Carluccios, Spinningfields reviewed

AT FIRST view Carluccios in Spinningfields doesn’t look particularly kiddie friendly. Pristine, white décor, tables lined up neatly within elbow-reach of their neighbours and not to mention the very expensive looking jars of condiments balancing precariously on display in the adjoining shop area. But appearances are deceptive. There's a full children’s menu, high chairs, plastic glasses and staff that don't flinch at the sight of a minor.

We visited on a weekday lunchtime. Manchester was hot. Sun shining.

Spinningfields was bustling and so was the Italian eatery. There were office clad workers wearing shades, and yellow deck chairs scattered across the Green with the occasional youth with his top off to reveal a skinny torso

We dined al fresco and started our lunch with a spot of musical chairs. Sitting at the first table of choice, we looked around, discussed the pros and cons and then moved on to the next. It’s important to get shade, sun and people watching all in one location. The waiter followed our procession as we marched from table to table. Two tables later, we were happy.

The children's menu is simple and covers most tastes – in between courses I was educated by a puzzle on the kids menu which educated me about Italian bread. This left the other parent present keeping James entertained. Nifty menu that.

As for price, for £6.50 per child, you get a drink, bread sticks, a main course and an ice cream. Good value. Mains were pasta (penne or spaghetti) with a variety of sauces, chicken breast with rosemary potatoes, spinach and ricotta cheese ravioli or beef lasagne.

James opted for a simple spaghetti with tomato sauce. We ordered from the two course set lunchtime menu. At £9.95 per person it’s a good deal. To start we had bruscetta and chicken liver pate and we both opted for penne alla Luganica, tubes of pasta with Italian sausage sauce for mains.

All the dishes were fresh, full flavored and simple, just what was required. Italian food is at its best when it keeps it simple, merely emphasizing the beautiful flavours in the fine raw materials.

Our waiter was as warm as the sun beating down on us that day, always there to tend to our every beck and call – although the editor says it’s best to make sure you attract one of the waiter’s attention early on as sometimes they miss guests and you can wait ages.

The restaurant was relaxed despite being extremely busy. “There are around 350 different kinds of bread baked in Italy?” I said out loud to no one in particular.