Gran Cafe. in Manchester

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.

Amazing experience. Very kind and caring waiters, delicious desserts. Thank you!

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!

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!

The food was really nice and our server Esin was amazing who went above and beyond to make sure I got everything I needed as I'm very picky. The staff are very sweet and polite and have excellent service

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!

We tried the afternoon tea. Very impressed by the scones and all delicacies are beyond expectations. Must not forget to mention Enis’s hospitality. Wonderful service!

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!

Dreadful breakfast this morning. All served Luke warm, shrivelled mushrooms, hard tasteless potatoes, hard bacon, cold beans, hard raw half tomato, poor quality sausages and hard butter. What a disappointment! The cappuccinos that arrived were served as milky coffee, we sent them Back as don’t like milky coffee. The second attempt better but absolutely tasteless coffee. I’m happy to pay for a great breakfast however this one was a shocker for £52 for two people. Throughout the breakfast all we could hear every minute was the chef ringing his bell for service. It ruined any atmosphere so we paid up and left and didn’t eat much of the breakfast or coffee. The sourdough was nice and pleasant service but horrible food. Wouldn’t recommend breakfast or the cappuccino here.

Wouldn't recommend. Ordered a cream tea and a lemon meringue tart. The cakes looked gorgeous but did not taste great, i had nearly ordered a strawberry tart but the strawberries looked a little white, and i am glad i didn't as i saw atleast 4 strawberry tarts at other tables around the cafe which only had a few bites out of them and where left. The scones were incredibly rubbery and had been heated too long in the microwave. Scones came to the table then got taken away again, then another server brought the tea, then another server a few minutes later brought the lemon meringue and scones back! The meringue was so gritty and sugary, the tea was not warm at all, and service was not great, and had the 12.5% added on to the bill for practically zero service. The nicest waitress there had a blue top on and dark hair in a plait, she was very pleasant. Tables smelt odd after being cleaned too. not worth the money i felt, might have been good for a sit down meal but cannot say!

Delicious breakfasts brunch or lunch Plenty of choice to suit all appetites Good service Friendly staff Clean comfortable surroundings Excellent choice of cakes Recommended

Absolutely Amazing Coffee. Will come back again. Service is super, dessert is so delicious.

Nice food, bad service. Even had the audacity to slap a 12.5% service charge on sfter bringing the wrong things multiple times, and making us wait over 30 mins between courses.

Shockingly poor service from team who do not listen to orders, delivery wrong items, walk around handing food to wrong tables and basically don't care.

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!

The pistachio cake is a delightful indulgence that captivates the senses with its rich flavor and moist texture. Made with finely ground pistachios, the cake boasts a delicate nuttiness and a hint of sweetness that is perfectly complemented by a light and fluffy crumb. Each bite of the pistachio cake is a decadent experience, with the subtle nuttiness of the pistachios imparting a distinct and irresistible flavor profile. The cake is often layered with frosting or complemented by a drizzle of citrus/chocolate syrup, adding depth and complexity to its already exquisite taste.

We waited more than usual to get our coffees. Even had to remind them to brig the scones we ordered. They said it was very busy but 4 staff in such a small place worked extremely slow. Won't be back

I go here almost every month and it’s always a treat! Their Italian take on afternoon tea is absolutely amazing and more affordable than any place in Manchester for what you get. The cakes are always fresh and high quality, and the service is always exquisite. I wish it wasn’t inside a department store, but it doesn’t ruin the experience. The sandwiches are excellent, specifically the prawn sandwich, and the pistachio bites are my favourite.

I love the vibes and desert in this cafe 😍. It's my first go to place for celebration and enjoying my time. Thanks to Genni and Esin for the lovely service and the jokes 😂

Called infor lunch when visiting the Christmas Market. Stud waiting for a table for 5 mins and no-one even acknowledged us,the place was not busy but no-one even made eye contact. We eventually were shown a table then left again.my husband ordered tea I had the energy smoothy which was delicious. The tea was like dish water, when we asked for a stronger tea it was replaced .but slammed down and we were told to let it stand.we are pensioners we don't need TELLING how to brew tea!the meal we had was lovley but spoilt by us not being known to the staff.i think they need reminding they work in a corner cafe in Manchester. Not in Rome or Florence. A lovley treat spoilt by snooty staff.

Went there for breakfast. There’s an astounding selection of pastries and the coffees are delicious. Contemporary Italian music playing too.

Arranged to meet work colleagues - I arrived 3 mins early and said I’d walk round the store. After 10 mins I thought I go back, sit down & get a drink. I returned 5 mins after booking was looked at waiting at the door by staff and ignored. Another customer queued behind me was acknowledged and she pointed out to the staff I was there. The staff member looked at me and said come in if you want! So rude - I left, met my colleagues outside and said I wouldn’t be joining them. They offered to go elsewhere but I said no, the cake looks nice (I didn’t want to project my annoyance onto them). So so so rude - what’s happened to the amazing customer experience we have come to expect from Selfridges? Will not return

I visit here for a coffee and something small to eat whenever we're shopping and usually find the service slow regardless of how quiet or busy they are. Today however, whilst stood waiting for a table a couple walks in from the exit and is shown to a table straight away. I'm then shown a table where I had to clean the chair as it was covered in food. The cafe is at 30% capacity. I'm sat maybe 10mins and still no one bothers to come over whilst the manager is smiling and speaking to people he knows and the waitresses are having a chat. Avoid - not the experience you need when having a nice day. Plenty of better options around town.

For a San Carlos name this was the most disappointing experience I've had at a San Carlos eatery. For a prawn sandwich priced at £12 I think I paid...it was 4 inch long, rocket salad just laid first, 4 full prawns (nothing done to them and the mayonnaise zig zagged across. Ha ha. I thought some one was pulling a prank....sadly no. Basically three ingredients put on with no seasoning or prep. I won't be going back.

Nice tiramisu and fresh orange juice！However the latte is too sweet.

Amazing food and best afternoon tea I’ve had! Go there everytime I go to town to try different things on the menu. Does not disappoint and plenty of halal options.

A lovely, airy cafe in the lower ground hall of Selfridges. The pistachio cake is really delicious.

Great breakfast with good dessert

We had the afternoon tea at Gran Cafe. The staff was very friendly and changed the set according to our dietary needs. The food was very good and considering the price was relatively cheap compared to afternoon teas from other places, it is probably the best afternoon tea in Manchester

San Carlo cafe in Birmingham is almost perfect comparison to this one in Manchester 🫣 the service here is the worst and the staff are very self centered… have no passion on their daily job… polite when you are lucky to get them but extremely slow… I used to love their ice cream, hot chocolate and cakes in Birmingham but after I’ve been to this cafe few times I’m not bothered anymore, what a shame!

When my friends and I go shopping in Manchester, we always stop at this cafe. The food is usually excellent, and the service is good The cakes were lovely this time, but the service was poor. Staff were ignoring, and it appears they are not interested in serving customers. The proximity of the tables so ruined what ought to have been a pleasant ambience. It's disappointing that this was taking place. We didn't enjoy the environment. Unless they enhance the service, we wouldn't come back here.

Nice breakfast with good vibe in elegant restaurant.

Their Americano + Pistachio Tart is delicious.. The tiramisu is very ordinary.. Their ice cream is sweet.. The dessert in the picture is also beautiful 👍🏻 The mocha and cappuccino are as normal as any place.. (They charge a price for the service) And when you say remove it..

Everything but the service is fantastic.

Our new favourite place for an informal lunch. The staff are fabulous, so friendly and efficient and the food is so tasty. Always meet interesting people enjoying their time here too!

Lovely food and nice setting for a small cafè. Feel the service could be improved from the staff. The food portions just match the place i guess but the brownie I ordered was hard. If I return then i will try something else

Lovely drinks and patisserie selection. Poor service.

Amazing people. Staff was very polite as well as the gentleman who served me. Food came in time, it was excellent. they even have fresh orange juices on their menu which was great. Very efficient and cost effective. Great atmosphere as well. Thanks guys👌

I really like the place and the cake but stuff let me I hate the place they are not friendly at all

I came here with my friend and found the whole experience very disappointing. We were served cold coffee, a bread basket (we only wanted something to nibble on) with no plates, butter or oil and found the staff very unhelpful.

Love the tart and the service 👍🏻

Impressed by the waiting staff who were polite, however they need to improve on the speedines of service. The offering of halal meats is a bonus.

The one star is for the waiter. How he has a job as a waiter I do not understand. He lacks basic manners. At first I thought it was just me but after observing him with other customers. I realised how bad he was with most customers. The rest of the staff were very nice. Food and drinks were as expected for a place like Gran Cafe.

We came here for the desserts, and we were not disappointed. Very tasty and fresh, perfect for a mid-shopping energy boost!

Please give me a like if helpful👍 Went here for the first time the other day and was very impressed. Attentive service, everything clean and nice decor for a cafe. I had the full English breakfast which was absolutely delicious and very filling. They have some gorgeous cakes and pastries to tempt you and I would have loved to try something but I was too full. I will do definitely have one next time. Oh and the coffee was superb!

Lovely atmosphere, good service but food is average.

Lovely service. Gorgeous food, beautiful presentation and a very reasonable price. If going in a group I recommend reserving a table in advance.

The cafe has a nice design to it, it is open and very elegant which is the only reason why I chose to dine at it more than once. The first time I went, it was after I finished my shopping from a high brand store at Selfridges where the waiter and manager were very friendly to me. The next time I went, the waiter took a long time to bring the menus and kept speaking Italian with another waiter who I think worked behind the desert section. Anyway, I found it very disrespectful and they made me feel like I am unwelcome. As a member of diplomatic family, I have been to many places around the world and dined at some of the fanciest restaurants worldwide, this is be one of those restaurants which has staff that don't suit it's standard unfortunately .

Terrible service. All I wanted was a coffee. No takeaway cups so I sat in. Sat at a table, was completely ignored, table had not been cleaned, no menu given to me, other people were being served before me. I had sat for 10- 15 mins before I had to notify someone. Lady serving coffee behind counter very unfriendly. Could do with more staff to improve quality of service. Food looks nice but I wouldn’t bother going back to try it now.

Very friendly stuff, amazing atmosphere , delicious food and dessert.

Regularly go here for afternoon tea with friends and family. However today was served by a *very rude* server named Santi. Not only did he rush the birthday afternoon tea, he specifically hovered over our table, literally clearing up before friends could finish their cups of tea and scone. Other people who came in before us stayed longer, but Santi over here decided to make us feel rushed enough to leave early! Will only come back if I am able to request a different server. Otherwise good food and drinks in a good location.

I love this restaurant. I often come for my breakfasts. Manager Sergio was very nice with us.

Excellent coffee shop linked to Selfridges department store. I really like it for quite ness and high quality service.