Alto by San Carlo - London

The venue the location was incredible. The pictures tell you that but the food itself was so disappointing. The oysters were terrible. They could definitely do with some Tabasco sauce. The ravioli lobster was so undercooked and tough to chew on it tasted like it had been microwaved the pasta in general was undercooked, and the dishes just felt like they were missing something completely. There’s a big misalignment between the venue and the location versus what was actually being put out on dishes. We got the bill for £150 for two people and was shocked so I asked for the £16 service charge to be removed and explained I was very unhappy with the meal. We only had 3 beers each, a starter and a main, was a little over priced even for a rooftop especially how crap the food was. Kitty hawks rooftop is better and has nicer food that’s my favourite rooftop restaurant so far in London - skip out on this restaurant

Amazing roof top views especially when the weather is hot. The Italian food is very fresh and tasty but what topped it off was the customer service provided by our server. All the staff are welcoming and kind as well as being professional. My best friend and I had a memorable time and will definitely be back.

I came here for my birthday with my boyfriend and it was perfect! It’s such an escape from busy Oxford street. It’s absolutely gorgeous and such a nice atmosphere. It really feels like you’ve been transported to Italy. We were super lucky with the weather - warm and sunny! The food was amazing and not too pricey. We thought it was a “normal” menu in the sense of starters/mains etc but it was recommended to buy 3-5 dishes. However, we both got a pasta dish each and some garlic bread which was more than enough between us. Very fair prices too. They also made it special for my birthday so I really can’t fault this place, will definitely be back!

Underwhelming Experience! We got to the restaurant after 5pm for our evening dinner table on one of the hottest days in UK 2025 summer. It was packed as expected but I thought it was a spacious rooftop. In fact it was quite cramped and sitting under the roof which was closed under were we sat and eating hot food made us uncomfortably warm. Whilst we were there the roof was only retracted around 6.30pm at least an hour into our visit. There was an instant breeze which we wished to have experienced earlier. Service for us was fine at first but then a bit slow after, we sat with our empty plates for quite sometime before they were removed and us offered the dessert menu. One good thing was the food and we were not rushed to give up the table I suppose but all in all I’ve experienced better at other rooftop restaurants. There is no need to visit again unless you what to be superficially seen.

Loved it! Staff where friendly and professional. Atmosphere is great even if you just having drinks on the rooftop bar. The chef commanding the kitchen can take a bow...delicious food. Loved every bite. Ciao

Very pricy but good food. Great for a nice treat. Good wine selection that pairs nicely with the food available. Small portions and few options to share. Limited tables with good views. A place to go if you want to treat yourself and be seen. Recommend to book ahead of time. For special occasions make sure you mention at arrival. Place has a very nice entry way, worth to take nice photos. Also clock room available. Entry by the main door at Selfridges lift with the green foliage

My wife and I were in central London on a Saturday afternoon and decided to find a rooftop bar—completely unplanned. We ended up at Selfridges, where there’s an elevator inside that takes you to the top floor. At the entrance to the elevator, a lovely receptionist with an iPad checks if you have a reservation or if a table is available if you haven't booked. As you ride up in the lift, you arrive at another reception desk, and from there you're guided to your table through a floral tunnel—a fun and whimsical experience both entering and leaving. The restaurant was at full capacity, yet the atmosphere was pleasant and didn’t feel crowded or noisy. The vibe was definitely more “see and be seen” than your average bar or restaurant, but everyone was very civilised and respectful. The service is top-notch! The waitstaff were lovely, polite, welcoming, and had that magical ability to appear just when you needed them. We only stopped in for a few drinks, which were amazing—I highly recommend it. That said, it’s not a cheap place, so be prepared to spend a little more.

Alto is the Italian rooftop restaurant of Selfridges. It has a nice atmosphere, feels like you are having a meal at a garden. The welcoming staff could be more helpful with the tables. They have a large menu. I liked the fried scallops and the pasta but the pizza was under cooked and the tiramisu had a thin texture.