San Carlo Bristol: Elegant Italian Dining with a Seafood Focus
Elegant Italian dining in Bristol with sumptuous seafood, grand interiors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
San Carlo Bristol is a stylish Italian restaurant located at 44 Corn Street, offering a lavish dining experience with generous portions of seafood and traditional Italian dishes. Known for its grand interiors and vibrant atmosphere, it is a popular spot for special occasions and pre-theatre dinners. While praised for its authentic cuisine and elegant setting, some diners note occasional service inconsistencies and premium pricing.
A brief summary to San Carlo - Bristol
- 44 Corn St, Bristol, BS1 1HQ, GB
- +441179226586
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Luxury
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- 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
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays or off-peak hours to enjoy a quieter dining experience and more attentive service.
- Try the signature seafood dishes like Tagliolini Lobster and Spaghetti Frutti di Mare for a true taste of San Carlo’s strengths.
- Ask for special menu requests, such as the Pollo Valdostana, which is not listed but can be prepared upon request.
- Consider San Carlo for pre-theatre dining due to its proximity to the Bristol Hippodrome and stylish ambiance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
San Carlo - Bristol location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about San Carlo - Bristol
A Legacy of Italian Elegance in Bristol
San Carlo Bristol stands as a distinguished member of Carlo Distefano’s national chain, celebrated for over three decades of delivering Italian culinary traditions with a modern touch. Situated in the heart of Bristol at 44 Corn Street, the restaurant boasts grand interiors that blend classic Italian charm with contemporary sophistication. The space is often bustling, reflecting its status as a favored destination for both locals and visitors seeking a refined dining experience.Seafood and Pasta: The Heart of the Menu
The menu at San Carlo is renowned for its generous portions and a strong emphasis on fresh seafood, including signature dishes such as Tagliolini Lobster and Spaghetti Frutti di Mare. Diners can also enjoy classic Italian specialties like lasagne, risotto with scampi, and grilled meats, with some dishes available by special request, such as the Pollo Valdostana. The culinary style balances traditional recipes with contemporary presentation, offering a variety of flavors that appeal to seafood lovers and pasta aficionados alike.Atmosphere and Ambience
San Carlo’s atmosphere is lively and elegant, featuring stylish décor, a marble bar, and notable floral arrangements that enhance the dining environment. The restaurant’s walls are adorned with pictures of celebrities who have dined there, adding a touch of glamour. This vibrant setting makes it ideal for celebrations, romantic dinners, and pre-theatre meals, especially given its proximity to the Bristol Hippodrome.Service and Dining Experience
While many patrons appreciate the attentive and prompt service, there have been reports of inconsistent experiences, including slow service and occasional inattentiveness. Despite these fluctuations, the staff generally strive to maintain a welcoming and professional demeanor. The restaurant’s pace is typically well-managed, allowing guests to enjoy their meals without rush.Value and Pricing Considerations
San Carlo is positioned in the higher price bracket, reflecting its premium ingredients, generous portions, and upscale setting. Some diners find the pricing justified by the quality and ambiance, while others feel certain dishes and wines are expensive relative to the service experience. The restaurant remains a popular choice for special occasions where the overall atmosphere and food quality are paramount.Notable Highlights and Recommendations
Guests are encouraged to try the seafood sharing platters, including the Frittura di Pesce Portofino, and to explore pasta dishes that combine seafood and traditional Italian flavors. The Chocolate Bomba dessert, served with warm chocolate sauce poured tableside, is a memorable finale. The restaurant also accommodates special requests, enhancing the personalized dining experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old Post Office
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Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
The Nails
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Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Medieval Vaults
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Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
St Mary Le Port Church
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Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
Old City Walls
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Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
Bristol Bridge
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A historic stone bridge spanning Bristol’s Floating Harbour, linking the Old City with Redcliffe and centuries of the city’s story.
Statue of Edmund Burke
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A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Royal Talbot Buildings
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Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
Fermentation Buildings
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Grade II-listed former brewery warehouses reborn as a creative office and waterfront dining hub on Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Historic England - Bristol Office
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Discover Bristol's rich history and heritage at the Historic England office, a key player in preserving the city's architectural treasures.
Cascade Steps
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Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
King George V Memorial Fountain
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Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Bristol Castle
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Discover the historic heart of Bristol at Castle Park, where medieval ruins meet serene urban green space along the scenic Welsh Back waterfront.
Cheese Lane Shot Tower
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Bristol's brutalist shot tower—where gravity shaped ammunition and history shaped preservation.
The Bristol Wheel
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Discover breathtaking panoramic views of Bristol from The Bristol Wheel, an iconic attraction that offers a unique perspective of the city's vibrant skyline.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Nicholas Market
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Discover Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market, a lively hub of independent shops, artisan crafts, and global street food in a charming Georgian arcade.
Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
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Explore Palestinian heritage and culture at Bristol’s vibrant Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre, a hub for history, art, and community events.
Bristol city centre
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The vibrant heart of Bristol, blending rich history, culture, shopping, and scenic waterfront charm in a lively urban setting.
St John's Church
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A medieval church built into Bristol’s city walls, St John on the Wall is the last of five gate churches, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s fortified past and spiritual life.
Alcotraz Bristol: Cell Block Two-Two-Six
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Discover the immersive cocktail experience at Alcotraz Bristol, where every drink tells a story in a unique prison-themed setting.
The Lanes
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Bristol’s ultimate destination for boutique bowling, live music, karaoke, and great pizza in a lively, vibrant setting.
The Christmas Steps
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Step back in time on Bristol’s historic Christmas Steps, a charming medieval street rich in culture, history, and cozy local character.
Bristol Old Vic
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Experience the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, where history and innovation meet on Bristol’s King Street.
The Centre
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The Centre, Bristol: where history, transport, and culture converge in a vibrant urban open space.
TimeTrail
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Step into history with TimeTrail, an immersive live-action adventure on Bristol’s historic King Street that challenges your wits and teamwork.
Floating Harbour
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Explore Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour—a vibrant waterfront blending maritime heritage, cultural attractions, and lively harbourside charm.
Christmas Steps
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Discover Bristol’s enchanting Christmas Steps, a historic cobbled lane blending medieval charm with vibrant arts and rich local stories.
Bristol Beacon
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Bristol Beacon: Where historic charm meets vibrant live music and cultural celebration in the heart of Bristol.
St Peter's Church
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Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of St Peter's Church, a beloved landmark in Castle Park, Bristol, steeped in centuries of heritage.
Welsh Back
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Historic waterfront street in Bristol, blending maritime heritage, abolitionist history, and vibrant cultural life along the Floating Harbour.
Essential places to dine
San Carlo - Bristol
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Elegant Italian dining in Bristol with sumptuous seafood, grand interiors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
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Three Brothers Burgers
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Memories
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Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
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Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Japonicat
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Discover unique Japanese gifts and charming collectibles at Japonicat, nestled in Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market.
uchi clothing co
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Discover stylish, sustainable fashion in Bristol’s historic Corn Exchange at Uchi Clothing Co, where quality meets contemporary design.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
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Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
Urban Fox
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Unearth retro gems at Urban Fox, Bristol's vintage clothing nook in vibrant St Nicholas Market—quality finds with 25 years of expertise.
This Feeling
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Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Over Here
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Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
Blaze
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Unique gifts and artisanal treasures in Bristol's creative heart—perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind souvenirs on Colston Street.
Will's doss pit
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Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
my a2space
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A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Garmden of Eden
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A Bristol vintage clothing gem where retro style meets sustainable fashion in a welcoming, independent shop on Union Street.
The Ethical Gift Shop
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Everything one pound shop
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Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Flight Club Bristol
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The Cocktail Club - Corn Street Bristol
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Blame Gloria - Bristol
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Dive into Bristol’s wildest retro cocktail bar with themed brunches, dazzling performances, and a party atmosphere like no other.
Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
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Bristol's go-to cocktail haven on St Nicholas Street, blending lush drinks, tasty bites, and vibrant nights in the Old City heart.
The Boardroom
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Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
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Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
The Rummer
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A cozy, spirit-focused pub in the medieval heart of Bristol—fireside rooms, hundreds of gins and a distilled approach to cocktails.
Revolution Bristol
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Two-storey cocktail bar in Bristol’s Old Fish Market — colourful interiors, mezzanine balcony and cocktails for day and night.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
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Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
The Mothers' Ruin
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Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
The Clockwork Rose
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Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
The Library Bristol
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Bristol's enchanting chameleon: vintage tea parlour by day, exclusive cocktail lounge by night—where elegance meets mixology in a hidden urban gem.
The Milk Thistle
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Bristol's multi-level speakeasy masterpiece: inventive cocktails, taxidermy charm, and intimate lounges in a historic townhouse—pure nightlife alchemy.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Popworld - Bristol
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Dance to 90s and 00s pop anthems under neon lights at Bristol's ultimate nostalgic nightclub, where cheesy hits and POPTAIL cocktails fuel epic nights out.
Forró Bristol
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Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Basement 45
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Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
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Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
OMG
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Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
Antix
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Bristol's enduring late-night haven on Park Street: cocktails till 1am, DJ beats till 6am, dancing into dawn with house, R&B, and reggaeton vibes.
Silk Nightclub
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Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
PRYZM
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Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
Thekla
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A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
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From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
Lakota
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Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
The Pearl NightClub
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Bristol's intimate Clifton nightclub where fire DJs ignite weekend dance floors from 10pm till dawn—pure energy in a compact, electric space.
La Rocca
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A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
Bristol Lola Lo
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An intimate, vintage‑Tiki nightclub in Clifton with neon cocktails, paper lanterns and a compact dancefloor for themed late‑night parties.
The Loco Klub
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An atmospheric subterranean arts venue in Brunel’s Temple Meads arches, where tunnels, brick vaults and intimate soundscapes host club nights, theatre and live music.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Elegant
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly