Harden's survey result
Summary
This “reliable” venue from the “good-quality chain” serves “generous portions of traditional Italian food in a stylish ambience” – one of Bristol’s busiest restaurants for 30 years, it was Carlo Distefano’s first outside Birmingham as he set about creating what is now a global group, with an increasing presence in the Middle East.
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”.
For 35 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 have been several times before and had excellent meals. Those was midweek nights. Service clearly goes to pot on Saturday night! Cold food; chaotic service and very loud and noisy. "
Prices
| Wine per bottle | £33.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
| 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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