LUCi, London’s first Italian dining & bakery opened in Covent Garden’s Long Acre last year and has just launched its new Aperitivo Menu. 

Aperitivo means “to open” which is what the small bites are supposed to do in regards to whetting the appetite. In Italy some call it “Aperi-cena” as the Aperitivo can be plentiful enough to skip dinner entirely and after this 90 minute feast this might just be the case here! 

The fulfilling Aperitivo Menu consists of 2 for 1 on drinks and a selection of complimentary treats from the counter which takes place Thursday to Saturday from 5.30pm – 7pm, including a selection of classic aperitif cocktails, Spritzes, wine and Prosecco. Essentially guests can eat what they want for 90 minutes while enjoying drinks.

There will be a live DJ spinning chilled tunes during this time, creating a great atmosphere to enjoy during that post-work buzz. 

Spread across two floors, LUCi shares the same heritage as the grand Milanese cafes. Guests can start the morning with Italian viennoiserie and freshly baked bread, accompanied with coffee.

At midday, a selection of thin Focaccia Genovese, Ciabatta and pizza by the slice – all topped and stuffed with artisanal Italian cheeses, ham and seasonal vegetables. LUCi’s ‘al forno’ baked goods are all made on the premises and served fresh from the oven throughout the day.

In the afternoon and into the evening, guests can stop by for Aperitivo and then dine on pastas such as Rigatoni Alla Amatriciana, Spaghetti Al Gamberi and Cacio E Pepe alongside pizzas topped with the likes of Burrata Pugliese, Taleggio, Cotto Ham, Italian Fennel Sausage and Grana Padano with hearty oven-to-table Italian classics including Porchetta, Mezzo Pollo, Grilled Veal Escalope, all to be enjoyed with a wide selection of Italian wines and cocktails.