Manchester restaurant San Carlo to launch new cafe-style eatery

San Carlo, the Italian restaurant operator, is launching a new cafe-style eatery in Manchester, which if successful will be rolled out into other locations.

San Carlo Cicchetti, the new bar and tapas-style restaurant will open next month on the ground floor in House of Fraser’s refurbished Kendals department store, which is opposite its current location on King Street West.

The new concept takes its name from the small plate dishes typically served in cicchetti bars in Venice.

Cicchetti will accommodate 100 covers and have its own dedicated entrance on King Street West, allowing it to open from 8am until 11pm Monday to Saturday. It will open on Sundays too, but opening hours have not been finalised.

Carlo Distefano, owner of the San Carlo group said: “We’re excited to be opening Cicchetti, we’ve taken our time to ensure we’re offering something different and desirable, while retaining San Carlo’s ethos – good, authentic food, made on the premises from the freshest ingredients. We can’t wait to see people enjoying it.”

Store manager Steve Clarke, said:”“It’s fantastic that in our 175th year we can join forces with such a highly acclaimed restaurant offering a unique dining experience and point of difference in Manchester.

“We are excited to be embarking on this new business venture together.”