Buenisimo! It’s as good as they say

I had heard really good reports about Lucianos at The Millstone, so when the opportunity arose for a girly lunch with my mum and daughter, I decided to try the Italian themed eaterie out for myself.

We had lunch at noon on a Tuesday, so the restaurant was very quiet, which I wasn’t sure was a good sign, but it started to get busier as the afternoon went on.

It was certainly no reflection on the quality of the delicious dishes.

The restaurant was airy, contemporary and stylish, overlooking an immaculate garden with views of Rivington in the near distance.

There is a grand piano at the entrance and a scooter, which seems to be a talking point, at the restaurant door.

The venue offers an extensive and tempting menu, with a great selection of hot and cold starters to choose from and the option to make them main meals.

Service was excellent, and the waiter was very friendly and attentive.

We opted for the bread, oils and olive selection, which came with fresh warm crusty bread and garlic infused olives, and a portion of Calamari Fritti, which was cooked to perfection.

The highlight was a delicious speciality called Tortine al Dolce Caprino – a thick slice of goats cheese drizzled in a sweet sauce with apricots, sultanas, mixed nuts and poached pear, presented on a crostino.

All were beautifully presented.

My companions were quite full from the starters so we chose to make one of the cold starters – Insalata di pollo – (chicken salad) a main meal.

It was a colourful dish, with succulent grilled chicken breast, layered with bacon and avocado chunks on a fresh leafy salad. A bright yellow light saffron mayonnaise was drizzled over it,

I chose Ravioli All’Argosta – fresh egg ravioli filled with lobster, smothered in a creamy lobster and tomato bisque.

This is the only dish that sparked a slight criticism.

I found the lobster filling was very dry, and the dish was quite sloppy in texture, and not as well presented as all the other items we ordered, although still very tasty.

My little girl had a freshly made children’s pizza, and chose to have black olives on top, which she promptly picked off and devoured!

We almost did not have room for dessert, but could not resist the chef’s choice trio – a selection of profiteroles, chocolate fudge cake and the best of the desserts, tiramisu, which was light and fluffy.

We finished with frothy, light cappuccinos.

Overall a lovely lunch, and we will be returning soon to sample the rest of the menu.

The bill for three of us, with drinks, came to £67.

Factfile

Luciano’s at the millstone

Bolton Road, Grimeford Village, 
Adlington, Chorley

01995 601351

http://www.lucianosatthemillstone.com/

Tel. 01257 480205