A Little Taste of 1996. 30 Years On.
For 30 years, San Carlo has been bringing the spirit of Italian dining to the UK.
In 1996, San Carlo Bristol opened its doors on Corn Street, creating a vibrant Italian dining destination in the heart of the city, moments from Bristol Old Vic and Queen Square.
Three decades later, we’re celebrating where it all began in Bristol by bringing a little of 1996 back to the table.
Launching Friday 2nd October, for a limited time, discover a special anniversary menu inspired by dishes served at San Carlo in 1996, with two courses for £19.96, alongside a limited-edition anniversary cocktail.
Three Decades of Italian Dining in Bristol.
Since opening in 1996, San Carlo Bristol has become known for its lively atmosphere, attentive service and menus inspired by the regions of Italy.
Fresh seafood, pasta, carefully prepared meats and classic Italian dishes have remained at the heart of the restaurant, shaped by quality ingredients, generous flavours and the unmistakable energy of San Carlo.
Thirty years on, Corn Street remains a place to eat, drink and celebrate, right in the heart of Bristol.
And for our 30th birthday, we’re looking back to some of the dishes that were there at the beginning.

Two Courses for £19.96
Some dishes deserve another moment.
Our special 1996 Menu brings together favourites inspired by San Carlo Bristol’s early menus, giving guests the chance to rediscover familiar flavours and a few classics that haven’t been seen on the menu for some time.
Choose two courses for £19.96 and take a trip back to where the Bristol story began.
Three dishes, brought back to celebrate 30 years of San Carlo Bristol.
From elegant pasta to classic fish and a much-loved Italian dessert, the anniversary menu revisits favourites from the past and brings them back to the table on Corn Street.
A classic with unmistakable charm.
Delicate egg tagliolini is served in a butter and Parmesan cream, then wrapped in Parma ham for a dish that feels rich, nostalgic and unmistakably Italian.
A timeless Italian favourite.
Sea bass is served with tomato, garlic, capers, olives and rosemary, bringing together the bold, Mediterranean flavours that have long defined Italian cooking.
The perfect finish.
A true Italian classic, Tiramisù brings the menu to a close with layers of coffee-soaked sponge, mascarpone and cocoa, served as a familiar favourite worth returning to.
Carlo’s Cosmo ’96
No birthday celebration is complete without a toast.
Created for the anniversary, Carlo’s Cosmo ’96 combines Limoncello, Aperol, cranberry and lemon in a limited-edition serve marking the year San Carlo Bristol first opened.
Here’s to 30 years on Corn Street.

Launching Friday 2nd October discover the limited-edition 1996 Menu at San Carlo Bristol, with two courses for £19.96.
Revisit favourites from the archives, enjoy Carlo’s Cosmo ’96 and celebrate three decades of San Carlo on Corn Street.
Launching Friday 2nd October the 1996 Menu has been created to celebrate 30 years of San Carlo Bristol, bringing back a selection of dishes inspired by the restaurant’s early menus.
Guests can rediscover nostalgic favourites including Avocado Diverso, Penne Romana, Tagliolini San Daniele, Steak Diane and Chicken Kiev.
The anniversary menu offers two courses for £19.96, a nod to the year San Carlo Bristol opened on Corn Street.
The menu revisits a selection of San Carlo favourites, including Avocado Diverso, Cocktail di Gamberetti, Penne Romana, Tagliolini San Daniele, Steak Diane and Chicken Kiev, alongside other dishes from the anniversary menu.
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