San Carlo Bristol

The mirrored San Carlo chain claims to be a ‘proper Italian restaurant’. Quite what that implies may be debatable, but with its strong Mediterranean feel and lengthy menu of familiar trattoria dishes there’s no doubt that this branch, located in Bristol city centre (other branches are in Leicester, Birmingham & Manchester), has been a big, buzzing, bustling success ever since it opened its doors. The emphasis is on fish, with a fine array from grilled Dover sole to lobster thermidor. There is also a wide choice of retro Italian antipasti, pastas & pizzas.