Carmine — Restaurant in Newburyport

This was a most unusual experience, and I'm not sure I'd go back. On one hand, it was chic and lively and a lot of fun on -the other hand some of their practices not only have I never encountered before, but definitely would take some getting used to.

Drinks were outstanding, prices were fine vibe was convivial. Food was excellent even. Meatballs, beet salad, wine, expensive steak, rappini, good bread, and beautiful pasta, there were 4 of us. Service was professional, competent and friendly. So why did I leave Wondering if I would return?

Some of the unique things we encountered Which taken individually are no big deal but all in all made me say, huh? there is no place to wait for your table. Once seated, It is very tight quarters and very loud. which is fine as we enjoy this but it would not be possible to have a pleasant or relaxed evening with say...the in-laws.

I loved that the chairs were higher than normal not quite counter height. It felt good to not be so low to the ground.

The waitress who started us out was outstanding, and then we got CJ - totally professional and friendly but I'd like to give some feedback about feedback after a delicious meal. I was asked how everything was and I told him I was going to give him some feedback for the kitchen... The $60 steak was cooked perfectly and delicious but it was drowning in what I felt was a toxic balsamic vinegar sauce. The food and plate were covered in a giant pool of balsamic vinegar, it had -from my perspective ruined the plate. The steak, fried potatoes and vegetable were all swimming so I didn't Feel any of it was edible. I wasn't gonna send it back because the steak was delicious So that was a decision that I made. I just sort of lifted up the meat and tried to scrape off the sauce, and eat the steak off the corner of the plate But there was no way to get a single bite without this sauce. So I shared this point with CJ. instead of saying "thank you for that feedback you're right that looks like a lot of sauce" CJ said "I've never heard that before". And then sort of walked away. Well CJ you have heard it now. It's just a weird way to receive some feedback- I'm telling you this is my opinion and this is my experience and you can look down and see that it can't be denied, so just say "right, I get it that, it does look like a lot of sauce. I'll mention it to the kitchen." I just really can't comprehend why him not hearing it before has any relevance to my observations. so forget the normal classic response of what can I do to make you happy or let me make it up to you or Let me buy you a drink or I'll take it of off the bill or any number of ways that people could respond in this situation. For the record, I was not wanting or expecting anything, except an acknowledgment of my feedback.

Next it was time for dessert but we're told they have no desserts of the solid kind but liquid desserts were available. Surprising but OK that's how they do it. Smart for turnover purposes but felt clearly It was time for us to give up our Table. It did seem that the evening was quite concluded properly, dessert is something most will anticipate… so there's that.

Lastly, the most unbelievable thing happened to me as I'm getting to the street to get into my car. One of the hosts I think came running out waving an envelope he said you left behind. Apparently I had left behind a bank envelope filled with cash or maybe it fell out of my coat under the table I didn't ask. I was just so shocked that somebody was returning, a big fat envelope clearly filled with cash, so I want to say thank you to Guy with the red hair and beard as I'm sure there was a bit of devil/angel on the shoulder situation going through his mind. In fact, in retrospect, I should've taken 100 out and give it to him, but it all happened so fast but I am very grateful.

It's good to be open to new way of doing things, so this is not necessarily a negative review but I'm not sure all of this was how many people are used to dining or...

The good, the bad & the ugly

The good - second time at Carmine with a couple who go semi-regular. Lively spot with a rough 90-minute reservation expectation. Drinks were got, appetizers of mussels & meatballs were great. Server recommended a good bottle of Cabernet. Braised Rib, Chix Parm & the Veal special were solid.

The bad – 10 minutes into the appetizers, we were rapidly presented with two out of our four entrees (veal & chix parm). The food runner stood as we juggled plates & consolidated items to allow him to drop off. It took an additional 5 minutes or so for the other two entrees (ribs & clams) to appear, so clearly the timing was off somewhere. We joked that we may have gotten another tables dinner.

My wife got the $36 clam special but after a taste or two, she said it was very salty. The other couple tried it & agreed. For probably only the third time in 28 years of knowing her, my wife told the server that she couldn’t eat her meal & he offered to have it remade. My wife said the taste had put her off the dish & wanted the Veal special as an alternative. By the time the alternate came, us three had basically finished up, so a box & the bill was asked for. The $36 overly salted clams remained on the bill. We asked the server why so, and if he could remove it. He said he couldn’t as my wife had refused to allow them to remake the overly salted clams & had ordered the alternate veal dinner but retreated to ask the chef.

The ugly – Our server didn’t come back, but the ‘manager’ came over asking what the issue was. We restated ours & he basically told us that if the restaurant wasn’t allowed to remake the overly salted clams, we must pay for the inedible salted clams. Having now spent over $400 on a couple’s dinner, we asked for a revised bill but were refused. At no time was the typical comp in a similar situation or an apology offered, nor an attempt made to placate the situation. Customer service was clearly not on top of the mind as the conversation became heated & loud.

If it is indeed restaurant policy to remake a dish that the customer feels they cannot eat due to its taste, the server should have been crystal clear on this $36 dish. Knowing that, my wife most likely would have simply not eaten at that point.

Food runners should know to peak at a table before dropping entrees, clear off apps etc.

Manager needs some hospitality classes & learn to have some humility while dealing with customers. Instead of the ‘like it or leave’ attitude, Google the blameless apology.

Our last time...

This restaurant was beyond disappointing. Visiting Newburyport for the first time for a birthday on 9/13/24. Recently dined at Carmine's for a special occasion, and unfortunately, the experience was disappointing. Upon arrival, the hostess seemed visibly annoyed when we requested an outdoor seat which we did when making reservation which set a negative tone for the evening. She didn't escort us to our table after clearing table and appeared uninterested in providing a warm welcome.

The service did not improve with our waiter, who began our meal in a friendly manner but failed to inquire about appetizers or desserts. Despite mentioning it was a birthday when making the reservation, there was no acknowledgment or gesture from the staff to celebrate the occasion. We had to ask for bread a few times and finally someone brought bread . No bread basket just 2 tiny slices

One major issue was the delayed service. I requested sweetener for my iced tea, but it took over 20 minutes for it to arrive—by which time I had to ask again. When it finally came, it was a tasteless, unpleasant experience that did not enhance the drink.

The meal itself was underwhelming it was a tasteless, unpleasant experience . The dish I ordered was bland, dry, and lacked the expected flavors and presentation. The portion was meager, and the overall quality seemed thrown together without care.

Throughout our visit, the waiter disappeared for extended periods, and another staff member had to take over to bring salt for my tasteless Carbanero and the check. The service was inattentive, and the restaurant was not particularly busy at the time. We were sitting outside and there was only one other table of 2,

Overall, Carmine's did not meet expectations for a special celebration, and I would not recommend it based on...