Carmelina's — Restaurant in Boston

On a gentle weekday evening, we ventured into the heart of the North End, where Carmelina’s awaited us like a hidden treasure, promising an Italian feast steeped in tradition and warmth. As we stepped inside, the quaint charm of the restaurant enveloped us, with its rustic wooden beams and softly glowing candles that whispered tales of family gatherings and shared laughter.

The atmosphere was alive, a tapestry woven with the sounds of clinking glasses and the fragrant aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the air. Our hearts fluttered with anticipation as we settled into our cozy corner, ready to embark on a culinary journey.

We began our meal with the Crispy Calamari, beautifully presented and lightly fried to perfection. Each tender bite was accompanied by a zesty marinara that danced on our taste buds, a delightful prelude that set the stage for the flavors to come. We also indulged in the Bruschetta, where fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction adorned toasted bread—a classic that reminded us of sun-drenched Italian summers.

For the main courses, I chose the Pasta alla Vodka, a creamy, dreamy creation that enveloped al dente penne in a luscious sauce kissed with a hint of spice. It was a comforting embrace, warm and rich, that transported me to the heart of Italy. My partner opted for the Lobster Ravioli, delicate pillows filled with sweet lobster meat, bathed in a fragrant saffron cream sauce that was both indulgent and exquisite.

Yet, as we savored these culinary delights, the service began to falter like a boat adrift on a restless sea. Our server, though friendly, seemed overwhelmed and inattentive, leaving us waiting too long for our wine to be poured and our plates to be cleared. The rhythm of our evening was disrupted, casting a shadow over the otherwise enchanting experience.

As we concluded our meal with the Tiramisu, a classic dessert that arrived with promise, we were met with a lingering disappointment. While the flavors were delightful—the coffee-soaked layers and creamy mascarpone—our dessert felt rushed, lacking the finesse that had defined the earlier courses.

In reflection, Carmelina’s is a restaurant with a heart that beats for authentic Italian cuisine, where the dishes sing of passion and tradition. However, the evening was slightly dimmed by service that didn’t quite match the brilliance of the kitchen. As we departed, hand in hand, we carried with us the flavors of a delightful meal, tempered by a wish for a more seamless dining experience.

Carmelina’s has the potential to be a shining star in the North End, and we hope that with a touch of refinement in service, it will rise to meet the extraordinary culinary heights it...

After 1.5 months of waiting, the day of my reservation for the ever-so-popular Carmelina's finally arrived. Doors opened right at 11:30 AM, and we were seated promptly after confirming our reservation (note: I like to dine solo, but this place has a 2-person minimum). A line had formed outside because they only hold your table for 10 minutes and kick you out after 90 minutes, so no one wanted to be late.

The place was smaller than expected, with tables packed tightly together, which is typical of restaurants in the North End. They have a QR code at every table to scan for the menu. You must order everything upfront. Because of the small space, the smoke from the kitchen burned our eyes as we waited for our food. However, the appetizers and then the main course all came out within 20ish minutes, served in the pans in which they were cooked. We also got complimentary bread with olive oil to start. Complimentary bread with olive oil: The bread was warm and crunchy. Not bad but also nothing special. Risotto Milanese: Good portion size for $10; enough to share between two people. It was creamy and almost tasted like clam chowder. Sunday Macaroni: HUGE portion size, packed with protein. For $38, it was well worth two meals. The whipped ricotta and meatballs were my favorite parts. The whipped ricotta was so fluffy and added a light creaminess. The meatball was very soft and flavorful. The beef rib slipped off the bone, but the meatier part was a bit overcooked and dry. The Sulmona sausage was thick but too chewy for my liking. The penne and sauce were fine but plain. Frutti di Mare: Also HUGE. Great variety of fresh seafood that was cooked well. There was an even ratio of sauce to pasta to seafood. The pasta was soft, and the sauce was light and sweet.

We didn't have any direct issues with the service, but we were a bit shocked at how they treated the table next to us, which put a bit of a damper on the meal.

Overall, it was a very filling meal that gives a great bang for your buck, but relative to how hard it was to get a reservation, I have had better meals in Boston. I do appreciate that they accept credit cards (except for Discover), as most places in the North End are cash-only. Note that they charge a 3% kitchen appreciation fee. I would come back, but it's not a place for which I would be rushing to get another...

All right, buckle up. If you are looking for the absolute best Italian food you have ever tasted in the United States, look no further. There are a lot of Italian restaurants in the north end, many of them not truly authentic and more touristy. This one however, is none of those things.

Carmelina’s is without a doubt the best Italian restaurant in Boston. The only issue is the reservations and strict time constraints they impose on diners, but by having this in place, it allows many more diners to experience their fantastic food. We sat right beside the street as it’s more of an open air restaurant with no windows at the front. They also don’t allow reservations larger than 6 people. We made a reservation a few days ahead of time for 4 for 9PM, given the late sunset hours in the summer. We did have to wait about a half hour because a the people at our table were finishing up their meals.

Right when we sat down, the server had cold ice water, waiting for us. They started with freshly baked Italian bread and oil with balsamic vinegar, which were unbelievably tasty. We placed our orders since we had enough time waiting for our table to decide the food came out in about 15 minutes.

To start, we got a beautiful cold fresh Caesar salad. Legitimately the best Caesar salad I have ever had. We also got a pesto pasta, which was my absolute favorite. The flavour that was packed in this dish was unbelievable. The baked meatballs came with 4 and had a fantastic texture and crust. All of these dishes were great, but the star of the show was the chicken Parm! I’d like to say I’ve had my fair share of chicken Parmesan dishes around the country and the world, since it’s a pretty sure bet wherever you go. This one was hands-down the best! I can only explain so much, check out my photo below of it.

Overall, the food was 5/5, service was easily 5/5, you might have to book ahead of time and wait a little bit for your reservation, but once you do, it will be all worth it! Atmosphere on a warm summer night sitting by the street watching all the people go by is unmatched. Definitely...