Carmine's
(212) 221-3800
200 W 44th St
New York,
NY
10036
40.7584
-73.9891
Neighborhoods: Clinton, Midtown
What People Are Saying About Carmine's
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
This traditional Italian restaurant near Times Square is on every tourist's to-do list. Decorated with spotlighted portraits and black-and-white photographs, the massive main dining room holds multitudes--but you'll still line up for an hour or more without a reservation. Large groups here for a celebration will love the raucous atmosphere; those in search of quiet conversation will hate it. Despite the hubbub, service is cheerful and efficient.
The Food
Count on going home with a doggy bag: The enormous portions are sized for three to four people, which makes for great value but much negotiation, especially if you're a couple. All the garlic-saturated dishes come on strong with robust flavors. Rich sauces make pastas a good bet, but chicken marsala and salmon special are middle-of-the-road and veal is rather ropey. After all the heat, strawberry shortcake with whipped cream makes for a cool, refreshing dessert.
User Reviews
vincenzia
June 25, 2009
The waitress was not able to communicate the way the menu worked. In other words, instead of elaborating on that the menu selections were "family style" - enough for the whole table, we were led to believe that we could order individual portions. Therefore, when we ordered Sea Bass, we were unaware that it was enough for the whole table @ $48.50 a dish, and proceeded to order five other entrees. Needless to say, a lot of waste of food and dollars. Will not be back.......
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GeneK11105
April 26, 2009
Considering all the tourist traps and franchise-type restaurants in Times Sq, it's good for New Yorkers to have a really good Italian restaurant right in the heart of it all. Been here a bunch of times and the food's always been top-notch. I mean, sure it's not the best Italian in the world like when we go to Batali's Babbo, but all the dishes we've ever tried are excellent and the serving sizes are absolutely huge (family-portion or larger!). If you order an appetizer, it's going to be for like 3 or 4 people, no joke. I have a huge appetite, and I always bring home a doggy bag. My faves are the calamari with sauce for appetitzer, and the shrimp diavlo for entree. The shrimp are huge, they must include 15-20 shrimps, and the sauce is perfect...spicy enough to enjoy, but not too hot. Everything else I've gotten has been either very good or great. We always go with other people. The only con might be the noise -its really loud in this place...so dont expect to go here on a romantic date, that would be a bad choice. The service we've gotten has been OK considering how big the place is, and its always packed. Prices are very affordable, absolutely make reservations ahead. Best times to go would be mid-afternoon on a weekend or about 8:00pm on a weekday after the theater crowd has already left to go to their shows. Bottomline...the food's delicious and they give you plenty and price isnt bad. Carmine's... big thumbs up!
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julie29
January 03, 2009
We had a good meal with lots of food for the money. reservation was very slow-made for 4 people for 9:30 and didn't get seated until 10:30. It was the evening of black friday so we were understanding. The food was worth the wait. Will return again.
read full reviewThe Details on Carmine's
Know Before You Go:
After 6pm, reservations may only be made for parties of 6 or more. If you're turning up without a reservation, get there before 5pm or be prepared to wait (fortunately, the bar area is quite generous).
Look Good:
Got garlic breath? The bathrooms have big tubs of mouthwash mounted on the walls, and little cups to swig it with.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Cash, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family Style Dining, Group Dining, Food Delivery, Theater District Dining
