This gorgeous restaurant is set to open in a matter of weeks
05:00, 22 Aug 2025Updated 16:28, 24 Aug 2025
This independent restaurant is coming to Great Bookham(Image: Google Maps)
An independent Italian restaurant which serves up “fantastic” authentic food is set to open its second restaurant and deli in a quaint village in the Surrey Hills. Already with one successful restaurant in Haslemere, Carlo’s is branching out and will soon open its doors in Great Bookham.
The restaurateur has more than 20 years of experience in both London and Italy. Named after owner and chef Carlo Papagni, the venue in Haslemere has become a beloved staple for those who live there.
Carlo worked as an importer and exporter of fine foods, and launched restaurant Boscoreale, which he has since sold. He said in a post about the upcoming venture: “My passion is food, family and good company.
“I look forward to welcoming you to Carlo Independent Italian Restaurant soon and for us to laugh and love food together.” Mouth-watering dishes can be found on Carlo’s menu, featuring a range of authentic pizzas, Sicilian arancini, gnocchi dishes, carpaccio and spaghetti carbonara.
The menu also includes delightful desserts such as ‘cannoli Siciliano’, which are pastries filled with cream, covered in chocolate and candied orange peel. Other desserts include Italian classic tiramisu, almond and chocolate cake, and chocolate mousse cake.
Prices range from around £10.90 for a starter, pizzas from £10.90, mains from £16.90 and desserts at about £6.90. Since opening in Haslemere, Carlo’s has acquired a 4.6-star rating on Google, with customers raving about the amazing food.
One wrote: “It’s still as good as ever, best pizzeria in Haslemere with a warm and friendly welcome from Carlo – highly recommended fantastic authentic Italian food, great cafe and pizzeria, so much better than the chains. Very reasonably priced, friendly and welcoming staff, well worth a visit.”
Another wrote: “We felt very lucky to get a last-minute booking at Carlo’s on a Friday evening. The food was delicious and the service was very welcoming throughout.
“We both especially enjoyed the desserts. It’s not a big restaurant by any means compared to the two well-known Italian chains nearby, but it definitely holds its own.
“Will definitely try to return again one day, even if it is just to pop into the store for Italian essentials.” As well as offering fantastic food, the restaurant also keeps menus fresh with new offerings and organises events.
Customers can participate in wine-tasting nights, to sample some of Italy’s best regional wines and cuisine. These nights feature four premium wines and a two-course Italian meal for £57.90, plus a service charge.
The wine-tasting events have been popular at the restaurant, with them completely selling out. While the restaurant team is yet to confirm an exact date for the Great Bookham restaurant opening, it is anticipated Carlo’s could open in September 2025.
Customers should keep their eyes peeled on the Carlo’s Facebook page for updates.
Find out more about things to do and activities in Surrey with our free What’s On email HERE
Dining and Cooking