San Carlo Manchester: A Glamorous Italian Dining Experience in the Heart of the City
Experience authentic regional Italian cuisine in a stylish, celebrity-frequented Manchester hotspot known for elegance and vibrant atmosphere.
San Carlo Manchester is a stylish, upscale Italian restaurant located on King Street West, known for its classic regional Italian cuisine, elegant decor, and vibrant atmosphere. Open since 2004, it offers a wide menu featuring pasta, pizza, seafood, and seasonal specials, with many ingredients imported from Italy. Popular among business diners, celebrities, and locals, it combines traditional Italian flavors with a modern dining environment, making it a prominent destination for special occasions and sophisticated meals.
A brief summary to San Carlo - Manchester
- 42 King St W, Manchester, M3 2WY, GB
- +441618346226
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Luxury
-
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
- Reserve a table in advance, especially for weekends and evenings, as the restaurant is popular and often busy.
- Try the seafood specials like lobster risotto or grilled sea bass for a true taste of San Carlo’s Italian coastal cuisine.
- Enjoy a pre- or post-dinner drink in the elegant bar and lounge area, which offers a curated selection of Italian wines and cocktails.
- Dress smartly to match the restaurant’s upscale and lively atmosphere, perfect for special occasions and business dining.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
San Carlo - Manchester location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about San Carlo - Manchester
An Icon of Italian Elegance in Manchester
San Carlo Manchester has established itself as a premier Italian dining venue since opening its doors in 2004. Situated on King Street West, the restaurant exudes a polished and contemporary ambiance, with a spacious dining room adorned in bright whites accented by vivid reds and oranges. The open kitchen design invites diners to witness the culinary craftmanship, while the bar and lounge areas provide welcoming spaces for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This venue is part of the wider San Carlo Group, a family-owned chain recognized for its commitment to authentic Italian cuisine and high-quality ingredients.Authentic Regional Italian Cuisine with a Modern Twist
The menu showcases a broad range of traditional Italian dishes, including expertly prepared pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and specialty seafood options such as lobster risotto and grilled whole sea bass. Many ingredients, including Bottarga from Sardinia, Burrata from Naples, and Autumn white truffle from Alba, are sourced directly from Italy to ensure authenticity and superior quality. Seasonal specials highlight the freshest offerings, emphasizing the restaurant’s dedication to regional Italian culinary traditions while catering to contemporary tastes.A Hub for Celebrities and Social Diners
San Carlo Manchester is renowned as a celebrity hotspot, frequented by footballers, music stars, TV personalities, and other notable figures. The walls are adorned with photos of famous guests, underscoring its status as a glamorous dining destination. The atmosphere is lively and buzzing, especially in the evenings, making it a favored locale for social gatherings, business lunches, and celebratory dinners. The dress code leans towards smart and dressy, complementing the restaurant’s upscale vibe.Service and Dining Experience
The restaurant prides itself on attentive, old-school service delivered by a predominantly Italian staff. While some guests find the service slightly formal or overwhelming, the team is generally efficient and well-organized. The dining experience is designed to be relaxed yet refined, with dishes served freshly cooked and timed to enhance enjoyment. The venue can accommodate over 200 diners, including a private dining room for exclusive events, making it suitable for both intimate meals and larger celebrations.Location and Ambience
Located in central Manchester, San Carlo benefits from its prime position on King Street West, an area known for its vibrant nightlife and dining scene. The interior’s chic, mostly white design with red accents creates an elegant yet inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s ambience balances sophistication with warmth, making it ideal for romantic dinners, business meetings, or lively social occasions. Its popularity ensures a bustling environment, especially during peak hours.Balancing Quality with Price
San Carlo Manchester is positioned in the higher price bracket, reflecting its premium ingredients, extensive wine list, and upscale setting. While the food quality is consistently praised for its authenticity and presentation, some diners note that the pricing is on the expensive side. The restaurant justifies this with its sourcing of specialty Italian products and the overall dining experience it offers. It remains a go-to destination for those seeking a luxurious Italian meal in Manchester’s city center.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Dalton Entry
0.2 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Mulberry Passage
0.2 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
John Bright Statue
0.3 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Albert Memorial
0.3 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
0.4 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Manchester City Council
0.4 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Free Trade Hall
0.4 km
Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
St. Peter's Square
0.5 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Peterloo Massacre Monument
0.6 km
A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Connaught Building
0.6 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
Arch of Chinatown
0.7 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Robert Owen Statue
0.7 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
Canada House, Manchester
0.7 km
Discover Canada House, a majestic Grade II listed cotton warehouse in Manchester, embodying the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural splendor.
Historic England
0.7 km
Explore the rich heritage of England at Historic England in Manchester, where history meets preservation and community engagement.
Bahnhof Manchester
0.8 km
Manchester Piccadilly Station – Historic gateway and bustling hub connecting Manchester to the UK and beyond.
Unmissable attractions to see
Parsonage Gardens
0.1 km
A peaceful garden oasis in central Manchester, rich with history and quiet reflection amid the city’s vibrant heart.
John Rylands Research Institute and Library
0.1 km
A neo-Gothic architectural gem housing one of the UK’s largest rare book collections and a vibrant research institute in the heart of Manchester.
Saint Ann's Church
0.2 km
Discover St Ann's Church, Manchester’s neo-classical gem and historic city centre landmark, blending 18th-century elegance with vibrant cultural heritage.
Once Upon a Smile
0.2 km
A dedicated Greater Manchester charity base providing child-centred bereavement support, counselling and creative memory-making programmes in a compassionate, private setting.
Barton Arcade
0.2 km
Step into Barton Arcade, a Victorian marvel of glass and iron, where historic elegance meets boutique shopping in the heart of Manchester.
St Mary's RC Church
0.2 km
Discover St Mary's RC Church, Manchester's historic 'Hidden Gem' blending Victorian artistry and deep Catholic heritage since 1794.
Abraham Lincoln Statue
0.2 km
A powerful bronze tribute in Manchester honoring Abraham Lincoln and the city’s courageous support for abolition during the American Civil War.
St Anns Square
0.2 km
Historic heart of Manchester blending 18th-century charm, architectural heritage, and vibrant retail life in an elegant urban square.
Mural - Peterloo.
0.3 km
A vivid street art mural in Manchester commemorating the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the enduring fight for democracy.
People's History Museum
0.3 km
Britain's national museum of democracy, celebrating radical stories of people fighting for a fairer world.
2 Albert Square
0.3 km
Historic Albert Square in Manchester showcases Victorian Gothic grandeur with its iconic Town Hall and Prince Albert Memorial.
Albert Square
0.3 km
Manchester’s grand civic heart, framed by Gothic spires and alive with markets, monuments, and city life.
Manchester Albert Square
0.3 km
Discover Manchester Albert Square, a stunning Victorian civic space where history, architecture, and vibrant culture converge in the city’s heart.
Opera House Manchester
0.3 km
A historic Edwardian theatre in Manchester offering world-class musicals, opera, and vibrant cultural performances in an elegant setting.
Albert Hall, Manchester
0.4 km
Historic Wesleyan chapel turned iconic music venue with stunning stained glass and vaulted ceilings in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Essential places to dine
San Carlo - Manchester
0.0 km
Experience authentic regional Italian cuisine in a stylish, celebrity-frequented Manchester hotspot known for elegance and vibrant atmosphere.
Gaucho Manchester
0.1 km
Experience premium Argentine steaks and elegant dining in a spectacular historic church setting in the heart of Manchester.
Masons
0.1 km
Elegant Modern British dining with art deco charm and a refreshingly simple menu philosophy.
Australasia
0.2 km
Stylish Pan-Asian dining in Manchester’s Spinningfields with vibrant flavors, chic design, and a lively atmosphere for special occasions.
El Gato Negro Tapas Manchester
0.2 km
Stylish Spanish tapas in a historic Manchester townhouse with a vibrant bar, open kitchen dining, and a stunning rooftop terrace.
Climat
0.2 km
Sophisticated rooftop dining in Manchester with panoramic views, a Burgundy-focused wine cellar, and inventive seasonal sharing plates.
Gusto Italian
0.3 km
Experience elegant Italian dining in Manchester’s historic Elliot House, where 1920s charm meets fresh, contemporary cuisine.
Annies
0.3 km
Experience hearty British classics and warm hospitality in the stylish, cozy setting of Annie's on Old Bank Street, Manchester.
MR THOMAS'S CHOP HOUSE
0.3 km
Historic Manchester chophouse serving hearty British classics in a warm, inviting setting since 1867.
Miller & Carter Manchester
0.3 km
Classic British steakhouse on Manchester’s King Street, serving expertly aged premium steaks in a warm, elegant setting with attentive service.
Hawksmoor Manchester
0.3 km
Experience exquisite British steaks and seafood in a historic Victorian courthouse with impeccable service and elegant private dining.
10 Tib Lane
0.3 km
A chic, intimate spot in Manchester serving refined French-inspired small plates with natural wines and craft cocktails in a historic Victorian setting.
Armenian Taverna & Restaurant
0.3 km
Manchester's authentic Armenian culinary institution, recently modernized yet rooted in five decades of tradition.
Kala
0.3 km
Modern European bistro blending classic and contemporary flavours in Manchester’s vibrant King Street district.
Sam's Chop House
0.3 km
Experience traditional British chophouse dining with locally sourced ingredients in Manchester’s cozy, historic atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Manchester Souvenirs Gifts & Presents Geek Elf Elux Bars Luggage storage locker
0.1 km
Authentic Manchester souvenirs and gifts with local charm, plus convenient luggage storage in the heart of Deansgate.
Pulse
0.2 km
Discover unique local treasures and artistic gifts in the heart of Manchester’s historic St Anne’s Square at Pulse.
Søstrene Grene
0.3 km
Discover Danish-inspired creativity and cozy home treasures in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Rams Gift World
0.4 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Rams Gift World, Manchester’s vibrant and eclectic souvenir shop on Market Street.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.5 km
Discover playful Danish design and quirky everyday essentials at Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant Market Street.
Menkind
0.5 km
Discover quirky gadgets and unique gifts at Menkind, Manchester Arndale’s vibrant destination for fun and innovative presents.
TVSeriesJackets
0.6 km
Explore TVSeriesJackets in Manchester, where iconic TV show jackets come to life, blending style with your favorite characters' adventures.
Catch my Thrift
0.6 km
Sustainable designer vintage at £25 and under – Manchester's thrift haven for slow fashion lovers in the city centre.
T.La Art & Craft Gallery
0.7 km
A vibrant Chinese art and craft gallery in Manchester’s Chinatown, showcasing handcrafted treasures and cultural heritage in a warm, welcoming space.
Science and Industry Museum Shop
0.7 km
Discover science-infused souvenirs in the heart of Manchester's industrial birthplace, where history meets hands-on innovation at the Science and Industry Museum Shop.
Amazonas Gifts
0.7 km
Discover unique gifts and souvenirs at Amazonas Gifts, nestled in the heart of Manchester Markets Piccadilly.
Hoot
0.7 km
Discover magical gifts and Harry Potter treasures at Hoot, a charming boutique nestled in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant shopping heart.
Stare Society
0.7 km
Discover curated vintage clothing and unique home furniture in Manchester’s stylish Stare Society boutique.
Manchester Souvenirs & Convenience Store
0.8 km
Discover authentic Manchester souvenirs and essentials in the heart of the city, blending culture, convenience, and community spirit.
The Manchester Shop
0.8 km
Discover Manchester's soul in bee motifs, music tees, and proud souvenirs at this Northern Quarter gem within Afflecks Arcade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
MOJO
0.1 km
Eclectic cocktail bar in Manchester’s heart, blending creative drinks with a lively, urban nightlife vibe.
The Gas Lamp
0.1 km
Discover Manchester’s atmospheric basement pub with a rich history, exceptional craft beers, and a cozy, characterful vibe beneath Bridge Street.
Arcane
0.1 km
Discover Arcane, a cozy Victorian-inspired cocktail bar in Manchester’s city centre, blending inventive drinks with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Be At One - Manchester
0.2 km
Lively cocktail bar on Deansgate with 100+ drinks, private hire rooms, and unbeatable happy hour deals in the heart of Manchester nightlife.
Corbieres Bar
0.3 km
Discover Corbieres Bar, Manchester’s cozy underground spot famed for its eclectic jukebox, vegan-friendly pizzas, and welcoming vibe.
The Alchemist Spinningfields
0.3 km
Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.
Salt Dog Slim's Manchester
0.3 km
Dive into Salt Dog Slim's Manchester for bold cocktails, American-style hot dogs, and a vibrant nightlife experience in the heart of the city.
Speak In Code
0.3 km
Discover Speak In Code, Manchester’s innovative cocktail bar blending artisanal mixology, sustainable practices, and a uniquely immersive atmosphere.
Slug & Lettuce - Albert Square Manchester
0.3 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Manchester’s Albert Square, perfect for lively brunches, evening drinks, and social celebrations.
The Blues Kitchen Manchester
0.4 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.
All Bar One Manchester
0.4 km
Stylish wine bar on Manchester’s King Street offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a lively, modern atmosphere for casual dining and drinks.
The Old Wellington
0.5 km
Step into The Old Wellington, a historic Manchester pub blending centuries-old charm with hearty ales and classic British fare in the city centre.
Three Little Words
0.6 km
A stylish gin distillery and cocktail bar under historic arches, blending craft cocktails, seasonal food, and immersive experiences in Manchester’s heart.
The Alchemist New York Street
0.6 km
A captivating cocktail theatre and dining experience blending molecular mixology with global cuisine in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
cask
0.7 km
Authentic Manchester pub pouring cask ales amid Castlefield's historic canals and warehouses—timeless brews in a revolutionary setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Liv Manchester
0.1 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Venue Nightclub
0.3 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
42's
0.3 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
History Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
Royal Vida Night Club
0.5 km
Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.
Bijou Club
0.5 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Cargo
0.6 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Bliss Club Manchester
0.8 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
Satans Hollow
0.8 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Ark Manchester
0.8 km
Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.
Popworld Manchester
0.8 km
Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.
Viva Manchester
0.9 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
The Cockatoo Club
0.9 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester, where vibrant cabaret performances meet an unforgettable atmosphere.
Club Tropicana
0.9 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.9 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
