Florentine Pizza
San Carlo

San Carlo

4 Temple Street, B2 5BN, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Pasta • Steak • Pizza • Italian


"As we ventured into San Carlos in Birmingham for a delightful family birthday lunch, the atmosphere was alive with anticipation. The restaurant 's elegant yet comfortable setting was the perfect stage for our midday culinary adventure. The lunch was headlined by the 'pizza of wonder ', an extraordinary creation that reimagined the classic pizza. With its impeccably charred crust and a medley of exquisite toppings, each bite was a symphony of flavours, making it much more than just a pizza it was a celebration of gastronomic artistry. Next came the rib eye steak, which was the epitome of 'melt in the mouth '. Cooked to perfection, it was a tender, flavour packed delight that tantalised our taste buds. It wasn 't just a dish; it was an ode to the sublime joys of well prepared meat. The lasagne, staying true to its Italian heritage, was a culinary masterpiece. Its layers of al dente pasta, rich ragu, and silky bechamel sauce combined to create a dish that was both comforting and sophisticated. This lasagne was a charming mix of rustic and refined, capturing the essence of Italian comfort food. Then there was the chicken in white wine sauce, an absolute sensation. The chicken, tender and succulent, was bathed in a heavenly sauce that was both light and richly flavoured. It was a dish that showcased the perfect balance of ingredients, each mouthful a testament to the chef 's skill in harnessing and elevating simple flavours to create something truly memorable. Amidst this feast, the staff of San Carlos were the unsung heroes. Their attentive and genuine service added a layer of warmth to the dining experience, making us feel both valued and well looked after. The meal culminated with a Tiramisu that was a dream come true for the connoisseurs among us. It was an impeccable mix of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa, a dessert that spoke of Italian elegance and indulgence. In summary, San Carlos in Birmingham is more than just a restaurant; it’s a midday retreat into the world of fine Italian dining. From the mesmerising pizza to the sensational chicken in white wine sauce, and the unrivalled Tiramisu, each dish is a testament to the beauty and depth of Italian cuisine. For a memorable lunch experience, San Carlos is a beacon of culinary excellence."

Il Cucciolo

Il Cucciolo

8 Old Compton Street London, W1D 4TE, United Kingdom

Tea • Bars • Beer • Wine


"We selected this restaurant for a pre-theater dinner and were, unfortunately, disappointed overall in our experience. The restaurant is much smaller than we had anticipated and when we arrived, the person who spoke to us manager, owner? asked for our name when I told him we had a reservation. Then he said who? as if we didn 't have a reservation made months earlier . That made our arrival at the restaurant a bit uncomfortable. After a bit, we were shown to a table in a noisy corner of the place. Meanwhile, the man who greeted ? us looked at the woman who would be waiting on our table in a way that felt to us like he had no idea who we were but needed to seat us, nonetheless. It was an apologetic look and it was noted. It took her quite some time to come and get our drink order which we all noticed. It seemed like once she realized that we were all ordering adult beverages, her attitude changed a bit as she realized that she could get a large tip for service which she, in fact, did . Once we started eating the food which took a long time to get to the table, we were happy with the dinners we had ordered. The food was really good, no complaints there. It was the service that was disappointing. So, if you don 't mind not being treated nicely in a restaurant where you 'll be dropping 2 or 3 hundred pounds sterling, and you 're only and all about the food, this place is for you. I left thinking the following : food that isn 't as good as the food we had here tastes better when the service is warm and welcoming. Overall, disappointed. Les Mis was awesome, though!"