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Carmine’s
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Carmine’s
8.4
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Legendary family-style Southern Italian since 1990, serving wedding feast-sized portions under candelabra chandeliers. With over 32,000 OpenTable reviews and consistent 4.6 stars, this 500-seat institution has proven staying power for groups seeking shareable classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Rigatoni alla Vodka
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Massive family-style portions that make every meal feel like an Italian wedding
Who should go: Large groups, families, anyone who loves sharing food
When to visit: Before or after Broadway shows
What to order: Chicken parm, meatballs, and vodka rigatoni for the table
Insider tip: Each pasta serves 3-4 people—servers will warn you but listen carefully
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Edison Parkfast on 44th St (between 8th & 9th Ave) offers $20 validated parking for up to 4 hours - get ticket validated at restaurant
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - anything goes from jeans to pre-theater dressy, no enforced code
Noise level: Very loud - bustling, celebratory atmosphere makes intimate conversation difficult; embrace the energy
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation during pre-theater hours; reservations essential
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait with reservation, 10-20 min walk-in; bar seating available immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated vegetarian/vegan menu with pasta, salads, and vegetable dishes
Vegan options: Yes - specific vegan menu available with modifications like oil & vinegar dressing substitutions
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated wheat & gluten allergy menu; kitchen not allergen-free so cross-contact possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - the loud, chaotic atmosphere makes intimate conversation nearly impossible, and family-style portions require sharing which can feel awkward on a first date. Better for established couples who enjoy lively environments.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Technically yes, but expect 30-45+ minute waits during dinner hours. Bar seating accepts walk-ins with full menu. For pre-theater dining, reservations are essentially required - they only hold tables 15 minutes past reservation time.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - they have a dedicated kids menu with crayons, families with toddlers are common, and the noisy atmosphere means children won't disturb anyone. Large shareable portions make it easy to feed picky eaters.
Best For
Better for: Large groups of 4+ seeking maximum food value, birthday celebrations with singing and cake, and families who want abundant shareable plates in a festive atmosphere near Broadway
Skip if: You're a party of 2 (portions don't scale down), want quiet conversation, prefer individual plating, or need to order separate dishes - the family-style format requires table consensus
Carmine’s
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Old‑school Italian family‑style dining offering oversized portions ideal for sharing — a hit among families and large groups before theatre or after exploring Midtown. The menu delivers classic pasta, chicken parmigiana and family‑friendly dishes in a warm, bustling environment. Many families appreciate the all‑in‑one meal approach and friendly, quick service for big tables.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti & meatballs, Chicken parmigiana, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Generous Italian‑American portions served family‑style for easy sharing.
Who should go: Families or groups wanting to share a big meal.
When to visit: Early evening or before a show.
What to order: Spaghetti & meatballs, chicken parmigiana, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Portions are huge — order fewer mains, more sharing sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking available for $15, street parking challenging in the evening.
Dress code: Casual - jeans and comfortable attire are fine, but avoid overly casual wear like flip-flops.
Noise level: Moderate - the atmosphere is lively but still allows for comfortable conversation.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation, especially on show nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but it can get busy during the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options, including pasta and vegetable-based dishes.
Vegan options: Limited - a few vegetable dishes can be made vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available and prepared in a separate area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for an intimate, quiet first date due to the bustling, family-oriented vibe, but great for a fun, casual date if you enjoy lively environments.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's possible, but reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends or before theater times when it can get very crowded.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - perfect for families with children. The portions are large, and the family-style service makes it easy to share. High chairs and kid-friendly menu options are available.
Best For
Better for: Better for large groups or families looking for hearty, shareable Italian-American meals in a casual setting.
Skip if: Skip if you're looking for a quiet, romantic dining experience or a fine dining atmosphere.