Harden's survey result
Summary
This “slightly old-fashioned Italian in a splendid room” from Carlo Distefano’s “good-quality chain” is “always packed” as it approaches its 30th anniversary next year – perhaps because it is “so consistently good: never had a bad meal here”. There’s a “reassuring” quality about the whole operation, which is “welcoming to children (and adults), with a stylish ambience and generous portions of traditional Italian food”.
Summary
“Surprisingly good food” that is “a significant cut above that of a typical Italian chain” – and which is “in the current climate reasonable value for money” – ensures that this long-established venue in Carlo Distefano’s national chain is “always busy”. Some even rate it the “best Italian in Bristol”, and it has “excellent fish, too”.
Summary
“You can always be sure of a good cheery welcome at this upmarket Italian” which is a longstanding stalwart both of the city and also of Carlo Distefano’s smart national chain. “Perhaps it’s slightly overpriced”, but “the fish is always good as is the pasta” and service is “very efficient and well-trained”.
Summary
“Always up to a high standard” and “buzzing at weekends” – the Brizzle branch of Carlo Distefano’s glossy national group has long been a consistent performer with “great food, and excellent decor”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at San Carlo?
44 Corn Street, Bristol, BS1 1HQ
Restaurant details
San Carlo Restaurant Diner Reviews
"We last visited in Feb 2025 when, although the food was good, service was slow and disinterested. On returning, the service has got infinitely worse, to the extent that we walked out. Staff were arrogant and disinterested from the outset. No longer child friendly - our 8 year old, who had been so excited to visit again, ended in tears. After a 75 minutes wait, the 3 adult mains arrived, but hers was missing. No comments from the waiter, so we assumed it was following immediately. When nothing appeared, we asked the waiter who said the dish had been burnt and was being recooked. It would be several minutes. There had been no apologies during the delay, no explanation and no effort to compensate, particularly the child. When we walked out, the front of house manager simply let us go. No apology, no attempt to make things better. We have sent a formal email of complaint to San Carlo's Head office, but, some 3 days later, have not even had an acknowledgement."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £33.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £6.50 |
| Service | 10.00% |
44 Corn Street, Bristol, BS1 1HQ
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
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