About Carmine’s Italian Restaurant
Family, Friends, and Pasta
Carmine’s Italian Restaurant is a family-style dining destination offering Southern Italian cuisine in New York City. With a legacy of over 30 years, it has become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, renowned for its large portion sizes and a vibrant, authentic Italian-American dining atmosphere. Founded by restaurateur Artie Cutler, the restaurant’s concept revolves around serving “wow-factor” dishes, making every meal feel like a celebration. Carmine’s first opened its doors on August 14, 1990, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and has since become a New York institution.
Located in Times Square and the Theater District, Carmine’s offers a warm, lively ambiance perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or casual dining. Guests enjoy a menu filled with homestyle antipasto, hearty pasta, decadent seafood, and meat entrees, topped off with homemade desserts. While the generous portion sizes are a highlight for many, some guests recommend sharing dishes to avoid waste. The restaurant also features a well-curated selection of cocktails and wines from Italy and beyond.
Features
- Cuisines: Italian
- Special Diets: Vegetarian-friendly, vegan options, gluten-free options
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Dining Features:
- Takeout
- Ample seating
- Street parking
- Highchairs available
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Full bar with wine and beer options
- Free Wi-Fi
- Digital payments
- Family-style table service
- Gift cards available
Atmosphere and Interior
The decor at Carmine’s draws inspiration from America’s Golden Age, combining classic New York charm with a cozy, eclectic dining room that has inspired Italian eateries across the country. Its spirited environment is perfect for celebrations, creating a memorable experience for guests of all ages.
Guest Experience
Carmine’s receives praise for its attentive service, though experiences with the waitstaff can vary. Due to its central location and popularity, booking a reservation in advance is highly recommended to avoid long wait times. The restaurant aims to deliver an experience reminiscent of Sunday afternoons spent at Grandma’s, offering great food, drinks, and friendly service.
Contact Information
Location:
Carmine’s Italian Restaurant
200 W 44th St, Times Square, New York City, NY 10036
How to Reach:
The restaurant is located in Midtown Manhattan, within walking distance of Times Square. It is easily accessible by public transport, including subway lines that stop near the Theater District.
Phone:
+1 212-221-3800
Email:
social44@carminesnyc.com
Website:
www.carminesnyc.com
Social Media:
Carmine’s Italian Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable Italian dining experience in New York City.
10 Amazing Things About This Restaurant
- Generous Portions Perfect for Sharing
The portions here are massive, meant to serve 3-4 people or even more. Whether it’s pasta, meat dishes, or desserts, you’ll never leave hungry. Be prepared for leftovers, as most visitors couldn’t finish their meals even with large groups! - Family-Style Dining
This place is designed for groups. Family-style dishes allow everyone to share and enjoy multiple flavors together. It’s ideal for family gatherings, birthdays, or outings with friends. - Delicious Italian Cuisine
The restaurant specializes in hearty Italian food with rich flavors. From pasta dishes like ravioli Bolognese and angel hair pasta with vodka sauce to classics like eggplant parmigiana, the food here is top-notch. - Lively Atmosphere
The atmosphere is vibrant and fun, making every visit feel like a celebration. Even when the restaurant is packed, it still manages to be relaxed and enjoyable. - Perfect for Special Occasions
Many visitors choose this spot to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays. The staff goes the extra mile to make special moments memorable, like singing happy birthday and offering surprises. - Exceptional Customer Service
The staff is known for being friendly, attentive, and helpful. They handle large groups with ease, accommodate dietary needs like gluten-free options, and ensure that everyone has a great experience. - Great Value for Money
Considering the portion sizes and quality of food, the prices are very reasonable. Many visitors noted that the leftovers alone were worth the cost, feeding them for days afterward. - Convenient Location
Located near the theater district, it’s an excellent choice for a meal before or after a Broadway show. Visitors often make reservations to ensure they can enjoy a meal before catching their performances. - Memorable Desserts
Don’t skip the desserts! The tiramisu and flourless chocolate torte are standout options, with many saying they’re the best they’ve ever had. The dessert portions are just as generous as the main dishes. - Accommodating to All Group Sizes
While it’s best for larger groups, couples and smaller parties also enjoy dining here. Just remember to order wisely or be ready to take leftovers home!
10 Things People Complained About This Restaurant
- Portions Are Too Large, Leading to Waste
Many visitors loved the generous portions, but a significant number found the size excessive. This often resulted in wasted food, especially for tourists who couldn’t take leftovers. The management could offer smaller portion options alongside family-style servings, making it more suitable for couples and individuals. - Food Quality is Inconsistent
While some dishes were praised, others received criticism for being salty, bland, or poorly prepared. For example, some diners felt the meatballs had an odd taste, the rigatoni lacked flavor, and the chicken Marsala was too sweet. Additionally, dishes like pomodoro pasta were called “tasteless” and compared to canned tomatoes. To address this, the restaurant should review recipes, ensure consistent seasoning, and maintain a higher quality of preparation. - Poor Service in Some Cases
Several visitors complained about slow service or inattentive staff. Some felt rushed, while others waited over an hour for their food or drinks. Management could improve staff training to ensure consistent attention to all guests and reduce waiting times, especially during busy periods. - Confusing Family-Style Menu
Some guests were not adequately informed about the family-style dining concept. A few felt misled by staff who suggested portions were suitable for one person when they clearly weren’t. Management should clarify portion sizes on the menu and train staff to explain this upfront to avoid misunderstandings. - Cold Food and Delayed Entrees
Visitors noted that food was sometimes served cold or delayed significantly after appetizers. This might be due to the restaurant’s high volume. Better coordination in the kitchen and improved timing for meal delivery could fix this issue. - Uncomfortable Dining Atmosphere for Couples
Couples often mentioned that the restaurant is not ideal for a romantic dinner due to the family-style portions and crowded, noisy atmosphere. While this may not be the target demographic, offering smaller tables and quieter areas could improve the experience for smaller groups. - Unclean Bathrooms
Some guests complained about the poor condition of the restrooms, mentioning peeling toilet seats and cracked sinks. Regular maintenance and cleaning schedules should be implemented to ensure a clean and pleasant environment for guests. - Dish-Specific Complaints
Some dishes received repeated complaints. For example:- The meatballs were described as having an odd or gamy taste.
- The chicken Marsala sauce was overly sweet.
- The red sauce on pasta was watery or lacked seasoning.
- Bread was stale and butter was too cold to spread.
Management should take note of these specific dishes and improve the recipes and preparation methods. Offering fresh bread and better accompaniments like spreadable butter would also enhance the experience.
- Hostess and Front Desk Issues
The hostess staff received criticism for being rude or unprofessional, such as failing to find reservations or being unwelcoming. Since the hostess is often the first point of contact, better training in customer service and professionalism is necessary. - Overcharging and Tip Issues
A few diners reported unauthorized charges or tips being added to their bills. This creates a sense of mistrust and dissatisfaction. Management should enforce stricter controls over billing processes and provide clear communication to guests about charges.
By addressing these complaints, the restaurant can improve the dining experience and maintain its reputation as a family-style favorite. Simple steps, like consistent food quality, clearer communication, and better staff training, can make a significant difference for future guests.
10 FAQs Users Want to Know About Carmine’s Italian Restaurant
- What is family-style dining at Carmine’s?
Family-style dining means that all dishes are served in large portions meant to be shared. Each dish is designed to feed 3-4 people, so it’s perfect for groups or families. - Do I need a reservation to dine at Carmine’s?
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak times or if you are dining before a Broadway show. Walk-ins may experience long wait times due to the restaurant’s popularity. - What are the portion sizes like?
The portions are extremely large and are meant for sharing. Many guests have mentioned that one dish can often feed a group of three or four, so it’s best to order conservatively. - Is the restaurant suitable for couples?
While Carmine’s can accommodate couples, the family-style portions may not be ideal for small parties. Many guests recommend visiting as part of a larger group to get the full experience and avoid food waste. - Are there vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options?
Yes, Carmine’s offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Guests with dietary restrictions are advised to inform the staff, who are usually very accommodating. - What are the most popular dishes at Carmine’s?
Some of the most recommended dishes include the ravioli Bolognese, rigatoni with garlic and oil, eggplant parmigiana, and tiramisu. However, preferences vary, and there’s a wide menu to choose from. - How is the service at Carmine’s?
While many guests have praised the friendly and attentive staff, some reviews mention slower service during busy times. Overall, the service is often described as professional and accommodating. - Can I take leftovers home?
Absolutely. Given the large portion sizes, leftovers are common. If you’re visiting as a tourist, you might want to consider this before ordering, as not all travelers have a way to store or transport leftovers. - Does Carmine’s offer private dining or events?
Yes, Carmine’s can host private dining events for groups, including birthdays, anniversaries, and business gatherings. Contact the restaurant directly for more information on event packages. - What is the price range at Carmine’s?
Carmine’s offers good value for money, considering the large portions. While the initial cost may seem high, most dishes can feed multiple people, making it budget-friendly for groups.
By understanding these FAQs, diners can better prepare for their visit and enjoy the family-style Italian dining experience Carmine’s is known for.
Summary About Carmine’s Italian Restaurant
Carmine’s Italian Restaurant is a celebrated dining destination in New York City, known for its Southern Italian cuisine and family-style servings. With over 30 years of history, this restaurant is perfect for group dining, offering massive portions of hearty dishes such as ravioli Bolognese, rigatoni with garlic and oil, and eggplant parmigiana. Its vibrant, lively atmosphere is ideal for family gatherings, celebrations, and casual dining. Located in the heart of Times Square, Carmine’s provides a convenient spot for a meal before or after Broadway shows.
Guests love its generous portions, accommodating staff, and signature desserts like tiramisu. However, reviews highlight certain concerns, including inconsistent food quality, oversized portions leading to waste, and occasional service delays. Overall, Carmine’s is a great choice for those looking for a classic Italian-American dining experience in New York City.
Disclaimer: MasterChefTips.com only provides information about Carmine’s Italian Restaurant and does not take responsibility for the restaurant’s service standards, food quality, or visitors’ experiences. Dining decisions should be made based on individual preferences and expectations.
