Two decades of style, service and spaghetti on King Street
King Street National Pasta Day giveaway
To celebrate National Pasta Day (Friday 17th October) and 20 years of San Carlo on King Street, we’re giving you the chance to win dinner for four with two bottles of wine at this iconic restaurant. To enter:
- Like the giveaway post on Instagram
- Follow King Street and San Carlo
- Tag someone you’d take,
- Share your favourite San Carlo memory from the last 20 years by emailing stories@sancarlo.co.uk.
This October marks a major milestone for one of Manchester’s most beloved restaurants: San Carlo Manchester is turning 20. Since opening its doors on King Street in 2005, San Carlo has become more than just a dining destination. It’s a place where memories are made, milestones are celebrated, and unforgettable meals are shared.
From Sicily to San Carlo: a story of passion and persistence
The San Carlo story begins much earlier, in sun-drenched Sicily, where founder Carlo Distefano was born. Carlo arrived in Britain in 1962 with just £12, a work permit, and a job offer at a local barbershop. By the age of 20, he’d opened his first business, a hair salon in Leeds – but his true passion was always food.
Weekends were spent dining at the most iconic London restaurants, and in 1992, Carlo opened his first namesake restaurant in Birmingham. The rest is history. With an unwavering commitment to quality ingredients, impeccable service, and a touch of glamour, San Carlo quickly became a favourite for everyone, from celebrities, to foodies, to families alike.
20 years, over 1.2 million plates of pasta served
In the two decades since, San Carlo Manchester has served over 1.2 million plates of pasta and played host to thousands of special moments: first dates, family dinners, proposals, celebrations, and late-night chats over tiramisu.
What’s the secret? A unique blend of authentic Italian flavours, warm hospitality, and a buzzing atmosphere that keeps people coming back time and time again.
“San Carlo Manchester will always hold a special place in my heart. After 20 years we are still going as strong as ever, which shows we’ve created something truly special. San Carlo has never been just a restaurant; it has become part of people’s lives.” Managing Director of the San Carlo Group.
Help us celebrate: share your San Carlo story
To mark this incredible milestone, San Carlo is turning to the people who made it all possible, you!
Have a favourite San Carlo memory?
A proposal over pasta?
A celebrity sighting?
A family dinner you’ll never forget?
We want to hear it.
Share your story by emailing stories@sancarlo.co.uk or by commenting on the San Carlo Instagram anniversary post.
Selected stories will be featured as part of our 20th anniversary celebrations.
Win a 5-star trip to Milan
To thank loyal guests, San Carlo Manchester is also offering an exclusive anniversary giveaway:
Win a luxurious 5-star trip to Milan for two, including:
- Flights & accommodation
- A private visit to an exclusive Italian vineyard
- A culinary experience you’ll never forget
To enter, simply dine at San Carlo Manchester in October and scan the QR code on your table during your visit.
Coming soon: A coffee table book celebrating San Carlo
To commemorate 20 years of flavour and family, San Carlo is also creating a limited edition coffee table book. A beautifully curated collection of recipes, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments that capture the heart of what makes San Carlo so special.
Manchester and beyond
From its roots in Manchester, San Carlo has grown into an international success story with over 35 restaurants across the UK and globally spanning from London, Leeds and Liverpool to Qatar, Dubai, Bangkok, with the latest addition coming soon to Miami.
Despite this global expansion, Manchester remains the beating heart of the San Carlo brand. It’s where it all began.
Here’s to the next 20 years
As San Carlo Manchester celebrates this incredible anniversary, one thing is certain: the passion for great food, family, and unforgettable experiences is stronger than ever.
Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first visit, come celebrate with us this October and be part of the next chapter in the San Carlo story!