This October, San Carlo Manchester turns 20. Two whole decades since it first opened its doors on King Street in 2005.
When it opened its doors, San Carlo was the place to be. It quickly became a hotspot for Manchester’s buzzing celebrity scene – footballers, musicians, TV stars – flocked there for a taste of Italy. But more than that, Mancunians quickly made it the place where people came together: for birthdays, first dates, family get-togethers, and ‘just because’ dinners that turned into nights to remember.
Twenty years on, the atmosphere is just the same – warm, glamorous, full of energy – and still loved by the city that made it a success; with loyal guests returning time and again for that unmistakable San Carlo sparkle.
From one restaurant in Manchester to 35 locations across the UK and beyond – including the upcoming new opening in Miami – San Carlo’s story is one of family, food, and a lot of love. But for all the international success, Manchester will always be where it all began…
Marcello Distefano, CEO of San Carlo Group, commented: “San Carlo Manchester will always hold a special place in my heart. I started my journey here on the restaurant floor and have grown with it ever since – from those early days of service to now leading the business as CEO, driving its growth across the world. After 20 years we are still going as strong as ever – which shows we’ve created something truly special. San Carlo has never been just a restaurant; it has become part of people’s lives. Hospitality is about creating an emotional bond with our guests, and I believe this restaurant has done that in a way very few places do. The confidence and success we gained in Manchester gave us the platform to expand globally, and even now we have to pinch ourselves that two decades later we are preparing to open in Miami.”
To mark this milestone, San Carlo is inviting the people who made it all possible – you – to share your favourite San Carlo moments from the last 20 years. Maybe it was a wedding proposal over spaghetti, spotting your football hero at the next table, or simply a night of incredible food with friends. A city-wide search has launched; share your story by emailing us at [email protected] or by commenting on their Instagram post here.
Whether heartwarming or hilarious, the restaurant would love you to share your story. Some memories will even be featured as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations.
Alongside the story search, the anniversary celebrations will also include:
- Anniversary Giveaway – a 5-star trip to Milan for two people, including a visit to an exclusive vineyard, accommodation and flights. To enter, dine at San Carlo Manchester in the month of October and scan the QR code, at your table, during your visit to be entered into the prize draw.
- As part of the 20-year celebrations, San Carlo has started work on a special edition coffee table book – a beautifully curated collection of recipes and stories capturing the essence of San Carlo.
San Carlo has grown from a single family-run restaurant into one of the UK’s most successful independent groups, with over 35 destinations across the UK and internationally – from London, Leeds and Liverpool to Qatar, Dubai, Bangkok and, coming soon, Miami. The pivotal moment came in 2005 with the opening of San Carlo Manchester, a bold move that became a runaway success and set the tone for future growth. What began as a glamorous hotspot for Manchester’s dining scene has since become the beating heart of a global restaurant family, built on authentic Italian food, family values, and unforgettable hospitality.
As the Manchester restaurant turns 20, one thing hasn’t changed: San Carlo is still the place for incredible food, family, and memories. Here’s to the next chapter. To celebrate with us, make a booking, please visit sancarlo.co.uk
Images supplied
