San Carlo

We visited last Friday (21st) and because of various changes of plan we stupidly hadn't made a reservation. The front of house manager was charming but informed us that it was highly unlikely that we could be accommodated due to the crowds and the rush of booking due at 7pm. We sat and enjoyed a perfectly served Bolli and much to our surprise and delight we were squeezed in to a great table by some magic.

As always the food was terrific and the Campagnolo was another stunner. The service was idiosyncratic as usual but that just adds to the character of the place. We had a fabulous meal and a great time and sometimes we wonder why we bother thinking about going anywhere else.

Thanks again team.
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Sean Hayward
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Monday, October 24, 2011

I am an Italian food lover, it is one of my favourite food. I particularly love the creamy desserts. So when my colleagues talked about San Carlo, I said I have to go! I have never gone before because I moved from Paris to Manchester six month ago. Last weekend I went to San Carlo for lunch with a friend and we really enjoyed it. I ordered Taglioni Lobster, it was well presented in the plate and really good. I haven’t been disappointed by the dessert, I had a tartufo and it was amazing! Fondant and smooth! Next time I want to treat myself I know the place to go.
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Steph B. - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, May 05, 2011

San Carlo is hands down the best Italian restaurant I’ve ever eaten at. I went with my parents this weekend for their 50th anniversary and was recommended San Carlo by my work colleagues as a high class, good quality establishment. As soon as we walked in, we were treated like royalty by the staff. We were seated almost straight away which was surprising considering how busy it was. Our table was fantastic, the place was bustling but we weren’t packed in like sardines as you see in a lot of busy restaurants. We felt comfortable and relaxed at our table. The lovely waiter was taking our drinks orders within ten minutes and again, they arrived very quickly. He was extremely attentive and although he must have been rushed off his feet, was very friendly and extremely accommodating to our needs.

When our main courses arrived, we were blown away. I had the Grilled Sea Bass which was divine; my mother had the Risotto Lobster and my father, the Filetto Al Pepe Verde, both of which I was told were amazing. Not that I needed telling, the taste was quite clear from their reactions of the first mouthful!

Although I was full to the brim, I still wanted to sample a dessert so I had the Creme Brulee. It was the perfect ending!

All in all, I was extremely impressed with San Carlo. Everything from the decor to the service and of course more importantly, the food was absolutely fantastic and so much better than I could have imagined. Thank you San Carlo for a wonderful time, I will be back soon!
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Georgina Edwards
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, February 14, 2011

Do not waste your money in this place. I personally found the staff extremely rude, patronising, unaproachable and unprofessional. You will wait for at 11/2 hours without any apology even though you pre-booked and will be given every excuse under the sun before you finally give up and leave. The atmosphere is pretentious to say the least and the only enjoyable experience you will have here is when you finally have enough of waiting and walk out taking your hard earned cash with you. That is unless you are a Wag, or minor celebrity.. Buy yourself a couple of candles, a jar of Ragu and a bag of pasta and stay at home. You'll have a great time.... biut you won't at San Carlo Manchester..
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paul coburn
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, January 04, 2011

We chose your resturant to celebrate a really special day for our family last night. I was appalled at the waiters response when we ordered soft drinks instead of wine. He responded to each of us ( a party of 4) in turn with comments such as "Wow" - his voice dripping with sarcasm! When my young daughter said she did not feel she could order her choice in Italian - this waiter raised his eyes skyward and huffed - not the best way to respond to a shy young person! We were then subjected to a hefty and totally unjustified service charge. If this had not been such a special day - I would have complained to Mangement on the spot! I am amazed such a reputation for a fine dining experience could prove so very undeserved.

By the way - should anyone on the staff bother to read customers comments - we did not choose alcoholic drinks because we were due to drive 200+ miles home and were sharing the driving! Shame on you San Carlo!
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R J Frost
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, July 14, 2010

I have previously written a favourable review of San Carlo, and I now regret it. I went last week and was appalled by both the food and the service.

The service is so brusk and rushed that you feel as though you are trespassing. They obviously ONLY want to get you in and out as fast as possible, and don't make ANY effort to disguise that fact.

The food that we had last week was, simply terrible. Not a single dish rose above the level of a "5" and the so-called Tournedos Rossini that I made the mistake of ordering were one of the most disgusting dishes I've eaten in a restaurant. Sweet, sickly sauce.........nothing like the truffle-madeira sauce that the dish is meant to have. It tasted like bad Chinese food more than anything else.

I won't go back, and frankly fail to see why people are so desperate to be seen here. Try Cockatoo in Whitworth Street. The food and service both put San Carlo to absolute shame. Trust me on that one.
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Adam Roberts
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 4
Thursday, June 10, 2010

I visited your restaurant for the first time Sat 21June with a party of 20. May I say the food was indeed excellent no problem, and the service quick and efficient, but unfortunately when I arrived and put my coat on the back of my chair a waiter said aggressively Give me that coat, I said hang on whilst I get my car keys out of my pocket, he immediately came back with the reply I have my own keys I dont need yours,I was speechless at his cheek, but didnt want to cause a scene. Also I went to the ladies toilet of which there are only 3, and each one was packed with paper, one with a very wet floor, and the one I used would not flush, that disgusted me, because there must have been at least 200 people in the restaurant, a poor show if you cant employ someone to keep them clean all day. I suggest you speak to your staff regarding the way they speak to customers, I normally do not give destructive critisism but this time you deserved it.
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Anita Mellor
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, November 23, 2009

Well fortunately, we didn’t suffer from any abnormalities on our bill as some people outlined below. Every item had been added and calculated correctly, as expected from such a quality restaurant, so absolutely no problems here. Thought the service was excellent actually, staff were friendly and knew the menu very well which was helpful. Really enjoyed the food and wine, real great authentic Italian food which was what we were paying for!
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Hannah Perrins
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, April 15, 2009

I recently attended a hen night that had been booked in your restaurant and was very disappointed by the service we received.

Firstly the booking was split across 2 tables and we were told this was policy but we had not been told this on booking.

When we queried this we were told we could be on the same table when the people at the next table left.

We were also told there was no point as the people put on the table would be as far away as if they were on the separate table.

We insisted and we were put together.

The orders were taken and the starters were then brought and some were incorrect.

The waiter then tried to bully members of the group into eating the wrong order by saying “you ordered this” and “you will eat this”.

Some people did cave in to the bullying.

Some members of the group wanted to pay for their wine separately and had to ask 4 times for the bill to be brought.

This was obviously such a problem because if the wine was not on the bill the service charge would be lower.

The mains were brought and they were correct but the sides were not or were brought after the food had been half eaten.

The service was so poor that we did not even stay for desserts or coffees.

To then put a service charge of 10% (£36.20) on the bill is disgusting.

Obviously, the renowned restaurant we had understood we were booking is only if you are famous, or in a party of less than 4.

I had been hoping that the experience would have been enjoyable as I will be booking a hen night for next year and this restaurant was mentioned in the planning.

I certainly shall not be doing now as the hen was disappointed and upset and still upset the next morning.
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Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Monday, March 23, 2009