Harden's survey result
Summary
“Classic Italian dishes are executed as well as one could hope for” at Giancarlo & Katie Caldesi’s “long-established” Marylebone stalwart: “the food is always very good – ragu a case in point – and the specials and seasonals can be mouthwatering”. That remains the majority view anyhow, although its critics feel results are “competent if unexciting”. Still, it’s proved a successful base for expansion, as the couple also run a restaurant in Bray (complete with cookery school) and in April 2024 added a new offshoot in Belsize Park: an initial report says the NW3 branch is “a welcome addition, well-designed with friendly staff; and serving a relatively short menu including pizza and pasta, if at West End prices”.
Summary
“Very good Italian family food is served in a buzzy atmosphere” at chef Giancarlo Caldesi and his wife Katie’s Marylebone flagship – “all the classic dishes are available”, accompanied by an “interesting wine list”. The couple also have a country restaurant in Bray and a cookery school, while Tuscany-born Giancarlo has written a healthy cookbook following his diagnosis as a diabetic.
Summary
“Wonderful pasta prepared on site” is the highlight at Tuscany-born chef Giancarlo Caldesi and wife Katie’s long-running Marylebone headquarters (they also have a country venue in Bray and a cookery school). Fans reckon it’s “always a treat to dine here – it’s traditional Italian with attentive and authentic service”.
Summary
“Just a delight” – this long-running Italian in a “nice location” on a Marylebone corner has spun out into a cookery school and a string of cookbooks from Tuscan-born chef Giancarlo Caldesi. But praise for its cooking was more reserved this year, with some feeling it is rather “standard and underwhelming” – maybe it’s simply just too pricey.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Caffè Caldesi?
Restaurant details
Caffè Caldesi Restaurant Diner Reviews
"slightly disappointing, food a little off its best and now a tad expensive"
"A decent if not spectacular local-style Italian eatery in Marylebone. Quite atmospheric and very Italian. "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £26.90 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £16.50 | £26.00 | £5.50 | £9.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 13.00% |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:45 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:45 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:45 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:45 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:45 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:45 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4:30 pm |
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