Cara Mia

05/31/2008 Posted by sarahlane15

Simple but elegant. I love this place. Walking distance from our hotel in times square, so adorable. Friendly service, decent prices and a great overall feeling. We made reservations, which may be recommended, its small and may be packed on the weekends.

Pros: Ambience, quaint feeling

Cons: not good for severe clausterphobs.

03/12/2008 Posted by tazelo

This little restaurant was really nice. We had some bread and focaccia with olive oil and 2 mini brushetta as we were waiting. My husband took the mozzarella & tomato salad and the mozzarella was really really good. I had the spaghetti zuchini with mint and my husband the penne puttanesca and both were excellent. I would recommand this restaurant. Very good price too.

09/30/2007 Posted by wisebrain

This restaurant is not bad, but not great either. The service was pretty average and so was the food. While it is reasonably priced for HK, it's not exactly cheap.

Pros: Ambiance

Cons: Small

03/27/2007 Posted by smidgen15

I was referred to this place by my former boss in 2000 as a pre-theater eatery. Every time I have returned I have had a lovely time. It's quick and fast... with generous portions. Not a place I would recommend for a romantic meal on theater nights, as the room is bustling and the energy is high... and the table turnover is quick... but it's small and cozy enough for a nice quiet dinner after 8... or on a monday evening. The seafood medley dish is extraordinary... big pasta bowl filled with all the joys of the sea... wine was good. I always opt to go here for before theater if I know I have a short timeframe and want a quick, decent-sized meal.

Pros: Quick and easy for theater-goers, great portion sizes

03/22/2007 Posted by rico73

I'm tired of fancy fusion. I hate tiny portions. I have no tolerance for snooty hosts. That's why I love Cara Mia. A real trattoria serving great but simple food, without the attitude. Go ahead, enjoy.

Pros: great food and wine, cozy

Cons: can get very busy

03/16/2007 Posted by dmcfire35

I was looking for a decent Italian place to accommodate a my family while they visited NYC. We tried getting a reservation at Carmine's on Broadway....one year waiting list. I did a search on the net and found Cara Mia. I was not that optimistic, my brother who is super picking would be there and he has torn apart some of the best places I know. Cara Mia passed his test and our entire party of 12. They were able to take a reservation the night before for the time that we wanted. When we arrived, our table was ready. The service and staff were exceptional. The food was out of this world. Apps, entrees and dessert were to die for. The waiter talked me out of my standard order of Chicken Parm and talked me in to a special of Mahi Mahi. Wow, was it delicious. The whole night was fantastic. Any future trips to the time square area will include a stop at Cara Mia. We are big fans of Mulberry Street and Little Italy the Bronx, this place fills a stop in between. 5 stars to Cara Mia!!

Pros: Food was as good or better than most restaurants on Mulberry Street.

Cons: No Bar...Wine and Beer only

01/19/2007 Posted by jkmb

This was close to the Theater district. Good menu selection and good value for the money. The stuffed mushrooms and risotta are excellent.

Pros: Appetizers

Cons: limited Wine list

08/18/2006 Posted by alice717

Wow! Went to Cara Mia by chance and what a lucky accident that was. The service was great, with a waitstaff that was knowledgable and attentive. THe food was excellent, and being an Italian I am a tough critic. The pasta is made fresh, which is a treat in itself. The menu was sophisticated yet not pretentious and featured some classic dishes as well as the chef's own combinations. Only complaint was that I felt some of the decor was a little mismatched. Pricewise, it was definately moderate and affordable for the quality of food and serivce. For dessert get the chocolate mousse cake!

Pros: Italian food, romantic, service

06/24/2006 Posted by twinb04

My entire family went to dinner there after a matinee. We were a large group and were sat immediately. The Food was great: a bunch of appetizers and nine dinners, and not one complaint. The wine selection was huge and had a number of reasonably priced bottles. The service was good, the waiter was attentive without being overbearing. However, our dinner was early and by the time we left the place was very crowded (they didn't rush us at all!!), so if you are going with a big group I wouldn't recommend peak hours since it's small. Overall it was a great experience, good enough in fact that we are planning to go back the next time we get together for a show and dinner!

Pros: great food, lots of wine, reasonable prices

Cons: small

05/23/2006 Posted by orangeboots

I've been going to Cara Mia since they first opened and I never get tired of it. I've referred local friends, friends visiting from out-of-town and strangers (I'm a tour guide)to it and they've never been disappointed. The specials are fabulous! The wine selection is great! The waitstaff are attentive, but not intrusive and responsive to my bread addiction. I took my nephew there for his birthday when he was about 8 and my sister told me he later referred to the dessert as "Mom, it was so good, I'd cut off my arm for a piece of that cake." It is the absolute best deal for wonderful Italian food without going broke.

Pros: Food, Service, Wine Selection

Cons: Tourists (my fault), Space btwn seats