Reserve now:
Carmello's-OttawaReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
Toronto / Ontario Restaurant Reviews >
Ottawa Restaurant Reviews >
Ottawa / Gatineau Restaurant Reviews >
Italian Restaurant Reviews
Carmello's-Ottawa Reviews List
Carmello's-Ottawa
Wonderful contemporary Italian cuisine presented in a colorful Mediterranean atmosphere. Large summer patio for dining a la fresco. Affordable pricing for the most discriminating diner. Open lunch and dinner with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Centrally located near 12 great hotels to walk over from.
See more Carmello's-Ottawa details
71 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 71 reviews
5 stars
(16)
4 stars
(40)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(36)
- great for lunch(30)
- fit for foodies(19)
- great for outdoor dining(15)
- neighborhood gem(15)
- special occasion(13)
Carmello's-Ottawa Reviews List
Review 1 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perfect place for a business lunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love spring! and I love making a lunch date at Carmello's. If the weather's cold (like it was Monday and Tuesday this week), you're seated inside. If the weather's gorgeous, you're outside on the patio, taking in the rays and watching the world walk by. Topped off by excellent service and good food. In my opinion, about the only restaurant on the Mall that has it all!"
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Carmello's: gem for Spring lunches!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Carmello's on Sparks Street Mall is one of my favourite lunch haunts, especially on a beautiful Spring day when you can sit on their outdoor terrace, watch the world go by while enjoying an excellent lunch with great service."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great dining at a great value.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Carmello's has great italian food for a great price. They have a huge selection to choose from to suite all tastes. I loved the brushcetta. We can't wait to return."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"great service, food portions and good food!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Late night dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Arrived, our reservation was noted and we were seated immediately. The server was well humoured, friendly and attentive to our needs. Our food was excellent with large portions. Great place for all!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, late-night find, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our experience was phenomenal.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our experience was phenomenal. It was more than I had expected. I first expected it to be a little snobbish for me; however, it was a warm and inviting place. The staff were very welcoming and the service was beyond great. The portion sizes are huge so bring your appetite."
Dined on 27/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
everything was great from
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"everything was great
from the appetizer to desert"
Dined on 26/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, late-night find, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Everything was perfect except
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything was perfect except for the very loud noise by a group 10 kids and even more parents on aFriday night not romantic at all....... Next time check the reservation list,even asked the waiter to change section in the restaurant,after that it was much more enjoyable......."
Dined on 26/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a wonderful time at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a wonderful time at Carmello's for our girls' night out. The server was attentive without hovering, the food was delicious and the wine list was extensive. I highly recommend the white chocolate and lemon mousse cake! I have already recommended this restaurant to friends and will be going back myself."
Dined on 20/04/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
First choice for lunch.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"As usual, my "go to" restaurant for lunch. Great service. Great menu! Good place to meet and talk."
Dined on 19/04/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
One of the best versions of
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of the best versions of bruschetta I have ever had. Pastas taste home made and sauces are good."
Dined on 19/04/2013
2000
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food, good service, menu
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good food, good service, menu selection a bit dated."
Dined on 10/04/2013
2012
Special Features: great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was good and the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was good and the service efficient."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
First Time
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was my first time at Carmello's. The appetizers were fantastic, I had the Warmed goat cheese. The portions were large and definitely worth every penny. I've read reviews saying that the appetizers are great and the main dishes are okay/good, but I think the main dishes were great also. The dessert was so good (the part that I could finish), and the server made the whole experience easy and fun. She simplified the menu, was prompt at filling our glasses if they neared low, and was overall great to talk to. If anything would make me return to Carmello's, it would be the service."
Dined on 28/03/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food good price
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were surprise by the quality of the food. We had a few appetizers and they were very good. Our main meal was very good as well. The price was fair for the amount of food we got. The only negative we would have or recommendation we would give to the chef, would be cut the chicken and mix it in the pasta instead of giving us the uncut whole chicken breast on top of the pasta. The plates were small (but a lot of food in them) so we could not cut the chicken ourselves without making a mess. I believe we took the gorganzola pasta which was good. We also had bruschetta and agreed that it was better then other restaurants."
Dined on 15/02/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing food and lots of selections
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Amazing food and lots of selections. Service was amazing because the server was knowledgable of the menu items, very friendly and accommodating and visited our table frequently to make sure we were happy."
Dined on 05/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Carmello's was a great lunch.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Carmello's was a great lunch. I had a reservation for two then had to change to three on short notice, which was graciously accommodated by the host. We enjoyed the bread basket. The pasta was wonderful, my shrimp in the Gamberi was cooked to perfection."
Dined on 01/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great meals and service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great meals and service. Portions were very generous. A very happy dinner for 4. No complaints."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Enjoyed a Valentine's Day
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Enjoyed a Valentine's Day dinner tableau designed by the restaurant staff. Very creative, well presented and delicious!! Attentive servers that worked as a team to create a good customer experience. We had the wine pairings "option" which worked out well. Highly recommend to anyone."
Dined on 18/02/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, with every dish,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food, with every dish, even the ones that sounded familiar, having abundant portions, and delicious flavours. We really appreciated that the music was unobtrusive jazz, not the radio station of teen choice. The server was unfailingly welcoming and informative."
Dined on 24/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good ratio food/price. Great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good ratio food/price. Great taste, friendly services. Good wine list and again very afordable. Only one thing, if you want a quiet lover diner,s time, not the best place with all these groups, it became very noisy during the evening. Other than that a good Italian restaurant."
Dined on 16/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
It was freezing and we were
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was freezing and we were staying at the hotel next door, don't know whether other visitors just don't eat a lot of Italian food, but the food was awful. Our server tried her best to help, when they had run out of the draft that one of the guests had requested but she walked away from the table leaving us feeling like we were on a bad episode of Kitchen Nightmares."
Dined on 17/02/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Sparks Street Gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was not only tasty but attractive (not always easy to pull off both at the same time). The salad offered with the Prix fixe valentine's day menu was delicious. I thought the scallop appetizer served on scallop shells with a cream sauce would be too heavy on the sauce but the combination worked. The prices are reasonable and working downtown makes me want to try lunch there too! Nice diverse menu."
Dined on 14/02/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The polenta lasagna was divine!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The polenta lasagna was divine!"
Dined on 14/02/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Never hat such a poor pizza
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Never hat such a poor pizza in my life bevore.I guess
it was deep frozen. When I reclaimed, I was not charged.
That are the three points for service. Even the noodles my
wife had, did not look nor taste italian. This spot should never be recomended be
at all."
it was deep frozen. When I reclaimed, I was not charged.
That are the three points for service. Even the noodles my
wife had, did not look nor taste italian. This spot should never be recomended be
at all."
Dined on 12/02/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We went to Carmello's with
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to Carmello's with a Groupon on Saturday night. We weren't sure what to expect with the location on the "quiet" end of Sparks Street, but it was bustling and the food delicious."
Dined on 09/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 27 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Indifferent service. Felt
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Indifferent service. Felt like I was inhibiting an early closing on an otherwise quiet night. Wouldnt bother going back."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 28 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was excellent- I
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was excellent- I am celiac, and it was the bests gluten free pizza I've had, can't wait to go back and try their gluten-free pasta as well!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 29 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
the food was very good, as
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"the food was very good, as well as the service."
Dined on 01/02/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 30 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The seafood salad It had lots
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The seafood salad It had lots of salmon and lots of mussels but only 2 calamari and 3-4 shrimp, but I was happy with I got. I always ordered the gorgonzola pasta, which I love. This time though, the chicken was overcooked and partly burned on the edges. The sauce also wasn't as thick as usual- I like it thicker, but the gorgonzola flavour was very prominent. I always get the tiramisu which i also love, but this time tried the creme caramel. It was a different texture than what I usually get for creme caramel, it was more of a really smooth cheesecake texture. It was also lemon flavoured with black dots, which I suspected were poppyseed. The caramel was very bitter, to contrast the sweet, which was nice but not what I enjoy."
Dined on 01/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 31 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Our trip to Carmellos was
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our trip to Carmellos was a gathering of three couples who have not dined together in about a year so we were lively. Our seting location was idealfor such a group, off to the side a little. We arrrived for a later siitng and closed the restaurant.
Our server was bubbly and eager to help hoever she appeared to lack some basic training as demonstrated by failing to keep our water glasses full, letting us taste the wine before pouring for all, and clearing dishes before all diners were done. The coffee did arrive with the desserts.
The food was fair to very good depending on you order. The steaks were a hit with the men! The veal ws average being over cooked and soaked in too much sauce, and the chicken ws good but not a culinary del"
Dined on 26/01/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 32 for Carmello's-Ottawa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
With a larger business group
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"With a larger business group for dinner, the service was very good and the food was great in a reasonable price range."
Dined on 22/01/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Carmello's-Ottawa
Based on the average of (39) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic