San Carlo - Leicester
A bustling Mediterranean spot serving classic Italian mains and cicchetti in an elegant, vibrant setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
San Carlo - Leicester
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling Mediterranean spot serving classic Italian mains and cicchetti in an elegant, vibrant setting.
"Remarkable ambience and excellent food delivered with great service for a memorable dining experience!"
Book Ahead
Reservations are recommended, even during quieter periods, to ensure you get a table.
Mindful Ordering
Portion sizes are generous, so order thoughtfully to avoid over-ordering.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Phone
+44 116 251 9332
Address
38-40 Granby St, Leicester, LE1 1DE, United Kingdom
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Italian Cuisine
Experience classic Italian dishes with fresh seafood sourced from Sicily and Milan markets.
Elegant Ambiance
Dine in a beautifully decorated, elegant setting perfect for special occasions.
Seafood Delights
Indulge in fresh seafood, including highly recommended mussels and a spectacular Shellfish Royale.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are recommended, even during quieter periods, to ensure you get a table.
Mindful Ordering
Portion sizes are generous, so order thoughtfully to avoid over-ordering.
Be Prepared for Delays
While staff are friendly, expect potential waits during peak hours.
Gluten-Free Options
Inquire about gluten-free choices if needed; the menu is accommodating.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are recommended, even during quieter periods, to ensure you get a table.
Mindful Ordering
Portion sizes are generous, so order thoughtfully to avoid over-ordering.
Be Prepared for Delays
While staff are friendly, expect potential waits during peak hours.
Gluten-Free Options
Inquire about gluten-free choices if needed; the menu is accommodating.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
San Carlo offers a visually stunning Italian dining experience with a menu featuring classic dishes and fresh seafood. While many praise the ambiance and specific dishes like seafood pasta, some diners have experienced long wait times and bland food. The restaurant is popular for celebrations, but service consistency can be an issue during busy periods.
"Had a 10/10 experience at San Carlo. Went it for a birthday dinner.
Excellent food, delivered in good time with great service.
Remarkable ambience."
Abisoye Lawal
"Not much makes my heart sink faster than when you start to shell your prawn to be greeted by its last supper... We were also not seated until almost 40 minutes past our reservation making for a very late supper. At this price range, I had higher expectations..."
Mark E
"I do not recommend. First time here, table of 6. The decoration is very nice and it creates a nice atmosphere. We ordered starters and mains. The restaurant was not full. We had to remind staff that we ordered olives and tap water for the table which they suggested as an up sell. Had one drinks menu for 6 people. Had to ask again for the drinks menu. The food was extremely bland. Apart from the restaurant being a chain with nice ambience the food taste is poor. Drinks especially draft beer is over priced I cannot recommend based on the food and slow service in a 3/4 full restaurant at best."
Kunal Khushalbhai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, even during less busy times, to secure a table.
San Carlo is considered an upscale dining destination, with prices reflecting the quality of ingredients and ambiance.
Yes, the menu is accommodating to dietary needs, and gluten-free options are available. Staff are aware of celiac conditions.
The restaurant boasts a beautiful, elegant, and vibrant atmosphere, making it ideal for special occasions.
Visitors highly recommend fresh seafood like mussels, seafood pasta, and classic Italian dishes such as pizza and risotto.
While the staff is attentive, potential delays in service can occur during peak dining hours.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best Family Restaurants in Eggborough
Open seven days a week, this expansive Italian dining destination is the epitome of authentic Italian cooking. With a mix of seasonal Yorkshire produce, and quality ingredients are flown in from the markets of Sicily and Milan, you’ll find an array of seafood, fresh pasta, and trattoria classics. Up in Roundhay, San Carlo Flying Pizza impressive covered outdoor terrace is the place to be when the sun is shining.
Restaurants Leicester Archives
The most popular restaurant in Leicester is San Carlo, an Italian restaurant on Granby Street in the city centre. A huge airy space, it almost brings the outside in to create an elegant gazebo feel and the bold red design accents alongside twinkling lights make it the perfect place for a Christmas celebration.
Top 25 Restaurants in Leicester UK - Reviews - Details
San Carlo in Leicester offers an authentic Italian dining experience, with a menu that features a wide range of classic Italian dishes. Known for its elegant setting and high-quality food, San Carlo is a favorite for those looking to enjoy traditional Italian cuisine in a refined atmosphere.
The 5 Best Gluten-Free Italian Restaurants in Leicester
This was a really lucky find and would of got 5 star if the service was better. Helpful with the gluten free and had a vast menu. But the poor couple sitting next to us had to wait a good 30 mins just to place a drinks order and 20 mins later they still hadn't ordered food.
Delicious Dining: The Best Restaurants In Leicester
San Carlo is often referred to as the best Italian restaurant in Leicester city centre, fronting gorgeous interiors as far as the eye can see, as well as cracking cuisine. Not only can you wolf down beautifully prepared plates of pasta, but also pizzas, antipasti and more.
Top Best Seafood Restaurants in Edale
San Carlo is Manchester’s most famous and, some say, best Italian restaurant. Run by the Distefano family, it’s said to have one of the largest turnovers in the UK. It’s also the place to be papped and there’s usually a bank of photographers outside to prove the point.
15 best restaurants in Leicester
Multi-award-winning San Carlo group are famed for their unapologetically lavish Italian restaurants, and this one in Leicester is no different. Ostentatious interiors, Italian classics and a fun, informal atmosphere make it a popular bet in the city centre.
Top 38 Gluten-Free Dinner Spots to Delight in Leicester
Our sons birthday, great night fantastic food and atmosphere, the staff are very aware of coleaic condition and went out of there way to help they also have gluten free beer. Thanks to everyone for a great night.
Fun Restaurants Leicester [Cheap discounts 2024]
Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more. Request your free profile now
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit