San Carlo

The immense popularity of this off-Deansgate Italian bestows a lively atmosphere, even when tumbleweed blows through the rest of the city. At weekends, even those with booked tables will more than likely spend some time starspotting at the huge bar. They hang around for the prospect of good trattoria food & sparky service transplanted to a sleek urban setting. Favourites include carpaccio, fish from the blackboard & richly sauced steaks, all washed down with plenty of Champagne – why not? The cooking is much better than you might expect.