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ZipPicks Awards
Best Date Night Italian in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Carmine's Restaurant & Bar
8.0
An old-school Italian-American supper club that trades on Rat Pack-era atmosphere and a deep-cut comfort menu built around red-sauce classics and stiff martinis. West LA regulars have relied on it for decades as the kind of place where the toasted ravioli and the dim lighting do equal work. Expect supper-club volume on weekends — quieter tables come earlier in the week.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bolognese Sauce, Toasted Ravioli, Martini
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Old-school Italian-American supper club with a Rat Pack atmosphere that has kept West LA regulars coming back for decades
Who should go: Couples and groups craving classic Italian with old-school charm
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the full Rat Pack lounge feel
What to order: Start with the toasted ravioli, follow with the bolognese, and let the bartender make you a proper martini
Insider tip: The bartenders are a draw on their own — sit at the bar for the full old-school experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Restaurant lot available Mon–Thu (self-park); valet Mon–Sat ($12, cash only); Fri–Sat lot reserved for valet. Street parking also available nearby.
Dress code: Business casual recommended
Noise level: Can get loud—dark, old-school atmosphere; some nights allow easy conversation, busier nights require leaning in
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Italian menu includes pasta dishes and options like Eggplant Rollatini and Burrata that are vegetarian
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - this is a strong first date pick. The room is small, dark, and cozy with old-school Italian charm — black and white Rat Pack photos on the walls, Dean Martin playing softly. The intimate scale means you're close but not cramped. On nights with live piano, the energy picks up and can get lively, so request a quieter table if conversation is the priority. The nostalgic, dimly lit atmosphere does the heavy lifting for romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky. The dining room is small, and multiple sources confirm reservations are strongly advised. They book through Resy and OpenTable. No reviewer confirmed a successful walk-in. Hours are dinner only, Mon-Sat 5:30-9pm (until 10pm Fri/Sat), closed Sunday. Book at least a few days ahead — exact lead time not confirmed, but the tight room means availability fills quickly, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Possible but not ideal. Families have dined here, and the restaurant lists 'neighbors and families' among its clientele. However, no kids menu or high chairs were confirmed online. The dark, intimate, bar-forward atmosphere skews adult — this is a Rat Pack throwback, not a family trattoria. Older kids who can sit through a full dinner would be fine. For young children, call ahead to confirm accommodations.
Is it good for groups? Yes - they actively promote private dining for groups of 10 or more, including corporate events, celebrations, and family gatherings. Custom menus are built for each event rather than fixed packages. Full bar available. For groups under 10, the small main dining room makes large party seating tight — book well in advance. Contact them directly for private dining availability and lead time, as capacity and specific terms aren't published.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - a patio is referenced on their website, accessible via the parking lot behind the building off Thayer Ave. However, details are thin: no reviews mention the patio, and whether it's covered, heated, or how many it seats is not confirmed online. Call ahead if outdoor seating is important to your plans.
Best For
Better for: Old Hollywood atmosphere and escapism—tavern-like setting that evokes the Rat Pack era, with live entertainment on select nights. A scene restaurant, not a food-first restaurant.
Consider Alternatives If: You prioritize food over ambiance—service is warmer than the food, which has been noted as arriving lukewarm and under-seasoned
Hours
Monday5:30pm - 9pm
Tuesday5:30pm - 9pm
Wednesday5:30pm - 9pm
Thursday5:30pm - 9pm
Friday5:30pm - 10pm
Saturday5:30pm - 10pm
SundayClosed