Brass fixtures, bejewelled fabrics and low lighting make San Carlo the perfect match for your special occasion. And with an authentic Winter menu to explore – and Christmas Fayre Menu too (£46.95pp), this is the ideal time to check it out.
The new Winter menu includes cured meats, seafoods and delicate sauces, served with the signature flair that’s turned this local family business into a £100m success story.
We started our meal with the house cured meats, olives, richly-flavoured sun dried tomatoes and hand-made crisp breads (San Carlo Antipasto to share – £15.95pp). There’s a moreish seafood platter to dive into and I particularly loved the combination of old school delights (think prawn cocktail, chicken liver pate) with more authentic and traditional dishes such as lentil soup (Vellutata di Lenticchie, £8.95).
San Carlo is an authentic Italian at heart – and mains cover all the bases. Think tagliatelle with monkfish and lobster bisque (Tagliatelle Montecarlo, £18.95) or pappadelle with slow-cooked duck ragu (from £13.95). Pizza-wise, San Carlo’s house edition combines fior di latte, Parma ham, rocket and Grana Padano shavings (San Carlo Pizza, £15.95). Meanwhile, the Calzone Salsiccia Piccante (£16.50) takes it’s heat from traditional cured Italian sausage.
In the mood for something celebratory, my steak was subtly elevated by a green peppercorn and brandy sauce (Filetto al Pepe Verde, £37.95), while my friend loved the lemon sole with clams and asparagus. A glance around the restaurant leads to plate envy – yet, it’s impossible to go wrong.
With the vineyards of Italy at their beck and call San Carlo celebrates tradition with a classy cocktails and fine wines by the glass and bottle. We enjoyed a selection of house favourites, thoughtfully complimenting the menu.
I’ve yet to find an Italian dessert I don’t love and San Carlo’s dense, bitter-sweet yet richly creamy tiramisu has made it onto my list of favourites (£9), as does my friend’s meringue with cream and fresh strawberries. The menu includes a couple of new options too; peach and almond, and chocolate and almond cakes (£8.50), while I’ll be back to try the mini-dessert selection (£8 pp) and the hazelnut soft serve (Mantecato Alla Nocciola, £8.50pp).
Former guests will know that San Carlo wears its occasion status on its sleeve. A couple of years ago, I actually had my 40th birthday in one of their private dining rooms: it’s that kind of place. Yet when you visit, you’ll see everyone from date night couples to families getting together, people doing business and groups of friends hanging out. The staff are genuinely fantastic, and while San Carlo is obviously a familiar face around the region, it’s the kind of friend you’ll always be happy to spend time with.
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- Words:
- Ruth Allan
- Published on:
- Wed 20 Nov 2024
