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Carmine's Restaurant - DC Reviews List
Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Carmine’s is a family style, value-driven restaurant concept with locations in NYC, NJ, Nassau Bahamas, and Washington DC. Restaurateur Artie Cutler created Carmine’s with one goal in mind: to open a restaurant that would serve every meal in the style of an Italian American wedding feast, featuring extra large portions of home-style antipasto, pastas, seafood and meat entrees served on extra large platters designed for sharing. Carmine’s is the perfect place to casually enjoy friends and family over great food and wine, with excellent service, the way it used to be at grandma’s house.
See more Carmine's Restaurant - DC details
498 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 498 reviews
5 stars
(139)
4 stars
(220)
3 stars
(78)
2 stars
(46)
1 star
(15)
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(363)
- kid-friendly(173)
- special occasion(166)
- fit for foodies(99)
- great for lunch(73)
- neighborhood gem(69)
Carmine's Restaurant - DC Reviews List
Review 1 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Graduation celebration
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/19/2013
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a wonderful graduation celebration! The food was delicious and plentiful, service was very good, overall a very enjoyable experience ."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 2 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Forced to Sit
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our reservation was for 3:45pm and the resturant was not crowded. As a matter of fact there were several dinning rooms that were completely empty. We arrived at 3:20pm and were waiting for 2 memebers of our party. We decided to go to the bar and have a drink while waiting. At 3:45pm one of the memebers of our party were still not there, but we checked in. At 4pm, we were informed that we were required to sit, even though we did not have a complete party. We have visited Carmines in NYC several times, and have never been forced to be seated. The NYC (Theater District) resturant is so much more accomidating."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 3 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved our meal.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was awesome. My officemates loved the menu. Everyone loved the Carmine's house salad."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disapointed
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Approximately 13 of us went to Carmines for dinner following a funeral. The original reservation was for 10. Apparently Carmines (or at least the unnecessarily irate hostess) can't handle changes. Our apologizes, but funerals aren't the kind of places you call out everyone that wants to go to dinner afterwards. When more friends called us, we invited them to join. Our table grew to 18, at least. The food was quick and although everyone came at different times, we all left full. However, I did have to flag down another waitress to find out where our waiter was. Beer glasses went empty several times. I've eaten here before and several times at the location in Manhattan and have never had this kind of experience. I was disappointed."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 5 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Huge portions of mediocre pasta....think slighly better than Maggiano's.....say hello to all of the tourists!"
Dined on 4/27/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 6 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Food - Not So Great Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Maybe it was because it was graduation weekend in DC with large groups. We had a reservation for 5 at 7:30 PM . The waiter was prompt to our table and the drinks and a bread basket came pretty quickly. The main courses took over 1 hr to get to the table. The waiter kept apologizing (it was NOT his fault.) When the food did arrive it was hot and plentiful as it always is. The coffee & dessert cannoli were great. Carmines has always been a great place for a group celebration but, given the number of diners who had bookings that evening, management should have had a plan to serve all diners that evening without making them wait up to an hour for their main courses. Otherwise, it is a fabulous place to eat great tasting Italian food."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Terrible waiters make it bad
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"From his first contact to his last, our waiter was terrible. He provided very little information about the dishes, portion size or anything else. As a result we waited almost an hours for the porterhouse steak while he hung out with others and watched tv near the bar. We complained to the manager who seemed equally disinterested. She described our waiter as one of the more experienced she had, which only made things worse since he had to look at the menu to give answers about anything we asked."
Dined on 5/18/2013
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Review 8 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food for a feast
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Visited DC restaurant for son's graduation. Had fun time, lots of food. Waiter was very friendly and attentive."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 9 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Graduation party.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Dishes are great for large groups so you can get a variety to share.
Service was great and efficient. Definitely request Kelvin Laster, he will give you that
personal attention that everyone wants while dinning."
Service was great and efficient. Definitely request Kelvin Laster, he will give you that
personal attention that everyone wants while dinning."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, special occasion
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Review 10 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Tepid
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The hostess seemed unimpressed we had come to dine at Carmines. Our first waiter was good but then handed over to someone who couldn't get the bar to fill our drink order, couldn't answer any question we had, didn't understand he menu etc. More galling was that he seemed to think his lack of knowledge was our problem and when we suggested he ask someone else who might know answers he shrugged. The chicken park was ok. The salad good. We ordered the special pasta sauce thy day which was dreadful."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 11 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Carmine's Police week 2013
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
". Seating was prompt for a large group service was good but could have been better but tough with one server with large party over 14. cold antipasto as well as calamari and one of each was more then enough for table. Had two pastas the seafood mix with large lobster and shrimp in white sauce. The mixed ragu was tasty the meat was plentiful but lacked enough meatballs and sausage for a large table with similar tastes and went fast.
Main course was steak pizziallo as well as chicken in lemon sauce. The porterhouse steak was cooked perfectly and had great flavor and was more than enough for the whole table. The chicken was thinly cut.The desert was also good the Tartufffo was awesome the tiramisu I would probably skip."
Main course was steak pizziallo as well as chicken in lemon sauce. The porterhouse steak was cooked perfectly and had great flavor and was more than enough for the whole table. The chicken was thinly cut.The desert was also good the Tartufffo was awesome the tiramisu I would probably skip."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 12 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved Carmines - as usual!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Although we've been there many times, we brought 3 friends who had never been. Our additional friends were accommodated with no problem. They were very pleased with the food, service, and overall experience. New customers when they return to DC."
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 13 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent atmosphere and food!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Hubby and I are extreme foodies and this is the real deal!!! You must get the meatballs!!!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, kid-friendly, special occasion
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Review 14 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
No Lasagna
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was very disappointed in this restaurant. How do you run out out lasagna when this is one of your main courses. It was just 5:00 and already no lasagna. They recommend another dish that had veggie lasagna and other pasta dishes, and my family thought it was horrible, except for the veggie lasagna. I will not return to this location unless I'm in New York City. Their food was wonderful. Your location needs to take pointers from them. The food is more fresher and melts in your mouth and seasoned deliciously. The salad was good, so I will give you that. Also the chicken parmesan was good."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 15 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Trouble Getting Open Table Credit
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love the food a Carmines, and so it has been my restaurant of choice several times. However, for the second time today, I have had notice that I was a no show for a reservation when I actually dined there. I don't know what the deal is. I checked in with their reservation/hostess stand each time that I have dined. You know there is a problem in Open Table if you are a no show. I can understand that, but when you actually show, and the restaurant says that you did not - twice - there is a problem. I have never had this happen at any other restaurant. Just beware to challenge it if it happens."
Dined on 12/18/2012
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Review 16 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Somewhat disappointing
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Ate here before - good service & food outstanding. This time not the same experience. Meatballs were great but pasta was so-so. Had the shrimp scampi & angelhair before and was cooked to perfection with a luscious garlic white sauce - everyone fought for leftover sauce to soak up with their bread. This time the pasta poorly drained so sauce was too thin & watery for anyone to want - such a disappointment.! Service was lethargic. Started off OK, then waiter disappeared; 20 minutes AFTER food arrived he came to ask if all was OK - too late at that point to return the pasta. 3 times flagged down busser or other waiter for service. Second round of wine came out after 20 minutes & AFTER our doggie bags so refused it. Tables were half empty."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 17 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My experience at Carmine's was totally awesome. The service, ambience and most of all the food was very good. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone, especially large groups."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 18 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Happy4All
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Enjoyable dinner party for 13th Birthday. Carmines was able to accommodate the group of picky eaters. The food was excellent, waitress was friendly and helpful but seemed overworked. Although we could only get an 8:15 reservation, the restaurant was only 1/3 full, perhaps short staffed. Fun place to host a big crowd."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 19 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
SF Gal
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Celebrated my sister's 50th birthday with a party of ten. Great time! Food great and service was excellent! Would definately recommend for a fun time!!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 20 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We Love Carmine's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Carmine's is wonderful. We first went to the one on Paradise Island in the Bahamas and then the one in Atlantic City, NJ. The one in DC lived up to the other's. Great family style Italian food."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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Review 21 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"GREAT FOOD.! THERE WERE LOTS OF LARGE FAMILY GROUPS. BRING YOUR APPETITES SERVED FAMILY STYLE! WE ORDERED ONE ITEM FOR THE TWO OF US AND BROUGHT HALF HOME. NOT A QUIET RESTAURANT."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 22 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not what it has been in the past!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I dine at Carmine's DC several times per year and have dined at the New York City locations several times in the past. I took friends to Carmine's and yes it is convenient but the meal was nothing special. I recently heard someone say that they preferred Maggiano's in Tyson's Corner to Carmine's DC. I was offended for Carmine's because my experience in the past has been good and I frequent both restaurants. My last experience was almost embarrasing it was so bad! The spaghetti was not flavorful although the meatballs were good. The chicken scallopini was so "lemony" that the kids wouldn't eat it at all. The service/atmosphere were all fine but the FOOD wasn't impressive and was actually under par and I consider myself a "foodie."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 23 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Need better servers. They disappear at times."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 24 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great experience for at risk kids
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We took some of our students here after seeing a show at the Shakespeare Theatre Company and they were blown away by the experience. It is crazy that since they live on the other side of the river they have never experienced anything like this. Thanks Carmine's for an exceptional meal."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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Review 25 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The host staff was very nice, getting us seated while a group in excess of 200 children piled in also at the same time. Food was good and our server was efficient."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 26 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Old Skool Family-Style Italian
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Big portions! Food was good; I won't say excellent because the portions are so big and start losing interest with each bite. Good place for big hungry group."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 27 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
good group experience
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I took a group of 11 here and found it to be a good value for such a large group, but also nice enough to feel special. Ordering family style entrees is a great way for a group to bond. We spent about $35 per person and that included drinks and appetizers - you can't beat that in DC for a nice group outing.
Food quality is only okay - I went to Carmine's in New York and it was somehow much tastier than DC. Our server was good - service overall was good. Ambiance is a little noisy and our table was a little crowded, not much elbow room.
Wine list is expensive - they need a selection of lower-priced wines ($46 a bottle is cheapest we found)"
Food quality is only okay - I went to Carmine's in New York and it was somehow much tastier than DC. Our server was good - service overall was good. Ambiance is a little noisy and our table was a little crowded, not much elbow room.
Wine list is expensive - they need a selection of lower-priced wines ($46 a bottle is cheapest we found)"
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 28 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Dozen Diners Delighted
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food and service hit the spot for our going away celebration. Family-style Italian comfort food pleased all tastes. Server's recommendations for number and type of dishes were excellent; then appropriately attentive without being intrusive."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 29 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Family's Meeting for the First Time
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I've been to Carmine's many times before for special occassions but this past time was very special. My boyfriends family and my family met for the first time while my family was visitng from Seattle. We were sat at a round table which was actually wonderful for everyone to be able to talk and see each other. It was deifnitley a little loud but the food was great and everyone had a good time. It was the first time the service wasn't amazing since we had to ask 3 times for differnt things but as I former server I knew he was probably just busy."
Dined on 4/09/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 30 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Huge Portions
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food portions are huge (designed for feeding large crowds). My husband and I shared the entrée and still had enough left over for a second large meal for each of us, plus a lunch portion. But the food is very good, very satisfying Italian meal."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 31 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Carmine's DC is not like NYC
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Although food was good, food was prepared differently, mainly the sauce, which is the main reason we loved Carmine's NYC. DC's marinara was chunky with little moisture. NYC's sauce was thin and smooth. HUGE difference when you are expecting a menu item staple to be consistent in the Carmine's chain.
The tiramisu was outstanding, although we cannot compare it to NYC, since we had cannoli's for dessert there just a few months ago."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 32 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I've eaten here twice now and both times the food has been great. Most recently however the service did not meet my expectations when spending so much money. My waiter was clearly overwhelmed due to a large table of girl scouts and their families. My date and I had to ask for water and bread after he served our wine, which started the meal off on the wrong accord. I foreshadowed that he would be absent for most of our meal from the get go. Low and behold he barely came around and when he did we normally had to get his attention to ask for refills, to go bag, etc. These are standard practice. The fact that I had to manage our waiter detracted from any enjoyment. I wouldn't rush back to Carmine's with so many other great places."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 33 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent for Girl Scout Troop!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent experience for a Girl Scout Troop visiting Washington, DC. We were a group of 16. The family style service was perfect for us. The food was excellent, fresh and well prepared. The staff arranged three tables so the whole troop ate together. Highly recommended for groups visiting DC. Do make reservations ahead of time. Our bill came to $25 per person and that included the tip, dessert, appetizer, salad, and four huge sharing entrees."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 34 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Pleasant dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We dined at Carmine's after a performance at Ford's Theatre--a little further walk than anticipated but a pleasant walk in good weather. We had not looked at the menu on line beforehand and were surprised at the menu but plunged in with the help of our server. The result was a delicious dinner that we all enjoyed and an amazingly low priced check. We definitely plan on returning the next time we are in DC."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, special occasion
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Review 35 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Horrible
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The hostess are liars. I was told on may 2nd that they didn't have any tables available and I went to Open Table and there were plenty of openings. The food was horrible and I won't be coming back."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 36 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Family Style Italian
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a great place for groups of 3 or more. The portions might give you a coronary. But, you'll be able to leave money for your kids because the prices are not oversized. The quality of the food and service is actually quite good. Someone came to my table and asked how things were. I inadvertently thought it was another customer. Turns out it was the manager. He bought us a round of drinks and never told me who he was. Bring a doggie bag and don't eat anything prior to arriving. i"m getting hungry just writing this review."
Dined on 2/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 37 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Excellent Italian Food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Carmine's always provides a great dining experience at reasonable prices. Must come with your appetite! I don't think I've ever had a bad experience here. They also have an excellent house wine selection."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 38 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Good food, bad service, group of 8
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First experience was dealing with 3 very rude hostesses. We sat in the bar area in hopes we could watch the Bulls game - we asked the bartender and people from our party were again dealt with very rudely - needless to say, they would not change it. Our server was OK, not rude, but not at all attentive - at one point people had to go to the bar for refills. When our food was dropped off, no check back to see how we were doing. However, the food was good. Stuffed artichoke, chicken parm, rigatoni country style, spinach, and lasagna were all good. We also got meatballs but they were REALLY cold - almost frozen tasting in the middle. I'd recommend for a fun group setting but based on our experience - DO NOT GO if you want decent service."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 39 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been to Carmine's both in NYC and DC many times and have always loved it until my last visit in the DC restaurant. The food was mediocre at best, certainly not up to their former standards. It went from being one of our favorite restaurants to one we may never go to again."
Dined on 5/02/2013
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Review 40 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great for groups
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Three of us shared a vegetable "side" and an entrée at Carmine's and we had plenty of food. The "side" was a delicious eggplant parmesan the size of a loaf of bread! The veal scallopini was simply terrific. How this kitchen turns out such good food for such masses of people (they cater to bus tour groups) is a mystery. Do not miss the basil, berry, bubbly cocktail! Highly recommended for no fewer than three people."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 41 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The BEST!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I LOVE this place - from the front door to the check the staff, food, and atmosphere is perfect. You can go here anytime and feel as though you are a regular. Don't change a thing!"
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 42 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"didn't care for the experience.
service was poor, they took our plates before we had finished eating.
food was OK, it's a tourist spot - not a restuarant to locals who would be interested in a return trip."
service was poor, they took our plates before we had finished eating.
food was OK, it's a tourist spot - not a restuarant to locals who would be interested in a return trip."
Dined on 4/29/2013
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Review 43 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Funny, 2 years ago i would
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Funny, 2 years ago i would have thought this restaurant good, but since being married to an Italian I'd have to say the food is mediocre. Americans for some reason value quantity over quality, and if you want to eat until you burst this is the place to go. However, if you're looking for genuine Italian cuisine, I think it falls short."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2010
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Review 44 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We found a reservation does
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We found a reservation does nothing at 11:30am. When we gave our name we still had to wait five miniuts to sit down and the restruant was empty."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 45 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great spot right in the middle
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great spot right in the middle of Chinatown for big groups, families and noisy friend gatherings."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2008
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Review 46 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Family style Veal Parmigiana
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Family style Veal Parmigiana and a spinach salad special, with a side of pasta of course, made for a very nice pre-theater luncheon. Friendly service, very tasty food, and a nice glass of wine. It doesn't get much better than that."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2008
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Review 47 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Made reservations, we were
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Made reservations, we were seated on time. Ordered, waited 45 mintues for food. The pasta Bolognese dish had meat that was completely dried out and pasta was in a pool of oil. We sent it back and reordered another pasta dish, 20 mintues later done with rest of order, had to ask for it to be packed up togo. The steak pizziola was good, just a little overpriced at $75. Been to the one in NY many times worth time trip there, not so much for DC location."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 48 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Carmines DC Great Food and Comfort
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I combined a dinner with friends from work with my siblings who drove 4 hours just for dinner. The meal was fantastic; the room fun, my reservation was ready upon arrival, the family style meal helped people I care about from work and my family to become fast friends very quickly. We have dined at Carmines New York and had the same great experience. (altho this waiter was a bit more subdued, he was responsive.)
My best friend who was visiting from California captured the night with these words: "Its my favorite place to eat good fun and have fun in D.C.". Considering he is a foodie, this is quite a compliment!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 49 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I went for the first time
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I went for the first time for an office-mate farewell luncheon. Why did I wait so long to try Carmines? I cannot wait to return with my own family!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 50 for Carmine's Restaurant - DC
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
May not go back unless its TO-GO
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was great. However, the service was horrible. Our waiter disappeared for a really long time. We ordered dessert that took forever to come. We couldn't cancel it and ask for the check because the waiter was nowhere to be found. When it came we asked for the check and he took forever to come for the payment. I had to leave my table to go and find him. The guest at the other table did the same thing just so they could get there beverages."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups
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