A Taste of the Season: Reviewing San Carlo’s New Autumn & Winter Menu

San Carlo’s carefully curated Autumn and Winter Menu is filled with unique and flavourful dishes that embrace their traditional Italian roots. The menu has something for everyone, with tantalising flavours that appeal to all palates. Whether you are a seafood lover, truffle devotee, vegetarian, or someone who enjoys quality meat with every meal, you won’t be disappointed.

“Everything begins with exceptional ingredients. Working closely with trusted suppliers, our team selects the finest seasonal produce, chosen for its quality, provenance and depth of flavour. Rooted in the traditions of Italy, this menu celebrates refined Italian dining at its most authentic. We hope you enjoy every dish.” — San Carlo

And enjoy every dish we did, as we were lucky enough to sample each and every one on the menu, and all were simply delicious. Much like our earlier visit when we looked to escape the chaos for a family lunch, stepping through the doors immediately transports you away from the daily rush and into an atmosphere built around genuine Italian hospitality and comfort.

Standout Starters

Our personal favourites from the starter selection included:

• Carpaccio di Barbabietola: A vibrant beetroot carpaccio served with goat’s cheese, asparagus, and toasted herb breadcrumbs, finished with a yuzu honey dressing. This isn’t something I would normally pick from a menu, but this light dish was so surprisingly tasty that I couldn’t resist another helping.

• Zuppetta di Mare: As a seafood lover myself, it was no surprise that this Mediterranean fish soup with shellfish, sea bass, and toasted Altamura bread was a major highlight. It oozes freshness and flavour, cooked to absolute perfection. A hearty winter warmer and a world away from an ordinary bowl of soup, with the sea bass and mussels being particularly exceptional.
• Insalata di Zucca: Featuring roasted pumpkin, chestnut mushrooms, ricotta salata, toasted hazelnuts, and fresh black truffle, this is a really nice choice if you are looking for something light that won’t take up too much of your appetite before the main event.

Magnificent Mains

Moving on to the mains, it is hard to narrow down the favourites because they were all exceptional. However, the four that had us talking and marvelling the most were:

• The Beef Cheek: Comprising slow-braised beef cheek with creamy mashed potatoes, red wine jus, and salsa verde, this dish was simply divine. The beef just melted as you cut into it—so tender—and the mash (easily one of the best I’ve ever tasted) was the perfect accompaniment. It’s the type of dish that leaves you craving it again, even as soon as you’ve finished.
• The Monkfish: This one probably surprised us the most. Roasted monkfish in a creamy green peppercorn and lemon sauce, packed with powerful flavours. It was light yet hearty at the same time—another meal you instantly look forward to having again.
• Risotto Zucca & Tartufo: Quite a special dish, prepared and finished tableside for an interactive dining experience. With ingredients that embody autumn perfectly, this pumpkin risotto finished in a pecorino wheel with fresh black truffle is comfort food at its finest.
• Rigatoni Affumicati & Monkfish: Smoked rigatoni with monkfish, rich bisque, and fresh chives. This was the dish with perhaps the most surprising flavours, tantalising the taste buds and providing warmth and comfort in every bite.

The Grand Finale

Our visit was rounded off with a luxurious tiramisu ice cream served with a shot of warm espresso. Although we didn’t think we could fit another bite into our stomachs, it was utterly impossible to resist this delightful dessert.

So, whether you are looking for a special date-night destination, the perfect relaxed lunch-meeting venue, or a chance to enjoy a long catch-up lunch with friends, this Italian favourite is the ideal choice. For families wanting to see how well they accommodate younger diners, take a look at our guide to the joy of family dining.