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oChef » Carmine’s – Seattle
Carmine's - Seattle
Photo from Carmine’s
Carmine's at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 20 of the guests
#283 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#9 Italian Restaurant out of 32 in Seattle
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
289
Reviews
75.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food Quality
- Ambiance
- Service
Frequently criticized
- Value
- Service issues
- Reservations
The Italian restaurant Carmine’s – 5th Avenue, nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Central Business District, invites you to experience a delightful meal. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether you’re stopping by for lunch, dinner, or a sweet dessert.
This spot offers a welcoming environment where you can unwind and enjoy authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Carmine's
Carmine’s presents a visually appealing setting with a timeless, classic vibe, often complemented by attentive service. Guests frequently praise the overall atmosphere and the dedication of the staff, contributing to a generally positive dining impression.
While the culinary offerings are generally well-received, some experiences highlight inconsistencies, particularly with certain dishes. Additionally, issues with front-of-house operations and reservation handling have occasionally led to a less welcoming start for some patrons.
Good
7.9
out of 10
289
Reviews
75.4%
Satisfaction
57
negative
14
neutral
218
positive
Carmine’s overall performance registers a solid 7.9, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 75.4%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 289 customer remarks, with 218 positive observations outweighing 57 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Ambience (8.8) and Food (8.4) are clear strengths, frequently earning praise for their quality and presentation.
Service (6.7) is generally good, though some experiences suggest room for improvement. However, the Value (2.8) aspect is a notable concern, indicating that pricing might not align with expectations for all guests.
What people like
- Excellent Food Quality
- Stunning Ambiance
- Impeccable Service
What people don't like
- Poor Value
- Front-of-house issues
- Reservation problems
Carmine’s offers a compelling experience for those prioritizing atmosphere and culinary quality. With a recommendation score of 8.1, it’s a place worth considering if you appreciate a well-crafted setting and flavorful dishes.
However, be mindful of the pricing and potential for occasional service hiccups. If you’re seeking an evening where the setting and food shine, and are prepared for the cost, Carmine’s could be a fitting choice for your next outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Carmine's
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 80.8%. With 105 positive remarks out of 130 total, diners consistently praise the scrumptious menu and homemade pasta, especially dishes like lobster pappardelle and ravioli di ossobuco. Many also rave about the great drinks and gluten free options, making for an exceptional dining experience.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 17 negative comments noting some fluctuating food quality. Concerns included soggy chicken and dry pork chop, with some finding the food presentation lackluster. A few also felt the drinks were underwhelming, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
130
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
17
negative
8
neutral
105
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homemade pasta excels
- Scrumptious menu variety
- Delicious drinks, desserts
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Lackluster presentation
- Underwhelming drink options
Often praised
- foodI was blown away by how attentive the wait staff was — the whole team truly knows how to serve up excellence. The food across the board was delicious. Seeing this new location open in the heart of downtown is such a win.
- gnocchiAs someone who’s dined here 5+ times, my recommended must-try’s include the ravioli di ossobuco, lobster pappardelle, and the risotto of the day – you can’t go wrong. For dessert, the panne caldo, gnocchi, tiramisu, and pistachio cheesecake (when available) are excellent choices. This is an institution that brings together the best of Seattle, evident in its architecture, design, landscaping (featuring a gorgeous olive tree), marble work, linens, flowers, fresh bread, upholstery, and woodwork.
- FoodService, Atmosphere, and Food were all excellent
- dessertsDrinks appeared, courses transitioned, and needs were met so smoothly that we barely noticed the effort. We capped off the night by sampling four different desserts, and each one was a perfect, celebratory finish. We wholeheartedly look forward to returning!
- wineMy dessert and wine were absolutely delicious and paired beautifully
- wine selectionthe incredible wine selection
- Arrabbiata Sauce" I exclusively post 5-star reviews, which is why my handle is Cicilicious. The restaurant offers a variety of delicious sauces, including Pesto Sauce (pine nut and pistachio), Marinara Sauce, and Arrabbiata Sauce. Don't even get me started on the demi-glace and reductions drizzling over the protein with a "splash of delight.
- Bistecca Tagliatafull of that deep, savory confidence a good steak should have
- Bistecca al PepeBistecca al Pepe, 18 oz NY strip
- Caesar saladsand Caesar salads for starters
Frequently criticized
- foodI was super excited to try this restaurant as they just opened! Unfortunately, the food was SUPER disappointing to the point of heartbreak. The chicken was soggy, feeling microwaved, and the pork chop was super dry.
- Cesar saladso disappointed at the Cesar salad
- Italian dinnerwould not recommend if you want to have a delicious Italian dinner
- chickenChicken was soggy that it felt like it was microwaved
- cocktail menunothing on the menu quite matched that
- drinksdrinks are underwhelming
- flavorThe chicken was soggy, feeling microwaved, and the pork chop was super dry. In conclusion, everything lacked flavor and tasted like a TV dinner. On a positive note, the place is super cute and the staff was great.
- food presentationpresentation of food was lack luster
- food qualityfood quality is fluctuating
- menu appearanceMenu appearance needs an upgrade
If youre looking for a delicious Italian meal, the food here is largely a winner, with many standout dishes and drinks. While there are a few reports of inconsistent quality or presentation, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for a treat.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a lot to appreciate here! With 53 positive remarks, many guests raved about the attentive service and the warmth of management. You can expect a truly special experience, often described as white glove service, where the staff is amazing and your glass is never empty.
The overall score for service sits at a respectable 6.7, indicating a generally good experience. However, its not all smooth sailing, as reflected by a customer satisfaction of 60.9%, which is a mixed bag. Out of 87 total mentions, 30 pointed to areas needing improvement.
Some guests faced frustrating waiting times and issues with the host staff, leading to reservation issues and feelings of being dismissed. There were also concerns about poor hospitality leadership and communication breakdowns.
Service
87
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
30
negative
4
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, warm service
- Knowledgeable staff
- White glove experience
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Poor host staff
- Reservation issues
Often praised
- serviceIt has such a timeless, classic vibe that is hard to find these days. The service was impeccable! Attentive without being intrusive and the food was outstanding.
- staffIn conclusion, everything lacked flavor and tasted like a TV dinner. On a positive note, the place is super cute and the staff was great.
- ServiceService stays attentive from start to finish — warm smiles, helpful recommendations
- serverour server was fantastic: warm, attentive, and genuinely kind
- teamthe team (chef, cooks, bartenders, wait staff, hosts, expeditors, wine curator, management, valet group, etc etc) are still in the very early days of getting a massive operation running smoothly
- Dinner Valet parkingDinner Valet parking at the 6th Ave lobby entrance
- co-owner and chefco-owner and chef made time to come and check up
- complimentary parkingcomplimentary parking garage on 6th ave entrance
- glass was never emptyThe food was delicious, offering a nice variety of options from antipasto spreads to full entrees. The service was top-notch; my glass was never empty. I will definitely be back for a girls' night!
- greeting huddleastounded by our lovely greeting huddle
Frequently criticized
- OpenTable reservation deleted” This was an unnecessarily aggressive approach for a birthday dinner. MAJOR RED FLAG: After leaving, I discovered my OpenTable reservation had been deleted. In my professional experience, this indicates manual removal, which prevents feedback and raises transparency concerns.
- champagne was spilledChampagne was spilled on my guest
- courtesy callsdo not provide courtesy calls
- disappointing birthday experienceextremely disappointing birthday experience due to miscommunication
- dismissedI have extensive experience in fine dining, including FOH roles at Michelin-rated establishments and as a Maitre’D at The Plaza Hotel. My background, including friends who own Michelin-starred restaurants and family connections to Michelin, makes me deeply respect the craft, which is why I was particularly stunned by how dismissed I felt. COMMUNICATION & RESERVATION ISSUES: Emails to the GM, Joel, and the private dining manager, Atheena, regarding a change in party size went unanswered.
- drinksWhile the co-owner and chef checking in was a nice gesture, it didn't compensate for the overall subpar experience. Drinks took over an hour to arrive for our table, suggesting understaffing. The food, while tasting within reason for entrees priced at $50-$70, was not exceptional compared to other major cities.
- front-of-house experiencereally disappointed with the front-of-house experience
- front-of-house serviceThe food itself was excellent, and the desserts were especially impressive. Carmine’s has great potential and clearly strong talent in the kitchen and on the floor, but the front-of-house service seriously detracts from the overall experience. Going forward, I will just continue to go to the other location where they actually treat you like a welcomed guest.
- guests cancelcaused most of my guests to cancel
- hospitality traininglacked hospitality training
If youre looking for a place with genuinely warm and attentive staff, youll likely find it here. However, be prepared for potential hiccups with front-of-house operations or reservation management. It's a spot that can truly shine, but also has some clear areas for improvement.
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, with a fantastic score of 8.8 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.9%. Guests consistently rave about the atmosphere, with 60 positive remarks highlighting the beautiful setting, decor, and chandeliers. Many describe it as having a timeless, classic vibe and a warm and friendly atmosphere, making dining feel like magic.
However, out of 66 total comments, a few of the 5 negative observations point to some minor concerns. Some guests mentioned issues with seating conversation or being placed in a back alcove, while others noted badly placed tables or that the restrooms could be messy. A couple found the vibe a little stuffy, suggesting some areas might not live up to the overall high standard.
Ambience
66
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning interior design
- Elegant, lively vibe
- Impressive decor, architecture
What people don't like
- Seating can disappoint
- Restrooms sometimes messy
- Vibe feels stuffy
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience was fantastic! The food was delicious, the service was wonderful, and the atmosphere is stunning. I will definitely be coming back.
- vibesuch a timeless, classic vibe
- AtmosphereI really loved the tomato soup and the veal with prosciutto. The food quality, service, and atmosphere were all excellent.
- restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great service and a beautiful restaurant. However, the menu appearance could use an upgrade, and while the food and cocktail menu was good, it wasn't particularly special.
- ambianceThe ambiance really stands out
- decorThe decor, the service, and especially the food!
- ambiance and vibesambiance and vibes are great for a fine dining spot
- architectureyou’ll likely notice the architecture
- beautiful chandeliersbeautiful chandeliers in the main dining area
- beautiful settingMy experience at Smeraldo's was exceptional! The scrumptious menu, warm and friendly atmosphere, and beautiful setting are unmatched in the Seattle area. Truly, no one does it like Smeraldo's!
Frequently criticized
- back alcoveI did not like the back alcove
- badly placed tablesseveral badly placed tables
- restroomswas very messy
- seating conversationThis led to most of my guests canceling, a deeply disappointing situation for my birthday. THE SEATING CONVERSATION: Earlier in the day, Atheena and I discussed being seated in the chandelier dining room for its ambiance. She indicated I was seated “over there, ” pointing to the main room by the windows.
- vibeVibe is a little stuffy
If youre looking for a restaurant where the atmosphere is a key part of the experience, this place is definitely worth trying. While there are a few minor seating quirks, the overwhelmingly positive feedback on its stunning decor and elegant vibe makes it a strong contender for a memorable outing. Its perfect for a celebration or when you want to impress.
Value (2.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 7% of the guests
When it comes to value, there isnt much positive buzz to report from customers. With 0 positive opinions out of 6 total comments, it seems guests havent found much to praise regarding the pricing or overall cost-effectiveness of their experience here. The sentiment around value is quite low, with a score of just 2.8, indicating a poor showing.
Customer satisfaction is also at a dismal 0%, reflecting significant disappointment. Many guests felt hit with unexpected costs, mentioning outdoor patio minimums, private dining fees, and being charged full corkage. It appears the price point left many feeling penalized, suggesting you might find better value elsewhere.
Value
6
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- High minimums
- Extra fees
- Poor value
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- charged full corkagestill charged full corkage
- outdoor patio minimumquoted a $4,000 outdoor patio minimum
- penalized for not choosinglike I was being penalized for not choosing the private dining minimum
- price pointfor this price point, you are better off going to other local high end Italian restaurants
- private dining feeplus an additional private dining fee
If you're looking for good value, this might not be the place for you. Guests consistently felt overcharged due to various fees and high minimums, suggesting better options exist for the price. Be prepared for potential sticker shock if you decide to visit.
How are the prices at Carmine's?
On average, you’ll spend around 77 per person – from 20 guests. That places this Italian spot in the $71–$80 range. For an Italian Restaurant, thats definitely leaning towards the higher-end.
Looking at the spread of prices, its interesting! While some guests opt for a more mid-range meal, a significant number (half of all diners!) are spending 101 $ or more. This suggests a mix of experiences, from solid mid-range to truly premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 20 reviews.
A comparison of value for money against similar restaurants in Seattle.
Considering the average spend and the number of guests choosing premium options, we feel the pricing is fair for a higher-end Italian dining experience. It’s not a budget option, but it offers value for those seeking a more upscale meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Carmine's
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Impeccable Experience with Delicious Specials
My experience at this restaurant was impeccable on all fronts. The specials were delicious, specifically the salmon and filet mignon risotto. The nicoise salad was also perfectly dressed.
- specials10
- salmon10
- filet minion risotto10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Carmine's on 5th: Classic Italian Done Right
My experience at Carmine’s on 5th was a consistently classic Italian dining experience that makes you want to return. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt timeless—warm, lively, and unmistakably Italian. The service was attentive, striking a perfect balance between polished and welcoming.
The standout, without question, was the veal. Whether I ordered the veal parmigiana, veal piccata, or veal marsala, the preparation was exceptional. The veal was remarkably tender, expertly cooked, and full of flavor—never overworked, never dry.
Each dish showcased careful technique, balanced seasoning, and sauces that complemented rather than overpowered the meat. It is old-school Italian done exactly right. Beyond the veal, the menu is deep and reliable, with excellent pastas, fresh seafood, and well-executed classics throughout.
The portions were generous without being excessive, and everything arrived hot, fresh, and beautifully presented. The service at Carmine’s was another highlight—professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely hospitable. It felt like a place that takes pride in long-standing relationships with both its guests and its craft.
If you are looking for a true Italian staple in downtown Seattle—especially if veal is your benchmark dish—Carmine’s on 5th is as good as it gets. A must-visit for both locals and visitors who appreciate quality, consistency, and tradition.
- atmosphere10
- service10
- veal10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Carmine's: Elegant Celebration Dinner!
I absolutely loved my experience at Carmine's! The food was amazing, the staff was amazing, and the vibe was so elegant. It's a perfect place for a celebration dinner.
- food10
- staff10
- vibe9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Classy Seattle Experience with Stellar Cocktails
I stopped by for cocktails and appetizers at the mini bar, which is tucked behind the dining area. The space itself is beautiful. My espresso martini was a perfect 10/10.
I'm eager to return with my dad; it offers a very classy Seattle experience.
- espresso martini10
- mini bar9
- space9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic New Spot in Bellevue!
My experience at this new restaurant in Bellevue and Pioneer Square was fantastic. The food was excellent, and the ambiance was stunning. I highly recommend this place.
- food10
- ambiance10
What Carmine's offers
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Wine
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Carmine's?
At Carmine’s, you can enjoy a full dining experience with options for lunch, dinner, and dessert. For your convenience, they also offer curbside pickup and takeout services, ensuring you can savor their Italian dishes wherever you prefer.
Does Carmine's offer alcoholic beverages and parking?
Yes, Carmine’s provides a selection of alcoholic beverages, including wine and cocktails, to complement your meal. For parking, you’ll find both paid parking garage options and paid street parking available nearby for your visit.
How does Carmine's generally perform?
Carmine’s holds an overall score of 7.9, with its Ambience (8.8) and Food (8.4) being strong points. Service (6.7) is good, but Value (2.8) is a significant area for improvement.
What do guests appreciate most about Carmine's?
Patrons frequently commend the restaurant’s beautiful atmosphere and decor, along with the quality of its Italian dishes, including various sauces and steak options. Many also highlight the attentive and warm service.
Are there any common concerns at Carmine's?
Some guests have reported issues with front-of-house service, including reservation problems and slow drink delivery. The perception of value for money is also a recurring negative point, with some finding it overpriced.