While department store dining brings to mind those self-service places of old, the San Carlo group have re-written the rulebook and know how to make it work. Other restaurants in Manchester include San Carlo Bottega on Selfridges Second Floor, and San Carlo Cicchetti on the ground floor of House of Fraser off Deansgate, all of which come laden with awards, and packed with customers, returning time and again for their modern, decadent Italian small plates. The baby blue-hued San Carlo Gran Cafe specialises in brunch, sandwiches, smoothies and afternoon tea. For £15.95 per person, you get a towering feast that includes spiced prawns with smashed avocado on brioche, sun-dried tomato mascarpone and Italian, air-dried ham on hand-made crisp bread, giant salmon blinis and baked aubergines. Sweet treats could include strawberry panna cotta, pistachio cake and a cooked, custard mille feuille. Cream scones and tea, made with real-life rose buds, complete the picture. The eatery has just been crowned Les Routiers Cafe of the Year 2016.
San Carlo Gran Cafe, Selfridges, Lower Ground Floor, Exchange Square, Manchester. Tel: 0161 838 0571, sancarlograncafe.co.uk
- Words:
- Ruth Allan
- Published on:
- Fri 27 May 2016
