Caldesi in Campagna - Italian Restaurant

Vivian and I had the absolute joy of enjoying Christmas Eve dinner at Caldesi in Campagna, and I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about this restaurant. From the moment we walked in, we were wrapped in the warmest, coziest, most welcoming atmosphere—exactly what you hope for on a special holiday evening. Caldesi in Campagna is truly the definition of a family-run gem. The family doesn’t just own the restaurant—they are there, working, welcoming, and sharing their passion with every guest. We were greeted by one of the sons as our host, who made us feel immediately at home, and throughout the evening we had the pleasure of meeting the entire family. It felt less like dining out and more like being invited into someone’s home for Christmas Eve. We were seated next to members of the family themselves, who were also enjoying their own Christmas Eve dinner, which made the experience even more special and authentic. The sense of togetherness, warmth, and genuine hospitality was palpable—it’s rare and incredibly special. The service was absolutely impeccable: attentive, friendly, and thoughtful without ever feeling rushed. And the food… simply superb. Every dish was beautifully prepared, full of flavor, and clearly made with love and pride. This is Italian cooking at its finest—comforting, elegant, and deeply satisfying. If you’re looking for a restaurant that delivers not only exceptional food but also heart, soul, and a true family atmosphere, Caldesi in Campagna is an absolute must. Our Christmas Eve there is a memory Vivian and I will treasure, and we cannot wait to return. Highly, highly recommended.

WOW, we can not rate this restaurant highly enough. Having dined in the best restaurants all around the globe 🌎 including The Fat Duck, who would have thought we would have the best possible on our Windsor doorstep in Bray. The food is simply amazing, the choices on the menu were varied and sublime. We were here four years ago and it was good now it is superb. The service was second to none, just incredible. The food was out of this world, simply exquisite. The wine selection was just the best. Most of all, the hospitality and engagement with the owner was what made the evening very special. We now have treasured videos Mr Caldesi with a message to our daughter Clare which is priceless. We were immensely impressed with the low carb menu options which were absolutely delicious, healthy and so impressive we have bought the book and hope we can do it justice at home. Living in an area where tourist food is the sad norm it is great to find such an incredible restaurant. Thank you so much Caldesi in Campagna. Unbelievably good.

A highly recommended restaurant but just don’t miss out on the fudge!! What is in the water in Bray? This is the third of the big four that I have been to and it was just perfect for a family lunchtime meal. The staff are super friendly, our kids felt welcome (even though they are well behaved this is not always the case in a nice restaurant) and the food was really out of this world. I don’t know who the head chef is but in every dish the balance of flavours was quite frankly remarkable. I had the best steak I have ever eaten, the best panna cotta and don’t even get me started on the fudge. The fudge came at the end with a little birthday plate for my daughter. We joked that more food was the last thing we wanted but when we told the waiter how much we loved it and he asked if we wanted a bit more in unison we replied “yes please”. Worth noting though that I don’t think the fudge is on the menu so if you are going make sure you take someone whose birthday it is. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know them or even if it’s someone you don’t like because the fudge will be absolutely worth it!!

Went for mid week lunch after seeing a very positive review. The experience lived up to the review with friendly engaged staff. The food was of the best quality and original combinations. The Maitre’d arrived and welcomed every guest which was a nice touch showing he cared.

We had such a lovely lunch today. The staff were so warm and welcoming, the food was excellent and it was lovely to meet Giancarlo Caldesi. We’re really keen to return!

Very attentive wait staff that take their work seriously, great authentic food and a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere. Would recommend.

We recently had the pleasure of attending not one, but two cooking lessons with Giancarlo at Caldesi In Campagna, and both experiences were truly sensational! Over the course of the classes, we learned a variety of wonderful recipes and techniques, including how to make different kinds of pasta and fillings, arancini, fresh ricotta cheese, and a couple of delicious meat courses. The quality of the ingredients used was top-notch, and the resulting dishes were gorgeous. A massive part of the enjoyment came from Giancarlo’s wonderful company and teaching style. He is naturally funny and engaging, making sure to include absolutely everyone in the lesson, regardless of their skill level. He was happy to answer all of our questions and was incredibly and kind generous with both his time and expertise. We must give special mention to the entire restaurant staff, whose hospitality was truly exceptional. The front-of-house team were kind, professional, and attentive from the moment we arrived. The kitchen chefs were equally fantastic; they demonstrated great skill in cooking the dishes we had prepared earlier and were extremely gracious, allowing us into their very busy kitchen space. Beyond the food and the teaching, the entire restaurant aesthetic is beautiful and impeccably well looked after. We would highly recommend Caldesi In Campagna to anyone who is thinking about visiting - whether for a meal or a cooking lesson. We can't wait to return!

What a brilliant meal. You can see this is a place where they take pride in what they do, and it’s done with love and effort. The establishment is pretty and the welcome warm. The food? Memorable. Just what you’d expect Italian food to be.. the ravioli were handmade and you could taste the difference.. the veal parcels some of the best I’ve had. Go now, thank me later.

I believe this is one of the top 5 restaurants in the world, everyone and everything in that place is perfect, Giorgio is an incredible young host, the food is 10x better than anything else in Bray.

Great place and lovely atmosphere. The service was very attentive and friendly, enjoyed our lunch. The appetisers were delicious the only thing not to die for was the pasta with buffala mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, please don't ruin it adding tomato sauce. Will be back to try the dinner menu

Many thanks to Discerning 1, whose review prompted me to track this place down. :-)) We checked it out last Sunday for the £25 per nose lunch package: a good way of testing an establishment. Very impressed, as was la contessa. Four-course menu with a choice from 4 dishes for the first three thereof. The dishes were not these, which I think is just a sample. http://www.campagna.caldesi.com/page.php?intPageID=44 I had: Crab and avocado. A sort of overlarge fishcake that was stuck together with olive oil and subtly seasoned. Squid ink noodles with clams (squid ink pasta is great). *Calves liver with spinach. Melts in the mouth. All absolutely scrumptiliously delightful and the portions were not over-large, as they can often be in Italy. More 'nouvelle cuisine' size. The pudding course was a set mixture of 'bits and pieces'. I don't have a much of a sweet tooth and I have usually pigged out by then anyway, but this little collection was desperately pleasing upon the eye and the palate. The wines were reasonably priced for a place like that. £25 for a bottle of Chianti Classico, although it didn't fire me up like the one I had at the 'Old Devil Inn' for £18. (see separate review) I thought that the decor was a bit bland, but I tend to ogle plates rather than fellow diners or wallpaper. The staff were attentive and charming. Now I look forward to the autumn: Tuscans do some rather interesting game dishes.

I went for lunch as I had heard about how great this place was as per the ratings on Trip Advisor. It did not disappoint! I have now lived and eaten different places all over the world and I have to say so far this has been the best! You can see and taste how much work goes into every aspect of each dish. After I had eaten I felt full but not uncomfortably so and like I had eaten healthily too. The perfect combination! We live locally and yet had not heard about this place! The lunch menu was just in our budget and whilst it might not seem like a lot when looking at the menu all of the added extras like the amuse bouche made sure we had eaten very well indeed! A glorious lunch and even dishes I would not have chosen or been a fan of (like steak tartar) were so delicately put together and meticulously constructed that they were just as beautiful as everything else. The staff were lovely and the restaurant interior just a comfortable and stunning.

Overrated in my opinion. I've been there a few times now so can judge fairly I think. I should add, I'm Italian so my standards are high but I still believe the food to be hit and miss. I suppose I'd say average and catering more for the older, British clientele who seem happy with average Italian fare.

Exceptionally good. Got treated to lunch here during Easter Weekend and again for my birthday in June. I have been fortunate to eat at some fantastic restaurants this must be one of my top 10 places I doubt l'll ever forget it! If you go, try the sea bass ravioli. Enjoy. And save some room for the pudding(s). Magnificent.

Very good and worth a visit. The meals are authentic with high quality ingredients. Home made bread, delicious entrees, refined meals. Service is courteous and very diligent. Prices are expensive, but that's the price of quality.

Excellent food and service. Transformed from when we visited about five years ago! Highly recommended, staff are very friendly and helpful. Couldn't fault the place.

Yum! The Caldesis (of Marylebone restaurant fame) opened this restaurant in Bray a few years ago and brought a much-needed good Italian place to Berkshire. The dining room is romantic, quiet, and warm. The service is friendly and attentive. The food is divine. We have since left England and moved to the US, but when we recall the best meals we have had in England, Caledesi in Campagna is at the top of the list.

the seafood just ok, with too much tomato!I don't like it. they cook potatoes and veal lives (｀)