Carluccio's Italian Market and Cafe Opens at Pike and Rose

NORTH BETHESDA, MD — Carluccio’s, the Italian restaurant, caffe and market, opened its doors in North Bethesda today, March 7, marking the company’s second U.S. location.

Located at 11826 Trade St. at the Pike and Rose development, area residents can now taste and experience Carluccio’s true flavors of Italy that customers have been enjoying for years. From a quick espresso at the bar, to a sit-down dinner, to browsing the gourmet market with more than 80 imported products sourced direct from small artisan producers in Italy, locals, foodies and families alike are in store for an Italian treat, according to a news release.

With over 100 restaurants operating in the UK, Ireland, Turkey, Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, founder Antonio Carluccio and U.S. CEO Cory Waldron are excited continue Carluccio’s expansion in the U.S.

“Pike and Rose is the ideal location for our second U.S. restaurant,” says Waldron, “We love being a part of the revitalization of the North Bethesda area and contributing to the growing business landscape. Whether you’re grabbing a hot cappuccino on your way to work, meeting friends for a cocktail, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, lunch, or dinner or simply shopping the market to prepare dinner for your family, there is something for everyone at Carluccio’s.”

Adds Antonio Carluccio, “My mission was to bring the authentic, simple flavors and products I remembered from my childhood growing up in the regions of Italy, to a comfortable, casual all day restaurant. Celebrating the tastes of Italy is what Carluccio’s is all about.”

Here are the hours:

• Weekdays: 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
• Saturdays: 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
• Sundays: 8 a.m.-10 p.m

The company’s first U.S. location opened in Alexandria in June.

The newest Carluccio’s U.S. location embodies a bustling, Milanese ambiance, offering a modern approach to dining while staying true to its Italian roots, the company says. Upon entry, guests are greeted by the colorful retail and deli offerings in Carluccio’s market, most imported direct from Italy.

The 4,559-square-foot space has about 100 seats for dining, including a main dining room and a large bar area where patrons can enjoy coffee, cocktails or share antipasti with friends.

The space also features an open kitchen in the back of the restaurant, where guests can enjoy a front row view of U.S. Executive Chef Israel Lopez and his team hard at work. During the warmer months, 30 outdoor seats will be available to dine al fresco in front of the restaurant.

The Restaurant and Caffe: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Carluccio’s promises something for everyone, any time of day.

• Breakfast: Carluccio’s Breakfast Magnifica, a choice of eggs with grilled smoky pancetta, sautéed mushrooms, tomato and toasted Italian bread, served with coffee or tea and a juice ($12.95) and Carluccio’s Breakfast Sandwich with a fried egg, mortadella sausage and melted provolone cheese on ciabatta, served with rosemary potatoes ($7.95).
• Lunch and Dinner will include a wide variety of options including a selection of Italian starters, antipasti and salads. Traditional pasta dishes include the Penne Giardiniera, created exclusively by Antonio with Carluccio’s imported giant Pugliese penne, zucchini, chilli and fried spinach balls, Parmesan and garlic ($13.50); Daily house-made Lasagna Tradizionale featuring layers of egg pasta, béchamel and a ground beef and pork sausage ragu ($15); Pasta con Funghi, Antonio’s recipe made with Carluccio’s imported egg pappardelle, shiitake, oyster and button mushrooms ($14.50);and Trio di Pasta, a choice of three pasta dishes to share ($37). Fresh fish and meat selections include Branzino e Basilico, pan-fried sea bass fillets on crushed potatoes, basil and sundried tomato with black olives ($25); Zuppa di Pesce, a traditional fish stew with shrimp, clams, pollock fillet and mussels with spicy sausage, tomato, garlic, chilli and anise ($20); and Tagliata di Manzo, thinly sliced, chargrilled 22 oz. flank steak for two, served with arugula, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, rosemary potatoes and tarragon mayonnaise ($50). The flank steak is grass-fed, grass-finished and antibiotic free.
• Desserts: Guests can end their dinner on a sweet note with a selection of desserts, including including Carluccio’s Tiramisu ($7.50); House-made Pana Cotta ($8); and Formaggi, a selection of three Italian cheeses served with truffle honey, walnuts and Italian flat bread ($12). Carluccio’s cheeses are imported from all over Italy, including regional specialties and hand-made favorites.

The Italian Market: From lemon oils to chilli pesto, squid ink pastas to dried porcini mushrooms, honey cantucci to cappuccino truffles, as well as shelves of Italian wines, the shop caters to the gourmand in your life. An extension of the restaurant and caffe, the market features 80 imported products sourced direct from small artisan producers all over Italy. A few special items include Carluccio’s limited time Panettone, made from a 100-year-old yeast, which is nurtured in its own room by a producer in Italy from the previous season. The market also features fresh pastries, coffee, cheeses, olives, and grab-n-go sandwiches.

For more information, call 240-669-4694 or visit www.carlucciosusa.com. Follow Carluccio’s on Facebook, Twitter @CarlucciosUS and Instagram @CarlucciosUS. Reservations are available on yelp.com.

»PHOTOS of Pike & Rose location courtesy of Carluccio’s, taken by Aaron Kraut of BethesdaBeat