Review of Capilungo’s New Brunch Menu in Covent Garden

Capilungo is an authentically Italian café, imported from Lecce, Puglia. We went there to try out their newly released brunch menu. From outside the venue, you can already catch a sight of their display of pastries, a great prospect for the meal ahead. Upon entering, you further sense the café’s identity, that pulls off the junction between traditional Italian cuisine in a contemporary setting. In other words, you can expect garlic hanging from the ceiling, ceramics, cleverly placed LEDs and a trendy Italian playlist. All of this combines into a lovely ambiance, that makes you feel comfortable from the get-go.

Upon reading Capilungo’s menu, the smoked salmon and ricotta on sourdough was calling my name. Their take on the on the brunch classic truly was elevated by a refreshing whipped lemon ricotta, that was to die for and a favourite of mine. The dill and baby capers added a lovely touch, forming a delicate and successful balance of flavour with the smoked salmon.

In a totally different shade of brunch cravings, I also got tempted by the brioche cooked in the style of a French toast, topped with pistachio mascarpone cream. Being French myself, I had high expectations ordering this dish, and it turned out to be everything I wanted and more. The brioche was moist and delicious, cooked to perfection. While the pistachio was quite subtle, it paired wonderfully with the berries, flaked almonds and maple syrup. Your ideal choice for a decadent brunch.

In addition to being here for brunch, we were able to try out a few classics from their all-day menu. As such, we had a taste of their Rustico, a pocket of flaky puff pastry, filled with melted mozzarella and sweet tomato. It was the ultimate comfort food, very tasty and heartwarming.

To round everything off, we had another traditional dish from Puglia, that made their fame back home in Lecce, namely, their Pasticciotto. Or should I say Pasticciotti, because we tried two flavours, chocolate and amarena cherry. A pasticciotto is a warm pie filled with cream. I particularly liked the play on texture between the shortcrust and the filling of the pie. While the chocolate pasticiotto had a super-rich flavour and was as indulgent as can be, I preferred the amarena cherry one. It also had pieces of apple inside, giving it a nice fruity flavour, very on par with the London autumnal vibes.

Finally, Capilungo’s signature caffe leccese should not be overlooked. If you order it, you’ll be given their home-made almond syrup in a glass filled with ice. The coffee is poured on top right in front of you. The nutty almond flavour pairs really well with the coffee, resulting in a delicious drink, especially if you like your coffee on the sweeter side.

It is worth noting the warm welcome we received from the team of the café. They were super helpful and friendly, in true Mediterranean hospitality style, making our brunch experience delightful in more than one way. I would definitely recommend trying Capilungo out, whether you chose to stick to their classics or enjoy something off of their brunch menu, which is served every day until 4pm.

Address: 76 Long Acre, London, WC2E 9LB

Website: https://www.capilungoest1991.com/

Written by: Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt

Photo one and three by Edward Howell

Photo 2 by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt