We have been to this restaurant a couple of times before and it was brilliant however we went this Thursday (3rd Feb 2011) for my birthday and it was AWFUL. I was so disappointed.
We arrived and were seated and then 10 minutes later a table of 32 people came in. Despite the fact that we were there first and there was only two of us the staff served the massive table first leaving us with a very long wait for both our starters and our main courses. My husband had ordered pizza which was cooked fresh and was delicious, I had crespoline which tasted as though it had been sat under the hot lamp for the entire time it had taken to serve the large table.
When we came to pay I said to the waitress that I had been disappointed with the service - she couldn't have cared less what I was saying and said it was our fault we had to wait as we had been too slow eating our starters! She was so rude and it was such a disappointing experience we will never go back.
Annie
The san carlo was a real family friendly place and i really enjoyed it as did the rest of my family. i highly recommend going there for a meal out. The food is amazing! you must try the brussette and the pizzas are great too (although quite large)
Alex
Despite the fairly drab interior San Carlo produces good quality food with all the usual suspects you'd expect from an Italian. Visiting on a Monday, I felt a bit self-conscious being the only diner in the restaurant. Staff were efficient and friendly.
lovelypotatoes
I love this restaurant- I go there regularly because I love pasta and Italian food and if authenticity and quality are what you're looking for, you'll find it at San Carlo. The staff are always very friendly and attentive, despite how busy they must be (because the place is usually busy, so if you prefer a quieter meal, arrive early). The dining area is spacious, so you're not elbowing people on the table next to you, and I have never had to wait too long for my meal. The food is exquisite- their carbonara is delicious- the best I've ever tasted- just the right amount of sauce so that it just coats the pasta, but does not drown it. Their pizzas, lasagne, penne with vodka and salmon, and Tagliatelle are all delicious too. To my mind, San Carlo is the best Italian in Banbury- it ticks all the boxes- friendly service, great food, nice atmosphere and reasonable prices.
Sara
Excellent food. Fab bruschetta, great mushroom pizza. Very friendly staff. Just can't here yourself think on a Friday or Saturday night. Booking recommended on those two nights. Just how food should be...
