came the Avocado, Smoked Salmon & Poached Eggs, and this is where things got disappointing. Since we ordered the gluten-free version, we expected a small tweak, but what arrived was just bread, smoked salmon, and two poached eggs—no smashed avocado, no slow-roasted tomatoes, no red onion as listed on the menu. For €13.50, that felt like a serious letdown.

The Vibes & Service

On the bright side, service was top-notch—super friendly, quick, and efficient. The modern interior was sleek and inviting, and at 11 AM on a Friday, the place was buzzing. That said, the noise levels were pretty high, making it tricky to have a proper chat over coffee.

Final Verdict – Worth It?

Carluccio’s has a strong reputation, but based on our visit, breakfast didn’t quite live up to the hype. While the quality of ingredients was great, the small portions and missing items left us feeling short-changed. That said, the lunch and dinner menus look much more promising, and with plenty of gluten-free options, there’s still potential for a good meal here.

Would we rush back for breakfast? Probably not. But for a lunch or dinner visit? We’d still give it a go!

⭐ Rating: 3/5