Harden's says
Hot on the heels of Jacuzzi comes this new venture from the Big Mamma Group; they promised a more intimate, pared-back interior, but when the standard is Ave Maria, who knows what restraint will look like - the menu will list a "10-tiered chocolate fudge cake", for example. Opened May 2023.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“A beautiful – if slightly louche – space to dine in” – this pastiche Italian-American venue in Marylebone “exudes old-school romance” and also bears some family resemblance to its none-too-subtle siblings Gloria, Ave Mario and Jacuzzi (see also). But while fans see it as a “glamorous all-rounder” with “variations on Italian-themed food served with gusto”, sceptics feel “it flatters to deceive”: “the food is below average and service is dismissive”. Top Tip – you’re here for the “over-the-top deco”, so you “must visit the toilets”.
Summary
The “beautiful dining room” and “glitzy decoration” ensure this Italian-American-themed Marylebone yearling from the Big Mamma Group is “a great hit on Instagram”. But “that doesn’t compensate for some very average food and utterly ridiculous prices” – many reporters reckon it’s “all show and no substance” – “and not particularly fun” either.
Summary
“FUN FUN FUN!” – that’s practically the only feedback we have so far on Big Mamma Group’s fifth London opening, which threw open its doors in Marylebone in May 2023, just as our survey was concluding. Decked out in the maximalist style that characterises their approach – here it’s a riff on a retro, Italian-glam theme with acres of ruched wall material, wood panelling, dark leather seating and loud carpeting. Cutting down on the calories? – don’t go for the 10-tiered chocolate fudge cake… in fact, maybe avoid most of the Italian/American menu…
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Have you eaten at Carlotta?
77-78 Marylebone High Street, London, W1U 5JX
Carlotta Restaurant Diner Reviews
"The Big Mamma group always have great looking, comfortable restaurants - though the food and service never slides above the poor to middling. A particularly long wait for food marred the experience on this occasion. "
Prices
| Wine per bottle | £27.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
77-78 Marylebone High Street, London, W1U 5JX
Opening hours
| Monday | 11:45 am‑3:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:45 am‑3:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:45 am‑3:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 11:45 am‑3:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 11:45 am‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 11:45 am‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am‑9:30 pm |
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