Carmine’s: A New York Italian Restaurant The Old Fashioned Way

If you’re interested in a good old-fashioned family style Italian meal in a bustling atmosphere, try Carmine’s. You’ll get a generous portion of homey Italian food, and it won’t break the bank. See why New Yorker Joey calls it his favorite Italian restaurant…

Highlights: Old-fashioned, family-style Southern Italian fare; great value
Website: http://www.carminesnyc.com/
Locations: Upper West Side (The Original Carmine’s) – 2450 Broadway
Theater District – 200 West 44th Street

As an Italian-American living in New York, I know a thing or two about good food. I have a few favorite restaurants. These favorites are made up of all different types of cultures and cuisines. My favorite restaurant, though, is Carmine’s in New York City. The first time I went to Carmine’s was on a school field trip. With my Italian language class, I had the opportunity to watch an opera for the day. However, the meal was a bonus. Our teacher surprised us by including an early dinner. Because I love food, I was skeptical. How good could this really be? I’m happy to report, though, that I was blissfully surprised. While the atmosphere at Carmine’s is fairly busy and sometimes very noisy, it’s all part of the experience. You’ll absolutely want to dress casually for this meal, and bring your favorite people along with you. It’s a fun and exciting place to bring relatives or friends. Your family will instantly feel a part of Carmine’s family, and that’s the whole point. Carmine’s, “NYC’s legendary family style Italian restaurant,” lives up to its slogan. The food and service are beyond legendary. The portions are meant to fill between four and six people, but are probably even more generous than that. And believe me when I say you will be full by the end of your meal. Appetizers range from fried calamari to Caesar salad. My favorite pasta dish at Carmine’s would have to be penne alla vodka; it is unbelievably delicious. I prefer lean meat, so chicken parmigiana is always an obvious choice for me. And no meal at Carmine’s is complete without their epic Titanic dessert (trust that you’ll want to try this one). But the truth is, no matter what you pick, you’re sure to enjoy it 100%.