Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges Roof Terrace: A London Rooftop Worth Visiting
Where to find Alto by San Carlo
Alto by San Carlo sits on the roof terrace of Selfridges on Oxford Street in central London. A dedicated elevator inside the department store takes you directly to the terrace. When the doors open, you step into a space designed to resemble an Italian garden — all greenery, flowers, and warm lighting — perched several floors above one of London’s busiest streets.
The views reach across the London rooftops on clear days. The terrace has a retractable roof, so rain is not a problem. Alto is open year-round, seven days a week, from lunch through late evening.
What the menu offers
Alto serves seasonal Italian food throughout the day and into the night. The menu runs from light starters and pasta through to grilled mains, seafood, and shellfish. The kitchen uses quality ingredients and keeps preparation straightforward — the Italian approach of letting good produce speak for itself. If you are not eating a full meal, the bar serves cocktails, wine, and Champagne on the al fresco sun deck. It is a useful option if you want to break from shopping with a drink rather than a sit-down meal.
The atmosphere
Alto pulls off a balance that is genuinely difficult: sophisticated without being stiff. The combination of open-air dining, London skyline views, and the relaxed Italian garden aesthetic creates a setting that works for a weekday lunch, a celebration dinner, or an early-evening drink. Expect a lively crowd, particularly on weekends. The restaurant recommends advance booking for all sittings.
The San Carlo story
Carlo Distefano founded the San Carlo group. He was born in Sicily and moved to the UK in 1962 at 17, arriving with £12 and a work permit. He started in a barbershop in Leeds before opening his first restaurant — a 20-seat Italian in Birmingham’s Temple Street — in 1992. San Carlo grew quickly. Bristol followed in 1996, then Leicester and Manchester. The Manchester restaurant remains one of the group’s most well-known locations outside London.
The group now includes 23 Italian restaurants across the UK. Locations span Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire, and multiple London sites including Covent Garden, Piccadilly, and Knightsbridge. International locations operate in Kuwait, Bangkok, and Qatar. New openings are planned in Bahrain, Dubai, and Riyadh. Two generations of the Distefano family now run the business. It is valued at approximately £60 million.
Practical details
Access Alto via the dedicated Selfridges elevator — look for the signage inside the store. Business casual dress is expected. The restaurant is open seven days a week until late. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through the San Carlo website or by calling the restaurant directly. If you have a special occasion in mind, contact the team in advance to discuss arrangements — staff can accommodate groups and celebrations with advance notice.
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Frequently asked questions about Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges
What is Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges?
It is an Italian rooftop restaurant and bar on the roof terrace of Selfridges, Oxford Street, London. The terrace is designed as an Italian garden. Alto serves seasonal Italian food from lunch through late evening, alongside a full cocktail bar.
Do you need a reservation at Alto Selfridges?
Yes. Reservations are strongly recommended for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant is popular, and walk-in availability can be limited on busy days. Book via the San Carlo website or by calling the restaurant.
What is the dress code at Alto Selfridges?
Business casual. The restaurant has a sophisticated atmosphere, and smart attire is expected. The San Carlo group positions Alto as an upscale dining experience.
Is Alto at Selfridges open year-round?
Yes. Alto is open seven days a week, year-round. The fully retractable roof means the outdoor terrace is usable regardless of weather conditions. The restaurant is open from lunch through late evening every day.
Who founded the San Carlo restaurant group?
Carlo Distefano founded the group. He moved to the UK from Sicily in 1962 and opened the first San Carlo restaurant in Birmingham in 1992. The group now runs 23 UK restaurants and international locations across Kuwait, Bangkok, and Qatar.
