40 King Street West, Manchester, M3 2WY
Harden's survey result
Summary
This “buzzy Italian in central Manchester” (opened in 2004) is one of the better-known locations both in the city and in the national chain of which it is part; and at lunch it “buzzes with business people” (evenings are overwhelmingly social). “Good traditional food is well cooked with delicious pasta and fish” and the old-school service is “friendly, efficient and well organised”.
Summary
“An Italian classic where lots of local celebs go, especially the footballers” – this Italian stalwart (opened in 2004) is nowadays something of a local stalwart, and is one of the city’s better traditional eateries. “Never letting you down, it is generally packed to the brim with rather inebriated people and decked in fairy lights providing a great atmosphere and where the dress code is ‘dressy’. Food is always of high quality ingredients, many of which are flown in from Italy. There are authentic, typical Italian dishes including pasta, pizza and seafood. All the waiters and staff are Italian and the food comes rapidly. It’s a bit pricey, but you have to pay for quality!”
Summary
“Overall good… but pricey” remains the verdict on this long-standing Italian – opened in 2004, and long renowned as one of the city-centre’s more glitzy haunts. It serves a menu of classic, traditional dishes.
Summary
“A see-and-be-seen venue” – this “vibrant and longstanding Italian” is one of the most successful in the national chain and one of the city-centre’s key “glitzy” haunts. But whereas fans praise “great food, it at footballer prices”, mere mortals can feel ignored: “staff are disinterested unless your face fits (i.e. you’re a footballer or some other celeb!”).
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at San Carlo?
Owner's description
The family owned restaurant on King Street West, part of the San Carlo Group, is renowned for its outstanding regional Italian food, superb wine list, impeccable service and buzzing atmosphere.
The extensive menu includes meat, pasta and pizza as well as speciality seafood and seasonal specials.
Much of the food is sourced from the best producers in Italy such as Bottarga from Sardinia, Burrata from Naples, Culatello from Parma and, of course, Autumn white truffle from Alba.
As with all San Carlo Group venues, San Carlo Manchester attracts a wide mix of customers from couples and families to business people and celebrities.
The restaurant is recognised as one of Manchester's biggest celeb haunts with music stars, TV personalities and sporting legends amongst its regular diners.
San Carlo Manchester opened in December 2004. The main restaurant can seat over 200 people and the venue has a separate private dining room available for hire.
All restaurants in the San Carlo Group offer a true Italian experience and epitomise all that is best in genuine Italian hospitality.
San Carlo Manchester has four sister venues in the city, San Carlo Cicchetti at House of Fraser; San Carlo Fumo at One St Peter's Square; Bottega and Gran Cafe at Selfridges, Exchange Square.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
40 King Street West, Manchester, M3 2WY
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
