There's been a buzz in Canberra since Chris Lucas of Lucas Restaurants - aka the man behind Chin Chin - announced they were coming to Canberra.
On Tuesday that buzz only increased with the team announcing the opening date for its first venture in the capital, Carlotta, and the familiar face that's at the helm.
Carlotta is set to open its doors at its Scotts Crossing location on October 21, with chef Mark Glenn at the helm.
As well as working at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Cumulus Inc, Glenn was the executive chef at Pialligo Estate in 2020, moving from Melbourne to take up the role at the paddock-to-plate restaurant during the height of COVID.
While he moved on before the business went into liquidation - and has since reopened under new ownership - Glenn is excited to return to Canberra.
Carlotta is set to be a vibrant celebration of Mediterranean dining, with an offering of antipasti, handmade pasta and meat and seafood cooked over coals, with the overall inspiration coming from acclaimed restaurateur Chris Lucas's own travels through the Mediterranean region.
"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," Lucas says.
"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."
Shaped by a seasonal abundance of great local produce, Carlotta's menu has been designed in close collaboration between Lucas and Glenn.
The ever-evolving food offering will include dishes such as mafaldine in a rich beef ragu and ravioli caprese with goat's cheese, and the custom wood oven from Naples will extend 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.
At the heart of the 120-seat dining room is a long, marble-topped bar and open kitchen flanked by front-row seating - providing a dinner and show for foodies keen to see how the magic happens.
There are also two adjacent private dining spaces accommodating up to 26 guests. 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 New South Wales for Lucas, joining a stable that includes such acclaimed restaurants as Society, Grill Americano and the iconic Chin Chin.
Reservations now available online at carlotta.com.au
