Acclaimed restaurateur Chris Lucas (Chin Chin, Kisumé, Grill Americano) is gearing up to open his first restaurant in Canberra, and it’s got us all waiting on the edge of our seats to finally get a glimpse of the Mediterranean menu.
Announcing this week that the official opening date will be Monday 21 October, Carlotta will bring vibrant flavours from the famed trattorias and taverna found dotted along the European coast.
Located in the Canberra Centre’s Scott’s Crossing precinct, the menu has been shaped by a seasonal abundance of local produce, in collaboration between Lucas and Head of Culinary Mark Glenn (Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Cumulus Inc.), who is returning to the ACT after several years as Executive Chef of Pialligo Estate.
From antipasti, handmade pasta, and meat and seafood cooked over coals, the food offering is set to evolve but promises bright, generous Mediterranean flavours and traditional techniques.
Much like traditional European dining, the dishes are primed for feasting and designed to share, from small plates like octopus carpaccio with espelette, to crab rigatoni, King George whiting ‘a la parrilla’, and a Bistecca alla Florentina T-bone. A custom wood oven from Naples will also extend its influence through majority of the menu, with a concise wine list featuring a mix of local and Italian labels to match.
“I truly think Canberra is one of Australia’s most exciting, energetic and up-and-coming places, so I just felt like we had to be a part of it,” says Lucas.
“Some of my fondest food memories are from my travels through the Mediterranean. In opening Carlotta, I wanted to bring a harmonious blend of the region’s signature flavours and food culture to Canberra, combined with a little nod to Melbourne’s dining scene.”
With every feature of the interior highly considered, the timeless, light-filled space channels the Mediterranean landscape, from the earthy, natural hues, to the long, marble-topped bar and open kitchen at the heart of the 120-seat dining room, and al fresco terrace space. A dining experience fit for an intimate celebration, the restaurant also features two adjacent private dining spaces accommodating up to 26 guests.
Carlotta will be open 7 days a week from 11:30am until late, from Monday 21 October. Reservations are now available. Visit their website to book.
