Lucas Restaurants to open new restaurant next month
Acclaimed restaurateur Chris Lucas is gearing up to open the doors to his first Canberra venue, Carlotta — a warm and vibrant Mediterranean eatery located in the heart of the Scott’s Crossing precinct. Set to launch this October, it’s a distinctly Australian celebration of Mediterranean flavours and hospitality inspired by Lucas’ own travels through the region, and the famed trattorias and tavernas found dotted along the European coast.
Shaped by a seasonal abundance of great local produce, Carlotta’s menu has been designed in close collaboration between Lucas and Head of Culinary Mark Glenn (Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Cumulus Inc.), who returns to the region following several years as Executive Chef of Canberra’s Pialligo Estate.
The ever-evolving food offering will highlight bright, generous Mediterranean flavours and traditional techniques, spanning antipasti offerings, handmade pasta options such as mafaldine in a rich beef ragu and ravioli caprese with goat’s cheese, and plenty of meat and seafood cooked over coals. A custom wood oven from Naples extends its influence through much of the menu.
Dishes are primed for feasting and made to be shared; from small plates like octopus carpaccio with espelette, through to King George whiting ‘a la parrilla’ and a bistecca alla Fiorentina t-bone. To match, a concise and confident wine list celebrates the local winemaking scene alongside an eclectic mix of Italian labels.
“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,” explains 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.”
The light-filled space features timeless interiors awash with earthy, natural hues that channel the Mediterranean landscape. At the heart of the 120-seat dining room is a long, marble-topped bar and open kitchen flanked by frontrow seating, with two adjacent private dining spaces accommodating up to 26 guests. And spanning the full length of Carlotta’s frontage is a Euro-inspired al fresco terrace with space for up to 35.
Carlotta marks the first venture outside of Victoria and NSW for Lucas, joining a stable that includes such acclaimed restaurants as Society, Grill Americano and the iconic Chin Chin.
Carlotta opens from 21 October at 20 Scotts Crossing, Canberra. Reservations now available online.
Carlotta, 25th September 2024
