Take a look at one of Liverpool city centre’s most popular Italian restaurants which has reopened after undergoing a three-month £3.5m transformation. Tony McDonough reports

Popular Liverpool Italian restaurant San Carlo has reopened after a three-month makeover costing £3.5m.

Led by Fettle, the London and LA based interior architecture and design studio, the transformation of the Castle Street venue has seen the creation of new interiors inspired by Grand Milanese villas and gardens.

Designs have drawn on the architecture of Piero Portaluppi and the 3,000 sq ft, 211-cover ground floor restaurant includes a new feature bar area. The former bank vault is now The Rosa Room – a private dining room on the lower ground floor.

The aesthetic of the space is synonymous with the region of Northern Italy including a palette reminiscent of the coastline, with finishes nodding to classic Italian mid-century furniture.

A palette of marble, high gloss timber and brass detailing throughout San Carlo has been softened by layered mohair, leather and patterned fabric upholstery.

There are also marble and timber tables, fluted oak bar stools with brass bases and green leather seats, curved legged dining chairs and burnt orange leather and velvet banquette seating. 

San Carlo closed for the refurbishment in January and its grand re-opening will see the return of its traditional Italian menu. Signature favourites will make a comeback, including tagliolini lobster.

New spring dishes have also been added to the menu including Baccalà e Patate. This is slow-cooked cod served with potato and Taggiasche olives dressed with lemon oil.

There is also Insalata Finocchio and Formaggio Caprino- a fresh summer salad served with broad beans, fennel and goats cheese dressed with extra virgin olive oil and lime.

Other dishes include sharing pasta for two, Paccheri con coda di rospo e gamberi – large tube pasta served with San Marzano tomatoes, monkfish and prawns also makes an appearance on the new menu. 

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Managing director of San Carlo, Marcello Distefano, said: “Our team have been working hard over the past few months on the stunning transformation of our much-loved Liverpool restaurant which we are incredibly proud of and excited to reveal.

“The new look for Liverpool really represents the evolution of San Carlo. Having been in the city for 13 years, the city holds a special place in our hearts and we cannot wait to reopen the doors and welcome in our regular and new diners.”