1. Mushrooms

Mushrooms bring a rich, earthy depth to any meal, and at San Carlo, our funghi piemontese – a medley of mixed mushrooms sautéed in garlic and parsley butter, served in a crisp filo pastry basket – offers a luxurious touch to your pasta course.

Best pasta dishes to pair with mushrooms:

• Ravioli Tartufo – enhancing the truffle’s umami with complementary mushroom notes
• Tagliatelle Bolognese – balancing the robust flavour of the beef ragù
• Risotto San Carlo – for a double hit of woodland richness

2. Aubergine

Aubergine is a beloved ingredient in Italian cuisine, and our melanzane alla parmigiana – a classic Sicilian dish of layered Sicilian aubergine with Grana Padano and rich tomato sauce – is both comforting and full of flavour. 

Best pasta dishes to pair with aubergine:

• Rigatoni Norma – for a harmonious pairing of aubergine-rich flavours
• Lasagne Emiliane – adding a soft, creamy contrast to the meat and pasta layers
• Penne Arrabbiata – tempering the heat with smooth, cheesy richness

Vibrant and full of flavour, tenderstem broccoli with garlic and chilli adds a bold, slightly spicy kick that brings freshness and balance to richer pasta dishes. 

Best pasta dishes to pair with broccoli:

• Spaghetti Carbonara – cutting through the creaminess with a bright, peppery edge
• Pappardelle all’Anatra – contrasting the slow-cooked meat with freshness and heat
• Spaghetti Frutti di Mare – enhancing the seafood with a zesty, garlicky bite

4. Garlic Bread

At San Carlo, our garlic flatbread is a beloved favourite, offering a variety of flavours to perfectly complement your pasta. From the classic sea salt and garlic, to cheesy or tomato, each type of garlic bread adds a delightful touch to any meal. 

Best pasta dishes to pair with garlic bread:

• Tagliatelle Bolognese or Mafaldine con Ragú di Manzo – a classic and beautiful paring with the richness of the beef
• Spaghetti Gamberoni Piccanti – the garlic enhances the flavour of lighter, fresh pasta dishes
• Spaghetti Carbonara – the perfect match for indulgent, creamy dishes

Burrata makes an exceptional side dish for pasta, offering a rich, creamy contrast that enhances the overall dining experience. At San Carlo, our burrata side dish is crafted with authentic burrata sourced from Corato in Puglia – an area renowned for producing some of Italy’s finest cheeses. Its delicate outer mozzarella shell and luscious creamy center perfectly balance bold pasta flavours.

Best pasta dishes to pair with burrata:

• Penne Arrabbiata – the heat of chili is soothed by the cool, rich texture of the cheese
• Zitoni Toscanini – the creaminess of the burrata creates a cool contrast to the spiced sausage
• Ravioli Tartufo – enhances the richness of the aromatic truffle

7. Zucchini

Light, crispy, and irresistibly moreish, our zucchine fritte at San Carlo – golden-fried courgette sticks – add a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness to your pasta experience. 

Best pasta dishes to pair with zucchini:

• Spaghetti Frutti di Mare – enhancing the freshness of clams with a crisp contrast
• Spaghetti Puttanesca – balancing the acidity of tomato with a savoury bite
• Tagliatelle Montecarlo – offering texture alongside the citrusy, seafood-infused pasta

8. Antipasto Platter

An antipasto platter, also known as an Italian charcuterie board, is a hearty and flavourful option that showcases a variety of cured meats, cheeses and marinated vegetables. At San Carlo, our San Carlo Antipasto is a generous plate that captures the diverse regional flavours of Italy, perfect for sharing and adding depth to any meal.

Best pasta dishes to pair with antipasto:

• Rigatoni alla Norma – the robust antipasto flavours complement the rich aubergine and tomato sauce
• Spaghetti alla Puttanesca – the antipasto’s briny olives and pickled vegetables echo the bold, salty notes of the sauce
• Spaghetti Carbonara – the variety of textures provides a smooth counterpoint to the rich, creamy sauce