San Carlo Alderley Edge

For a masterclass in beautiful restaurant design, take a trip to San Carlo Alderley Edge. This £3m venue opened in August 2023 in the spot where Piccolino once stood, and it makes an impression as soon as you step inside.

The opulent interior is inspired by the grand villas and gardens of Milan with trailing plants, natural light and a retractable roof. Sunshine-filled and verdant, it feels like summer in Italy. On duller days and after the sun has set, the open flame fireplace and crystal pendant lights create a warm, almost magical feel.

The menu moves with the seasons too with specials that celebrate ingredients at their prime that week – think market-fresh seafood, locally-sourced vegetables, and handpicked supplies from Italy.

For diners this attention to provenance means that classic dishes such as burrata al pomodoro, and tortellini panna e prosciutto have an intensity of flavour and authenticity that’s rarely found outside Italy.