Gran Cafe by San Carlo – Manchester Selfridges

1 Exchange St, Manchester M3 1BD, United Kingdom
+44 161 838 0571
$$$ Cafe , Bar , Patisserie
(89 Reviews)
Price Range £10–20

Nestled in the chic environment of Selfridges, Gran Cafe by San Carlo offers an exquisite escape for those seeking a delightful blend of culinary excellence and inviting atmosphere in the heart of Manchester. This cafe isn’t just a stop for a quick bite; it’s a celebration of flavors, a cozy retreat, and a perfect spot for cherished moments with friends and family.

At Gran Cafe, the passion for Italian cuisine shines through in every dish. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm, inviting ambiance, designed to make you feel right at home. The menu is a harmonious medley of breakfast delights, enchanting lunches, and indulgent desserts. With customer favorites like the rich mozzarella focaccia—a masterful blend of bold flavors—and the cinnamon cappuccino—a dreamy combination of warmth and sweetness—every bite is an invitation to linger a little longer. Georgia Mamali beautifully encapsulates this sentiment, praising the “delicious” breakfast options and the polite and attentive service from staff member Maria. You can sense the thoughtfulness that goes into both the food and service.

During lunch, you can treat your palate to the lentil salad with succulent chicken, a dish recommended by the thoughtful Esin, whose attentive service has left a lasting impression on guests. Each visit is unique, reflecting the care and dedication of the staff, who ensure that every patron enjoys a personalized experience. Shazia Rosborough highlights how “the staff were so helpful and kind,” making dining here feel like being part of a special community.

And let’s talk desserts! The strawberry and vanilla sundae is a standout, with vibrant flavors that transport you to a sun-soaked summer day. As Georgia Webb reminisces, the experience of indulging in a piece of passion fruit cheesecake while celebrating personal milestones is simply next level. You might even find yourself dreaming about it long after you leave.

Gran Cafe by San Carlo is not only a haven for food lovers but also a wonderfully inclusive space. Chloe appreciates the halal-friendly menu, ensuring that everyone can savor the delights on offer. Such thoughtful inclusivity reflects the cafe's commitment to creating a warm and welcoming dining experience for all.

Whether you're in for a casual catch-up with a friend, a rejuvenating solo breakfast, or a cozy family outing, Gran Cafe provides an atmosphere that is always comforting yet elegantly dynamic. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience crafted with care, flavor, and a personal touch. So why not treat yourself? The exceptional service, delightful dishes, and friendly vibe await you at Gran Cafe by San Carlo. You won't regret making this cafe a part of your Manchester journey!

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours

Monday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 05:30 PM

89 Reviews
Georgia Mamali

24 Aug 2025

What an amazing place for breakfast! The food was delicious and our server, Maria, was lovely, polite and attentive. Such a shame that we didn’t have room for a dessert, but we will definitely be returning to try them.

Georgia Webb

20 Aug 2025

Fantastic lunch here. The food was to die for and the freshly squeezed orange juice was gorgeous. The mozzarella focaccia was so flavourful and the strawberry and vanilla sundae was absolutely next level. Our server, Esin was so lovely and attentive and even surprised me with a piece of passion fruit cheesecake (which tasted incredible) as I’m halfway through my pregnancy and was out shopping with my mum. Will definitely be returning!

Shazia Rosborough

29 Jul 2025

I had an amazing experience at San Carlo, the staff were so helpful and kind and very quick with the service especially Esin and Dom who work there are impeccable and make sure that I have the best service each time. The food is always cooked to perfection by the chef and the staff always look after me. You must try their caesar salad and cinnamon cappuccino!

Stefan Murrell

23 Jul 2025

We came wanting to try something new today and the lovely Esin recommended the lentil salad with added chicken and it was wonderful. The service and the time taken to listen to our cravings and recommend was delightful! It’s showed she really listened! Helena the manager as well is always so welcoming. See you again very soon!

Brian Jäger

06 Jul 2025

The café in Selfridges with a large selection of sweets, quite a varied menu in general. We had the bread and tapinade as well as some tarts and were very happy. The real highlight for us was the staff, who were very friendly and attentive. A step up from the M&S cafe, that's for sure!

Chloe

31 May 2025

I had an absolutely wonderful experience at Gran Cafe by San Carlo! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a great meal. One of the highlights of my visit was how halal-friendly the menu was, which made it even more enjoyable and accessible. A huge shoutout to Esîn and Laura, who provided exceptional service throughout. They were both incredibly efficient, attentive, and made sure everything was perfect. Their friendly and professional approach truly elevated the experience, making us feel welcome and well taken care of. If you’re looking for a place with delicious food, great service, and a welcoming ambiance, Gran Cafe by San Carlo is definitely worth a visit!

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