Reviews of San Carlo Bottega

We have been in this chain restaurant before in Birmingham and was a good experience. I can't say anything bad about food. I absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, this time, they didn't put through our order, and the waiting time for our food was a little bit too long... the managed the problem, they offered a generous discount and I appreciated the honesty. Next time we go shopping there we will definitely go back for lunch.... after all is a good restaurant!

Upon entering, we are enveloped in an atmosphere of European sophistication, with gleaming marble countertops, polished wood accents, and stylish furnishings creating a chic yet cozy ambiance. The space is adorned with shelves stocked with an enticing array of imported Italian goods, including olive oils, balsamic vinegars, pasta, sauces, and more, inviting guests to peruse and indulge in the finest offerings from Italy's culinary heritage. The menu showcases the best of Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations. We usually start our day with a leisurely breakfast of freshly baked pastries, artisanal coffees, and decadent Italian-style hot chocolates, or opt for a savory panini filled with prosciutto, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes for a quick and satisfying lunch. When craving something lighter, there is a tempting selection of salads, antipasti platters, and charcuterie boards featuring an assortment of imported cheeses, cured meats, and marinated vegetables. Of course, no visit to Bottega would be complete without indulging in one of its irresistible desserts. From creamy tiramisu and velvety panna cotta to delicate pastries and artisanal gelato, each sweet treat is a decadent celebration of Italy's rich dessert culture, offering a blissful finale to any meal. Complementing the culinary offerings is an extensive selection of Italian wines, spirits, and liqueurs, as well as specialty coffees and teas imported from Italy. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to provide recommendations and guidance, ensuring that guests find the perfect pairing to enhance their dining experience. Whether you're in search of a leisurely breakfast, a quick lunchtime bite, or an indulgent treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, San Carlo Bottega promises a taste of la dolce vita in the heart of Manchester, where every visit is a culinary adventure to be savored and cherished. As part of the esteemed San Carlo Group, Bottega embodies the group's commitment to excellence, delivering a meticulously curated selection of Italian delicacies, artisanal products, and gourmet treats in an elegant and inviting setting.

Front of House friendly confirmed our booking & shown to our table. Prompt service for drinks, We had White wine and Passion fruit mojito cocktails. Tasted grate full of flavour. Given enough time to pick our selection of food. We had Gamboronie Fritti (Tempura Prawns with spiced mayonnaise, Calamari Fritti, ( Fried Squid ) Gamberoni Piccanti (Sicilian Prawns with chilli lemon & Garlic), Tagliolini with Lobster & Cherry Tomato & finally spaghettini with Prawns. Food all served together. Very nice, right temperature, flavoursome, and good portions More wine & cocktails. Little expensive, not complaining as you get excellent service from putting your foot through the door. I highly recommend.

When a challenge is laid down, I'll take it; hence why when Alessandro DiStefano of the San Carlo Restaurant Group , picked up my last blog post on Cicchetti and then laid down the challenge that if I thought that was good, I couldn't say no, could I? Bottega is an extension of the successful Cicchetti concept; small, tapas style plates to share, that come out when they're ready.

Don't Believe the hype, better places. Ok the positives first, great location, bright airy. Plenty of waiting staff, but don't count on them being fully competent! I had a late lunch here with a friend today, we ordered Halibut, mixed salad crabmeat Ravioli . Ravioli arrived first, followed by halibut followed some time later by salad. I would have liked my ravioli and halibut a little warmer, it was not even room temperature warm. Needless if the food would have been the correct temperature then the flavour would have had some justice I'm sure. Insalata arriving last was disappointing have to say. We both had apple strudel, I would not recommend it. I ordered earl grey tea, my tea arrived a very dark orange colour, not Earl Grey, I sent it back and another dark orange tan coloured tea arrived via a different waiter, i was not impressed but guessed Earl Grey was beyond them so drank... I would say the concept seems ok sharing plates, but it just did not work for us, considering the prices I would have rather payed a couple of pounds extra for a full plate. I doubt I'll return, well maybe just for the bar, maybe its a better just for drinks option.

Bottega – the studio of an Italian artist where others come to learn. <br/><br/>An ambitious boast perhaps, but certainly given the successes of the other 2 Distefano family run restaurants on King Street West, namely San Carlo and Cicchetti, it seems this particular chain is on a mission to educate us beyond the pastas and pizzas with which we’re all pretty familiar. <br/><br/>Now, no doubt, there will be cries of “yet another Italian Restaurant” But given that the restaurant wasn’t officially open when they held this preview lunch, the place was pretty much at capacity.  So it seems there is still an appetite for quality Italian cooking.

I just made a flying visit to San Carlo Bottega in Selfridges. We liked Aubaine, the previous incumbent, (especially the Mille Feuille) and were sad to see it go, but judging it from the first few days, San Carlo Bottega has already made a flying start. I was queueing at midday to get into the M&S and Selfridges car park, although it was half term. I made my way through the floor with make up counters on it (everyone was made up in a gothic way as it's Halloween today.) I used to really love the old food hall in the basement, and remember fondly the launch night of the Manchester Food Festival there several years ago - 'the best night of my life' as I always tell Mrs B (free food from the various counters, a Marble beer stall, plus sushi ladies dressed in Japanese costume giving out free sushi - ah the memories.) I recognised a few of the staff from my visit to Cicchetti last week. I took a seat at the bar and ordered the Bouillabaisse as I'd seen photos of it on twitter.