Rocket And Parmesan Salad
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."

Al Parco Pizzeria

Al Parco Pizzeria

28 Parkway London, NW1 7AH, United Kingdom

Tea • Pizza • Cheese • Italian


"I've been coming to Bistro Laz and Al Parco (they share a building and also a kitchen, I believe) for as long as I can remember. Its been a family favourite restaurant for again, as long as I can remember. Every birthday, Special occasion meal, etc. We had here. I went back recently with a friend and I've got to say I was a bit embarrassed I sung their praises to him, and I think on this occasion the restaurant fell short. The food was as amazing as always, and the wait staff were very nice, friendly, and helpful. BUT, they had none of the mid level or cheaper wines in stock, and we had to buy a £70 or 80£ bottle, the bottle which admittedly was a very nice bottle was originally more and they did discount it though which was nice, but overall still annoying as we didn't expect to spend more than £30 or 40 on wine. But more annoyingly the food didn't arrive for a very, very long time. So much so that it seemed like they forgot about us. Admittedly, the restaurant was very busy when we were there, but the service speed was still, in my opinion too slow. Otherwise, Bistro Laz was great as ever. Like I said, the food was brilliant, and reasonably priced. The lamb cutlets with mash, and the large prawn starters are superb. Or if you want a great pizza order from the Al Parco menu. I'll give them 4 stars just because I love them and the food so much but they need to keep their wine in stock and either work on service speed, or keep diners informed so its clear they're not forgotten."