Let’s talk Italian! Isola by San Carlo is a beautiful Italian brasserie and bar based in a prime London location near Selfridges at St Christopher’s Place.
If you love Italian food and want to escape to Italy for some Italian cuisine and culture, then Isola by San Carlo is the one for you, offering a tasteful and relaxed dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating.
The interior and exterior design of the restaurant is of course Italian themed. The style has been drawn from the San Carlo family’s Italian heritage, with a colour palette inspired by Sicily’s most famous exports, including lemons, pistachios, prickly pears, and not forgetting the traditional Italian stripes.
As you approach Isola by San Carlo, you’ll spot the beautiful floral display fulfilling the terrace area which imitates a grand Sicilian home. The foliage and floral display definitely attract many guests as its beauty is extremely eye catching. And of course, not forgetting the extremely welcoming and friendly waiters and waitresses who greet you upon arrival.
The raised terraced is covered and holds up to 50 people and with the spring/summer coming up, this will make it the perfect lunch spot. The style of the terrace wraps around the building imitating a true Italian building – and allows you to enjoy an exquisite meal or drink whilst watching the world go by.
If you are visiting in the cooler months and still enjoy sitting alfresco, there are flame heaters which are perfect to enjoy the winters sun eating and drinking alfresco.
As you enter inside there is a grand marble and brass feature bar with a dining area that has impressive views out onto the terrace. Our table for lunch was situated in the lower ground dining area where the décor was vibrant and rich, with flamboyant pieces of art and mirrors. The brass glass wall lamps and pillows really made the area inviting and chic – making you feel like you could be walking into an Italian home.
The Italian restaurant has taken inspiration from the islands of Italy and offers a superb menu ranging from classic dishes from pizza, to one of the most popular San Carlo Signature dishes such as tagliolini lobster. The large variety of dishes makes the Isola restaurant very appealing to lots of people. The size of the portions was superb! Perfectly enough to feel full but not uncomfortable – quality over quantity definitely comes first.
I started with fresh green olives and crispy-on-the-outside arancini balls packed with meat ragu and creamy scarmorza cheese, followed by the vegetali pizza which is a white based pizza topped with fior di latte for that subtler cheesy taste, along with fresh Sicilian peppers and courgettes. We finished off with a creamy and delicious panna cotta. While I’m not drinking, there is a really impressive wine list covering the whole of Italy with many by the glass, while there’s also an innovative cocktail list for pre or post drinks.
The waiters and waitresses are very attentive, and the level of service received was extremely impressive, giving off a good vibe and energy throughout the restaurant. They served the food and drinks in perfect timing and presentation was spot on! Attention to detailed was definitely key – even the plates we received our starters on were beautiful hand painted dishes which really adds a special touch.
I’d highly recommend Isola by San Carlo if you are an Italian fan visiting London – I for one will definitely be returning! There are many San Carlo restaurants and bars around London (and also Manchester), which I must try out too as my experienced at Isola has been fantastic. Check out their website for more info.
Written by Luxe Bible’s Lifestyle & Beauty Editor Sophia Sellwood
