james said on 02nd July ... "i took my partner there for our anniversary, i wanted it to be a special evening for her, at it was. We had a drink before being seated and the staff were extremelly polite and looked after us very well. We shared a starter which was amazing and then the mains were even better. The atmosphere was nice, we had a great evening. i would reccommend anyone to go we had a great time. I am usually very hard to please when it comes to food but it was exceptional"
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Katherine said on 02nd July ... "I had a fantasic meal at the weekend, it was my mums birthday, we were seated within minutes and the food order was taken promptly. The food was delicious, i would highly reccommend any one to go, my mum had a great evening. "
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Jenna said on 16th June ... "My boyfriend took me to San Carlo on Friday night for a nice meal. It was relatively quiet when we arrived, but it seemed the second we sat down the whole restaurant filled with people - we defintiely beat the rush! I decided to pop down to the toilets half way through the meal to find a DOWNSTAIRS to the restaurant!! And it was FULL!!! I wasn't too keen on the stairs (due to the amount of wine I'd drunk) but one of the nice waiters walked me up the stairs and made pleasant conversation in Italian tones of English - which just added to my San Carlo experience!
Our meals were both served quickly, and were presented very well. The portion sizes were perfect, and we shared a portion a potatos as I wanted to leave room for dessert. Thank goodness I did - it was beautiful!
I can't recommend San Carlo enough - make sure you go next time you're in the area! "
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Mr Colin Brown said on 05th June ... "What a shame some people are trying to bad mouth quite possibly the best Italian restaurant in Birmingam city centre. We always come into the centre when we want something really tasty, with great service at a reasonable price.
The wine list suits most of the menu, and the food is always fresh and piping hot, whilst looking delicious.
Can't recommend it enough! "
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Jimmy and maggie said on 27th May ... "The food was awful. We paid over £11 for a pasta mele at the start, the sauces tasted like they were tinned and the pasta was soggy. Maggie had a seafood salad which was bits of defrosted seafood, some of which were still frozen. We were treated like animals, when asking the waiter to reccomend a wine for our seafood he pointed to the most expensive bottle of red on the menu. We hadn't even finished our meal before they began pressing us to leave and when we tried we found it impossible to get the bill. This place ruined a beautiful night. I urge people not to let it ruin theirs."
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Laura Edwards said on 19th May ... "After reading a unfavourable review of San Carlo in a local newspaper last week, I felt the need to write a review on here. I have been visiting San Carlo on Temple Street for the past 10 years, and we have NEVER had a bad experience! That is some feat in any restaurant's books.

The staff are always SO lovely - they're friendly, chatty, attentive and welcoming. Their service is one of the many reasons we keep returning - they seat us quickly, take our food order promptly, and the food always arrives piping hot, quickly and is presented beautifully. The food is on another level - it really does taste gorgeous, and we are always so pleased with our choice of dish.

I can't recommend San Carlo enough - it's such a well established restaurant, and really didn't deserve the silly review that it received - go and try it for yourself! "
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Mr. Morrison said on 08th May ... "Exceptional overall dining experience with a beautiful European atmosphere."
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Diane said on 06th May ... "We prebooked a table for the Sunday before Bank Holiday, as we anticipated that it would be busy, as San Carlo always is whenever we visit. The whole restaurant was buzzing, with a great atmosphere and lots of people dining. As a table of 4, I thought perhaps there may be a small wait on tables due to how busy it was, however we were seated immediately, at a great table upstairs, overlooking the entrance - perfect for people watching!
They were prepared for the large number of guests that they attracted - there were plenty of staff serving, meaning that we were served quickly and efficiently. The food came out quickly, and was presented beautifully. We all had something different from the menu, and all greatly enjoyed our meals.

I strongly recommend San Carlo, whatever your reason for wanting to eat out - they never seem to disappoint me"
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Andrew said on 01st May ... "I love eating at San Calo - it has to be my favourite restaurant in Birmingham city centre, which is some feat!

The staff are always so pleasant, and the food is always fresh, tastes delicious, and is served very quickly. It's in a great location - literally a 1 minute walk from New Street, so perfect for a spot of lunch whilst shopping, or if you go at night, there's loads of free parking in the streets nearby, and cool bars nearby for when you've finished your meal.

I think it's clear why it's my favourite restaurant! "
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Edward.K. said on 30th April ... "We had a really nice meal at San Carlo on Tuesday night to celebrate my best friend's leaving-do. We were suprised at how busy it was in there beig only a Tuesday, but it didn't affect the service we received. The waiters were very friendly and courteous - we were greeted quickly at the door, and shown to a table upstairs. The restaurant is really nice - there are mirrors everywhere, and the flowers and lighting add to the ambiance.

The food was really great - it was fresh, and tasted very good.
We had lots to drink, and had a great evening - it made John's last day with us a pleasure, instead of a sad day.

Many thanks to all the staff there! "
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J said on 28th April ... "Appalling place! The ambience is pleasant enough and the food was very good. However the service was shocking and the waiters rude and aggressive. It ruined our evening and we were glad to leave.

There are much better Italian restaurants in Birmingham. "
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Elaine Flukes said on 21st April ... "Spent a lovely evening at San Carlos on Friday. It was awfully busy but we were made to feel like we were the only ones in there - the staff gave us there undivded attention, and the food was served promptly and tasted divine.

We enjoyed the lovely Italian atmosphere which really was authentic and enjoyable! "
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P HAROLD said on 15th April ... "It's been sometime since i was there too but have never forgotten it, was there at lunchtime and it seemed pretty peaceful but it just lacked any ambience, the background music developed into foreground, the staff were pretty dismissive, the service was fitted around the staff singing and joking/larking around. At one stage they could'nt wait to regroup at the top of the stairs, and while whisking our plates away, hit me in the shoulder (but thats what you get for being in the way).

I did ask them to keep the noise down at one stage - only to be asked why? Because i'm trying to eat lunch in a semi-formal setting not the fish market!

Food wasn't too bad however, but service was appalling, could do better at home."
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Dave and Mel said on 10th April ... "Last night we decided to try San Carlo, as it was mid-week and thought it wouldn't be busy. How wrong were we though?! For a Wednesday, it was nearly full upstairs - in comparison to other restaurants that we passed on the way, it was positively heaving!
The staff seated us within 5 minutes, so we sat at the bar to have a quiet drink. Our food order was taken promptly, and we certainly didn't experience any staff who were chatting too close by! They were very friendly, but good at their job.

I really enjoyed the night - it was nice to go somewhere midweek and it actually have people there, instead of it being dead..."
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Chrish said on 06th April ... "I'm no food critic, but I know what I like and this food was excellent. I had bruschetta topped with chopped tomatos for a starter (a type of toasted bread -- excellent stuff, I recommend it!), and had the spaghetti bolognaise (as did my papa) for my main. I can't fault the food.

However, I do agree with shaula that the waiters stood right next to us having a conversation whilst we were eating. I don't appreciate it, but in fairness we were quite close to the back leading to the kitchens. Had no problems with the service itself, quick and friendly. That said, the place was rather empty at the time, but it filled up soon after."
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shaula said on 18th March ... "The food was great.. but the service was ridiculous.. I don't like waiters standing around and talking when there are people who find it hard to get attention of the waiters.. In france you click and shout 'Garcon'.. im sure they wont appreciate that here.. the service out of 10 is 1/10 and the food is 7/10"
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Richard Cox said on 16th March ... "Fantastic restaurant! Went to San Carlo on Saturday night - great atmosphere, excellent food (check out the scallops!), good wine and very attentive service. Some of the reviews I've read suggest that service is poor, but I can't agree. The staff are professional, friendly and efficient. I'd recommend a table upstairs rather than downstairs as its more open and spacious. The menu is superb and they have a blackboard with fish specials - if you're into seafood you'll be impressed. Even the price is good. My total bill (for me and my girlfriend) came to £105 which included starters, bread, main course, house wine, coffees, liquer and service charge. Overall great experience and I will be eating here again very soon. "
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carol said on 05th March ... "I went to San Carlos for a good night out but the food was very poor

This is not an authentic Italian restaurant"
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Nick said on 03rd March ... "I run an events company in Birmingham, and was reading through Prestige Events magazine and noticed San Carlo has been named as one of the COOLest restuarant in the UK - what an achievement! So I decided to take a client there for a business lunch. It was the perfect choice - the staff were pleasant but not intrusive, the food was served quickly but we weren't rushed, the portion sizes were large but not too much so we had to leave too much, and the wine list had a great array of wines.

A very cool restaurant - I can see why it has been given the award! "
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Michael Fox said on 30th January ... "One of the best dining experiences i've had. We went late evening on a Friday and the staff were extremley accomodating considering we had not booked and were quite a large party. Food was delicious, service was superb and the atmosphere was just what you want in a city centre restaurant, busy, but friendly and comfortable."
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J Mel Harley said on 19th January ... "We visited San Carlo Temple Street on Saturday 19 January with friends, It was lunch time and they were busy but we were welcomed in found a table although we had not booked.
The service was very good Starters and main dishes came with traditional Italian efficiency and service. The house wine was wonderful

We all enjoyed the meal and our friend booked to come back on the Sunday for lunch as they were staying in Birmingham. Price was good for the excellent food

We shall go back and take other friends
PS not sure what the stars mean ?
"
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Ellie said on 10th December ... "What an excellent restaurant!! I visited for the first time over the weekend, and it was a magical experience!! The decor is beautiful, the waiters are top notch and the food is excellent! I can't wait to go back and try the lobster that so many people seem to rave about!! "
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Margaret Hamer said on 03rd December ... "I recommended my party to try San Carlos as it was a special occasion. We were all very disappointed. The restaurant was packed like sardines with so much noise you could hardly hear yourself speak. We asked for the music to be changed 4 times but the waiters were unaccommodating. The ambiance was anything but Italian. The food was below average. When we complained to one of the Managers he began shouting and became very aggressive because we had the audacity to complain. We will not be visiting San Carlos again or recommending them to our friends."
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eddie.clitheroe said on 03rd December ... "A disappointing experience. Our table was such that our chairs were continually knocked by the Waiters and the background music can hardly be described as Italian more Radio 1. The Food is average or below. I would not recommend San Carlos. "
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Mr Mosley said on 30th November ... "We went the other night and the food was the best I have ever had at a restaurant. We were a group of 13 men so we were a bit roudy, the waiter was polite and always happy to help (even though he looked like Illana Pillay from her disco years). Not one of our group had a problem with any of our meals, The place was that relax even tho it was busy, "
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brad and nick said on 28th November ... "We went there for our engagment meal, and it was simply divine. The waiters were nothing but courteous and not bad to look at (especially Alesandro, who waited on us). It is very reasonably priced and the food is sensational. I highly recommend it, ask for al to wait on you."
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Becca said on 27th November ... "I have to disagree with the last review!! I went for a wonderful meal there on Friday night, and despite a short wait to be seated, we had an excellent night. The atmosphere was so relaxed and the music was spot on. The staff were very professional, and were chatty when I engaged into conversation with them. The food was delightful, which is probably the main point of this review! Everyone raves about the fish at San Carlo, but you really can't appreicate the quality and texture until you try one of the dishes. I'm not a massive fish fan, however after seeing what the table next to us had I just had to try the Monk fish. I definitely recommend it-sooo tasty!
We had a great night there - it appears some people just don't know a great restaurant when they walk into one"
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K Kann said on 26th November ... "I agree. I visited San Carlos on Saturday night for a special occasion and found the manager to be rude and aggressive, the food was nothing special and the background music was loud and non-italian. All of my party were of the same opinion and extremely disappointed. It will not be a place that I will chose to spend my money in again!"
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Christine said on 08th November ... "GREAT RESTAURANT! I had an excellent corporate meeting at San Carlo, where the staff were nothing but professional, the service was fast and efficient, and the food was full of flavour. My client was suitably impressed, as was I. "
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pete ford said on 07th November ... "Food fantastic, great choice and reasonably priced, staff are passionate about service and are friendly, we will be going again. I cannot believe the negative comments before mine."
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mandy kowalik said on 21st October ... "Why bother? Food is fine, but nothing that couldn't, in the main, be prepared at home, the staff are patronising, rude and surly, bring wrong orders, when they bring them at all. Both my brother and I on separate occasions have visited, my brother went back! once, but never again. Go to Bank, good food, superb service, a pleasure, which is what eating out should be."
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Mrs. Henry said on 10th October ... "We celebrated my daughter's birthday at San Carlo in Temple Street last Saturday and had a really good night. Its always risky to have a birthday celebration at a busy restaurant but the staff were brilliant and certainly made my daughter feel very special!

We were all impressed with our meals - I had the spaghetti shellfish which was great, really tasty and a good size. "
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vanssa mcdonald and simon bartlett said on 07th October ... "Had a lovely time, my boyfriend and I went for our year anniversary, it was so nice and the staff were so friendly and poilte.
The food was as I expected, fantasic. We went for the seafood menu, the starters were very nice and the lobster was so soft it melted in your mouth.
The sorbet was really nice after the rich main course. We didn't have wine, we had spirits and coke and a bottle of water. For £90 it was the best meal I have had in ages. This restaurant is one of my favourites. It comes top with thai edge and china red...."
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Nicola Fellows said on 06th October ... "Fantastic!

One of the places I have ever eaten. The pasta just melted in my mouth.

I have read the other reviews and I thought it best to say that although I’m sure that the other reviews may have felt that there comments were justified I cannot agree with them. The staff were friendly and courteous to us. The choice was amazing and the food was to die for.

The atmosphere was lively but still intimate and the place was packed for Monday night.

We will definitely be going back again!

I can’t recommend it enough!
"
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p.loizou said on 04th October ... "The service at San Carlos is diabolical. The waiters can be very rude and make you feel like you are an imposition at times. We were often visited before the cockroach scandal and only put up with it because of the food. Hadn't been for a couple of years and returned a few weeks ago. Expected things to have changed but no. Poor service, packed in and rushed. Not returning again."
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Mr Aqial Araf said on 03rd June ... "Sorry I meant to say pasta not spaghetti let me re phrase my terminology.

I forgot my pin number for my credit card while the bill amounted to only £19.47, I was told by the waiter how are you going to pay and it seemed that he actually tried to make me feel intimidated.

I told him why don't you clarify it with the bank the same as you did last saturday he then did as he was told but basically no manners no courtesy and no repect. I thought they were supposed to be Italians!

I like people with respect, kindness and courtesy - not money orientatated. Capeesh
"
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Mr Aqial Araf said on 03rd June ... "I went to the San Carlos restaurant and found all the staff very rude.

I asked for crab and spaghetti and got loads of spaghetti but crab claws!

I asked for a bigger spoon and more olives (and a large wooden handle to smash the crab with) but they objected - I found them very rude and they look at you as if you have never been to a restaurant before.

They have no style, just an urgency for money. I asked for a large lobster and rudely told that there was no lobster. Why do they open a restaurant if they have no manners, no courtesy and cannot speak English?

They have lost respect for society..."
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Sammy said on 24th May ... "We went to San Carlos for my friend's birthday and we booked a table for 10. As soon as got in the waiters were looking down at us, which was really rude, it was not as if we couldn't afford the meal, and I have never been to a restaurant where service is so poor.

The table we had was extremely small for 10 of us..and because 2 people were late they kept trying to move us onto an even smaller table..this was the first time I had ever been asked to change tables and asked rather rudely and forcefully by the Italian waiter.

I didn't think the food was that special either. We opted not to have dessert because we had a birthday cake..only to be greeted by a tut of the waiter as he collected the menus.

By this time we were so annoyed we left and asked for the cake back..so that we can cut it elsewhere.

The service in this restaurants was so bad that it was unbelievable.

I was really disappointed on the whole."
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simon said on 13th May ... "My first visit on Saturday night after booking a table for 2 for 8.30. We arrived at 8.35; the place was very busy and we waited about 30 minutes to be seated at a table, I thought this was acceptable as there was a bar area serving drinks, it was however standing room only.

The staff are mainly Italian speaking, they were curtious, lively and attentive throughout the evening. We ate pizza and spaggetti Carbonara for the main course. I felt the food was very average, the carbonara sause was to runny and bland for my taste; the bacon or ham which should be crispy or well done in this dish was only just cooked. I suppose the city centre location (which looks much better at night)and the decor dictates the prices which are high for the quality of the food.

A lot of effort had gone into the decor and environment and the place has an air of fresh, cosmopolitan class. The restaurant walls and pillars have large expanses of mirror, it makes the space seem larger of course but beware if you dislike your own reflection. Plenty of free parking on the roads near by. "
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CD B'ham said on 08th May ... "I took my partner to San Carlo's for a birthday treat, and was very pleased with the service, the food and the price! The restaraunt was very busy on a Wednesday evening, however we were served courteously and quickly without being rushed.

The food was delicious, and with three courses and a few drinks each - 54.00 seemed a very reasonable price.

Would definitely go again and recommend it to others."
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Catherine Bates said on 07th May ... "Welcoming and beautifully decorated, with the atmosphere and level of service of a top city centre restaurant without compromising on the sense of it being an authentic family run business.

Delicious food, with a great variety of traditional italian dishes and fresh fish to choose from. Very reasonably priced, catering for all budgets.

The best restaurant I've found in Birmingham so far!"
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D.F.C said on 04th May ... "I was taken there for the first time on Wednesday last. My date hadn't booked but even though the restaurant was busy we waited no more than 5 minutes for a table. The food was delightful, served on time by cheerful and efficient staff.

Couldn't tell you the cost because I'm a lady & wouldn't dream of asking...."
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Jo said on 30th March ... "Well, me and my boyfriend decided to visit San Carlos for a New Years Eve meal, neither of us had been there before, it had been highly recommended to us by several people. The atmosphere took over as soon as we walked in and friendly staff escorted us to our pre-booked table. Despite it being New Years Eve we did not have to wait at all long to have our food, which was exceptionally delicious
Both me and my boyfriend had a wonderful time; every aspect of our experience was wonderful. Thank you to all the staff for making our evening what it was! In addition to this, £60 for a bottle of red wine, 2 starters, 2 main courses and side orders plus a dessert was rather good i think! Cannot praise it enough!"
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Anon said on 22nd March ... "Is it possible to have service that is worse than poor?! My boyfriend and I decided to eat at a restaurant that we have never been in before, just for a change of scenery, from our usual. The waiter looked at us in the most horrible manner and seated us on a table for six people. There were plenty of table for twos! We ordered our starters and half way through eating it, the waiter brought out the main courses and waited for us to move the plates for him, to place to food down!! By that time our main course was cold!! Then they brought over a bottle of still water and started pouring it and saying thought you might like this( we didnt order it) If the service was good and the food nice, then the price would of been worth it but forcing people to buy drinks that they did not request for and giving such poor service is shame"
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Clarson said on 18th March ... "Oh god I'm taking my hubby there on Tue 20th March for his 40th birthday,we havnt been there for 3 years, I'm paniking now after reading the reviews!!!!"
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Alexander Zak said on 10th March ... "Eaten here many times before. Tonight we had possibly the best service ever (ie polite!), but the food really was a let down in my opinion.

I usually have the pricier dishes but felt like something a little lighter and quicker so opted for the Penne all'arrabbiata as a starter and a Calzone... and was thankfully spared that look you sometimes get when having the cheaper options. I felt that the pasta was overcooked, and the arrabbiata sauce wasn't at all spicy as it ought to be. No chopped parsley either given its a Roman dish. The Calzone was undercooked not nicely browned. No dribble of olive oil on top and no real flavour to it. It was also served only slightly warm.

Had to wait quite some time for someone to come and seat us when we arrived, but we weren't ignored when we left which was nice. Overall a pleasant venue, shame about the food on this occasion. PS can't wait for the smoking ban in restaurants."
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edward said on 04th March ... "We were in San Carlo Birmingham last night, we had a wonderful meal and the service was outstanding, it was nice to see such a great athmosphere in a very busy Restaurant. We will surely go back again and will recommend San Carlo to our friends.
Keep up the good work.
Ed and Jill"
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Susanne said on 21st February ... "When I ate at San Carlo for the first time, everything was exceptionally fine and I wanted to share the experience with everyone who would come along with me to Birmingham next time. I'm German and only once every year in Birmingham.

Last year, I took along a colleague. We had lots of fun alongside the excellent food; actually, there were four (!) waiters pampering us, but also trying to get us to date them after closing hours (which we found a bit weird, but us two girls were a bit flattered as well, of course).

This year, I took along my boss. I had ordered a table in advance to make sure we had our place. As he had arrived a bit delayed on plane, I called at San Carlo, we would come half an hour later than booked in. I thought I'd heard wrong when the lady on the phone said "Do you mean 9.35 p.m.? Because now it is ten past." I hooked this off as a point of wanting to be extra-precise for the guests; maybe, a bit later we might not have gotten a table.
Anyhow, when we arrived, there were more than enough tables empty, and obviously the waiter decided only there and then where he would have us seated.
He did not light the candle at the table, but I had to ask for it. So the first course came - we had ordered two dishes plus bruschette to share- as well as Prosecco and a bottle of real good wine. When we had finished our dishes, one waiter took away all our plates, so I had to protest that we needed at least one for the bruschette. Only when we had almost finished them, another waiter saw us balancing the big slices over the very tiny plate and thught of sending over a colleague with another plate.
When the main dishes came, we sat in front of deep dishes filled with vegetable and potatoes - but no spoons whatever to ladle the food onto the plates. I actually had to ask for spoons, though waiters kept passing our table. I said I were not prepared to use my fingers, and then we heard some waiter abusing his colleague for his oversight.
Finally someone came up and served us.
In the end we finished our meal with some grappe which were served entirely loveless as the two glasses (with different kinds) were clamped between the waiters fingers; we simply had the impression that it didn't matter who got which one (as we weren't even asked), and in the end both of them tasted the same.
Okay, we may have been a little late in leaving, as the restaurant closes at 11.00 p.m. As yet, we had also made a well-sized bill, which was placed at our table (without our asking for it) ten minutes past, when we obviously were just sipping the last of our wine.

The the incredible happened: The waiters having removed some paper "cloths" from the table, balled them up and played football through the restaurant - an absolute no go in a restaurant which on first sight tries to look "elitaire".
No, I won't go to the San Carlo anymore. The food doesn't make up for the absolute negligence in service. If the restaurant wants to get a better reputation it ought to overhaul its staff.
"
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KRY said on 20th February ... "I've been to San Carlos in Bristol and was impressed by the service, quality and general ambiance. I'd thought that it would be the same at the Brum restaurant. How wrong I was to assume!

Now the occasion was special (Valentines weekend) and I'd booked 2 weeks in advance. When I walked in, no one was on the door, then four people walked past, even some snobbish italian woman.
Now, I wandered downstairs to the bar and even there I got a hostile and abrupt service. I speak fluent italian, even though I'm not. I'd asked for my table, but the reply was "what do you want to drink?" in english. I let this one pass. So, order the drinks for myself and my date.
Got the table, and had to wait for some old waiter to take the order. Now I was clear with what I ordered even repeated it in Italian. When the order came, it was wrong. So, asked the girl who was passing to get me those items that were not initially ordered. She went off in a huff, came back and dropped the plate on the table. Now, looking at the San Carlos Salad, I'd say that I can rustle that up with my eyes closed! Anyways, I gritted my teeth since I was with a date.

I'm not going to reiterate what others say, but in summary, this place needs a staff overhaul. Seriously. It is a sham, they are rude and obnoxious. The food is excellent. 90 quid for two.

Hope this helps!"
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Louis said on 19th February ... "I go to Italy 3 or 4 times a year, I love the food and the people.
I heard about San Carlo in Birmingham only a few weeks ago and I had a meal there on Saturday evening. Wow, what a place!!!
I don't think I need to go to Italy anymore.
I had better food at San Carlo then in many restaurants in Italy, and the waiters at San Carlo are crazy and fantastic just like in Italy. Thank you guys, see you soon.
Louis
"
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David Pittaway said on 15th February ... "San Carlo (visited 14 Feb 2007, 2.15 pm)

Well, what can I say about this exclusive Italian Restaurant in the centre of Birmingham only 5 minutes walk from New St Station?

Outstanding – NO that’s not the word that springs to mind. From the moment I walked in the door, and had to wait whilst the chap on the door, (who was there to deal with customers entering), chatted to a delivery driver. What beggars disbelief is that then he was going to walk off to do something connected to the delivery, if I hadn’t have stopped him. Now I don’t wish to appear snobbish to delivery drivers because they do an outstanding job and where would we be without them - But the chap on the door should have at the very least acknowledged us and stated he would only be a moment, but did he? NO.

In this instance two wrongs definitely don’t make a right.

So we were finally shown to a table cramped up almost in the corner. A waiter came straight away to ask us what we wanted to drink, nice to be there so quick, but please give me a chance to look at the wine list first.

We ordered wines (which were delicious) and they came shortly after. When we ordered food, the waiter (who appeared to be the owner,) looked at us in a most derogatory fashion and felt compelled to pronounce the food we had ordered in Italian. Whilst my Italian is not bad it was nothing compared to his, but he did not have to ram that down my throat as though I was a child. The food came out and was attempted to be served to the table next to us, then it went back to the kitchen and I would swearthat two minutes later the same food then came out to us, as no one else around us had ordered the same as we had.

What can I say about the food? Well it was cooked well and tasted wonderful. A real treat to the palate.

Now the thing is, when I go to a restaurant I expect it to be all about service and food, to me it’s the whole experience and based on this I’m afraid it gets a thumbs down from me.

Cost £57 for 2 main courses, 2 side dishes and 4 glasses of wine.

Did I mention the mess the toilet was in or the surly attitude of the chap downstairs who gave me directions? NO best not to…

So, in short.....
Probably one of the poshest restaurants I’ve been to. The wine was wonderful, and the food was excellent. The service was surly, and not brilliant (by the manager) but once he was out of the way it was fine."
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barbara said on 07th February ... "We ended up sitting next to smokers despite the fact that we had booked 2 weeks in advance and were never asked if we wanted smoking or non-smoking. The manager eventually gave us our bottle of wine free to compensate, but initially he only said "what can I do?.. I can`t ask them to stop"
Starters were good but 2 of us had the Chicken San Carlos, which I expected to be light and appetising. There were 3 frozen prawns and the whole sauce was just sweet and sticky. I couldn't finish mine.
Over all disappointed with the food but there was a good atmosphere."
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Mike Brown said on 28th January ... "The seafood menu is extensive and generally the food was very good. As with many people here, however, the service was appalling. We twice had to ask for missing meals (once on the starter and once on the dessert). When challenging the waiter who was disappearing with the remains of my cheese platter he wanted to argue rather than return and apologise. A real shame - it seems that its popularity has made service a bygone word here."
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Alison Blackcat said on 09th January ... "I have eaten here several times, but the last time was just that. I went with a female friend and the service was appalling. The food was literally thrown on the plate (I had fresh sardine - positively drowned a dressing which made the salad inedible).

The accompanying side dish of peas was appalling and clearly came from a tin. Very Disappointing."
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Pete Bishop said on 08th December ... "Have eaten here at least 10 times in the last year, its always busy but the food is amazing,real italian cooking. even the starters are amazing and dont forget to tell them if its your birthday. the waiters will sing happy birthday to you in italian. great place to eat but not cheap."
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Anom said on 02nd December ... "Havent even eaten there yet but after reading the reviews about needed to confirm bookings over & over again to ensure they really have booked you in i have done just that. Booked a table for 12 people over 3 weeks in advance.

Just called to pay a deposit like they asked only to be told they have no booking. It is for a friends 21st birthday & have hired a hummer to get us all there. Not sure where i can book this late on as is is for 5 days time.... what a let down. How hard can it be to write a booking down?!

Was expecting it to be approx £50 a head & quite prepared to spend that but with service this bad, wouldnt want to risk spoiling a 21st birthday surprise."
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Matt Hill said on 27th November ... "I have eaten at San Carlos many times over the past couple of years, and have been very happy with the standard of food and service every time.

That was until this Saturday (25/11/2006).
I booked a table three weeks in advance for my three-year anniversary with my partner, as it WAS a special to place to us both for various reasons.

Our night was pretty much spoilt from the second we entered the premises. We where greeted by ‘the front of house’ who was very rude when asking if we had ‘even booked a table?’ when replying ‘yes, for 9pm’ we where told we could wait down stairs as we where 15 minutes early.

Whilst waiting in the bar, we where shouted from the top of the stairs to our seat, when reaching the top of the stairs, we where not shown to our seats – but pointed to where some were spare.
The menus where given to both my partner, and myself and we decided on a starter and a very nice bottle of champagne straight away, when asking if it would be OK to order the main course when they bought over the starter, we where told ‘ we are very busy tonight, and we have people waiting for your table’.

In disgust, I asked if he was serious – he replied yes and waited next to the table whilst my partner looked through the menu and the surrounding boards for me, as I am vision impaired. (which was very embarrassing!)

We had our starter, which was very nice, but was taken from us before we had actually finished by one of the waiters that seemed to be hovering over our table waiting for us to finish.

The bottle of champagne again was very nice, but the same waiter kept checking the contents of the bottle, as I think there was also a shortage for Ice buckets.

When we finally had our main course, the lobster shell had appeared to have been gutted to mix with the tagalini…… unfortunately I think they forgot to add the main ingredient back to the meal – the lobster! The shell was very nicely presented though….

To round the night off, the waiter that had hovered over our table for most of the night (people who have seen the BBC show ‘skint’ will know him as the man that sold his watches and bought them back from cash converters) and another long haired male waiter basically started to clean the table off while we where still sat there.

To summarise, the worst experience I have ever had in a restaurant. Unfortunately, I will never eat there again, nor would I recommend the place to anyone else. (Unless they are of a celebrity status, as it was quite apparent they took more pride in the odd visit from a celebrity than the people that actually pay there wages)"
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matt steele said on 15th November ... "Still one of the best restaurants in brum if you wanna take the mrs too. A fantastic restaurant mix with some of the stars have a fantastic atmosphere & have good food then san carlo is the place. Price is affordable & staff are great."
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Jo G said on 13th November ... "FANTASTIC - great food, waiters are funny and friendly if you start a raport with them.

Food is excellent I have to go at least once a month else I get withdrawal symptons. Most definately one of the best eating experiences in Birmingham from a Brummy who knows."
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Alan Withers said on 09th November ... "San Carlo isn't the cheapest restaurant by any means, but the quality of food is reflextive of what you pay for. Ands its proper Italian food, which compared to most of the apparently Italian restaurant chains is quite rare.

And the staff are Italian too which is a nice touch - they know there stuff, and recommend specials and wines etc to suit. overall a good night out, particularly for after work - or a friday lunchtime!"
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Wippa said on 16th October ... "Why do people rave about San Carlos? I just don't get it! 10 years ago, it was an original type of place to goto offering authentic food. Now though, it's just over priced for average service.

There are far better Italian restaurants in Bham offering good selections of food at better prices. San Carlos has kinda stayed where it started which unfortunately means it's about 15 years too late.

Menu is too limited. Service at best is average - coat lady was nice but waiters were far from charming. Food - well - it was okay. There was care in the presentation but a lack of substance. "
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Kirsten said on 16th October ... "Decided last minute on Sunday 15th October to visit Birmingham and eat at San Carlos, having eaten there previously and been pleased we thought it would be a nice treat. V Disappointed. T

he shared starter was supposedly crab claws (0), calamari (2), dover sole (enough), prawns (enough) all in bread crumbs and very samey. For the main course, I had sea bass, very nice, partner had steak, asked for medium rare slightly more medium than rare.

The vegetables for 2 came, 1 piece of brocolli to share, couple of carrots, 3 pieces of mange tout, need I say more... The total bill with 1 bottle of wine, 2 bottles of water & 2 coffees came to £90.00. Will not bother eating there again.

The Italian off St Pauls Square is much better value for money and food is v good. "
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Jeffrey Gale said on 01st October ... "First visit service good up to the food arrived, Garlic Bread starter very good and hot.

Main courses warm but tasty, asked for another bottle of wine which never arrived but we were offered free coffee instead which after reminding them twice arrived with two bills! The waiters seemed to be rushing around forgetting what they where doing.
When asked they removed the service charge from the Bill.
Being on the expensive side I would expect better service and hotter food."
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RyanG said on 05th September ... "After booking a table at San Carlo I decided to read the reviews on line, to my surprise most were describing a review worthy of burger king. Instead of canceling the booking I decided to draw my own opinion and thank god I did. I was very impressed with both the service and indeed the best Italian food I have had for ages.

I will definitely be recommending the restaurant to friends and suggest others to give it another go."
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Peter Edmondson said on 13th August ... "We went to San Carlos on 11th August 2006 for a nice romantic meal. I have to say it wasn't that romantic as we were squashed between tables; very cramped.

The service was rushed and a little rude; the waiters grunt at you if you ask a question about the food as if they think you are stupid. Despite this the food was very good and the wine to suit.

However when the bill arrived I was astonished at the price (£90 for two). Looking at the bill more closely they added many hidden costs i.e. water, vegetables (£6 a head) and charged us £18 for a starter which was marked on the menu as £8.95 which we assumed was for both of us!

I have to say all in all I was very dissappointed and will probably never return! "
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Paul, London said on 11th August ... "Awful service. We never actually got to eat. On arrival we were told to wait, not asked, barked at! This being a first visit we asked where, again the answer was grunted back at us. When we asked how long we would be waiting, the answer was ''as long as it takes''.

We waited 15 minutes; no drink as there was no-one willing to acknowledge our presence at the bar, despite three bar staff. I will never even try and eat here again. Their terrible reputation for awful service is well deserved and my Brummie family and friends had warned me not to go there.

There are far better restaurants who value your service rather than this arrogant establishment."
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Clare said on 04th August ... "The best restaurant in town!!!!!!! Excellent atmosphere with food to match. Food was very tasty with waiters to match. I felt very special. Portion sizes were very big which meant I had no room for pudding. Will definately go again!"
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bill hunt said on 26th June ... "Dined at San Carlo on Saturday 24th June. Was served a dover sole that was off. When i complained to waiter I was greeted with such arrogance it made my blood boil. Nobody but nobody in that restaurnt appologised to me or any of the people in my party.They all seem to have a major attitude problem.

I would urge anybody who is thinking of going there to eat to think again as these people do not deserve your money. I belive that they have a new chef, according to the bill boards around Birmingham.

They are wasting their money on his wages. The money would be better spent on training their staff some civility and manners."
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Marie said on 08th March ... "My partner and I visited San carlo on the 7th March for my birthday. We had a fantastic time, the food and service were excellent. cant wait to go again!

"
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Tracy Lang said on 04th March ... "Service - formal and efficient. Food and atmosphere average, table for two cramped - although was the Fri night following valentines!Certainly not worth the hype, not romantic and probably better suited to group parties at weekend."
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Audree said on 03rd March ... ""I was told that this place is the best Italian in Brum. The food here is Amazing. Capital A. Not the place to go for a romantic, cosy meal for two as they pack you in and try being romantic whilst you're hearing the people next to you having a conversation, but you can see why it's so busy. Great for a night out with the girls, or for a sociable family meal. ""
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Donna Owens said on 03rd March ... ""By far the best Italian in town! Have attended with work colleagues, friends and my partner and have only ever been disappointed once. I agree that you can at times be squashed in amongst other diners but the tasty food makes you forget all about that! My favourite has to be the garlic bread, steak, garlic spinach and Amaretto ice cream. A must try for all Italian food lovers! ""
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Peter Quaife said on 03rd March ... ""Reasonable Italian food, though nowhere near as good as the pretentious and often rude waiters seem to think it is. Its success owes more to the lack of competition than the merits of the food. My idea of a good evening out does not include having to deal with offensive waiters, so my recent third visit will be my last.""
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Siobhan Williams said on 03rd March ... ""We booked a table for our anniversary. It's the first and last time we will ever set foot in the place again. After parting with just under £100 for a meal for two, we were just finishing off the wine when a young waiter appeared, tapped his watch and asked us to leave because he wanted our table. The whole atmosphere was rude, impersonal and left a bitter taste in my mouth. The sad thing is, everybody else I spoke to about it said they had encountered similar situation.""
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Sandra Atherden said on 03rd March ... ""I have eaten at San Carlo restaurant many times. the buzz in this place is amazing, as hard as I try I can never find more atmosphere in London! The food is always top class and now with their new spacious lower ground it is a great place for party's and romantic meals. Some of their dishes are out of this world. A great place to eat and enjoy the night! Keep up the good work!""
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Stanton said on 03rd March ... ""Having heard so much about this restaurant, I have to say it did not disappoint as there was no initial greeting on arrival, no record of our booking and the bar would not take a table booking for a round of drinks. The service is not the best and not the friendliest and bordering on rudeness and its true the one waiter looked at his watch when we ordered our last drinks and when I asked him about this he replied that his girlfriend was waiting for him, as far as im concerned when you are spending that sort of money that is his problem. The food is of a high quality and no problems with that its just the service lets it down badly, but with no competition around needless to say its packed most times.""
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Jane said on 03rd March ... ""My brother booked for a table of eleven to celebrate our parents golden wedding anniversary he has used the San Carlo before and even had my sister in laws 30th there. When we arrived , half of us had travelled some distance , we found that there was a private function happening