Where family, heritage and Italian passion meet.

San Carlo’s story begins in Ragusa, Sicily – the birthplace of our founder, Carlo Distefano. A deep love of food and hospitality ran through his family, and when Carlo moved to England, he brought with him the flavours, traditions and passion of his Italian heritage. In 1992, he opened the very first San Carlo on Temple Street, Birmingham – a place where authentic Italian food, warm hospitality and a touch of glamour quickly won the hearts of diners, from loyal locals to celebrities and sporting stars.

What started as one restaurant has grown into a family-run group of award-winning Italian restaurants, now led by Carlo’s son, Marcello. Having grown up in the business, Marcello shares his father’s passion and vision, and together they’ve expanded San Carlo across the UK and internationally – all while staying true to their Sicilian roots and family traditions.

Today, every San Carlo restaurant is still guided by the same values that inspired Carlo from the very beginning: family, authenticity and a love of great food made with the finest seasonal ingredients.

It’s this heritage – a real Italian family at the heart of everything we do – that sets San Carlo apart.