Hidden on the rooftop of Selfridges, Alto by San Carlo offers a unique dining experience, transporting visitors from the bustle of Oxford Street to an elegant Mediterranean terrace. The restaurant’s location is part of its charm, with shoppers taking a dedicated lift to the rooftop, where the noise of the busy shopping street gives way to birdsong and citrus trees.
The transformation is immediate, with white pergolas, terracotta pots, and olive trees creating the illusion of dining in an Italian courtyard. On a sunny evening, the place is full of life, and the view over the West End’s rooftops is a bonus.
The menu showcases a curated selection of Italian dishes designed for sharing, alongside seasonal specials crafted from the finest ingredients. Alto celebrates Italy’s diverse culinary traditions, with favorites from Sicily to Venice.
Our waiter recommends choosing five or six dishes from the extensive menu, and we take his advice, settling down with our drinks. The first dish is Carpaccio di Manzo, beef carpaccio with mascarpone infused with truffle oil and rocket, which is excellent and plentiful for two to share.
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Next is Gamberoni Fritti, tempura prawns dressed with a spicy mayonnaise, which comes in a cone-shaped package echoing its street food origin. The batter is delightfully light and crispy, although the dressing could be spicier.
The pasta dishes are also impressive, with Spaghettini Frutti di Mare and Mafaldine con Ragù di Manzo standing out. The seafood is fresh, and the sauces are well-matched, making for a satisfying meal.
The mains are equally impressive, with Grigliata Mista di Carne, a mixed grill with Italian homemade sausage, lamb cutlet, and rib-eye steak, being a highlight. The sausage is slightly piquant, and the meat is perfectly cooked.
Alto is not just a destination restaurant, although the wonderful rooftop is one very good reason for going there. The quality of the food, the efficiency of the service, and reasonable prices for this part of London make it a must-visit. With its unique setting and delicious dishes, Alto is a great choice for those looking for a memorable dining experience in London.
