Ristorante Carmelo — Restaurant in Orange Beach

This was our third time visiting Carmelo's and previous to this it has been a great experience overall. Last night it wasn't.

To begin, I asked for extra garlic with my shrimp & garlic appetizer. The server came back to tell me that there would be a $1.49 upcharge. I was surprised at this, wondered why it wasn't $1.50, but agreed to it. Honestly, I'm not certain there was extra garlic on the shrimp, but this isn't a major issue. Just peculiar all around.

Friends ordered the special spaghetti and meatball dinner. Their plates were practically overflowing. My partner ordered the carbonara. The serving was incredibly small. Initially we just stared at it as if it was a joke of some sort. It was also pushed to the side of the plate as if there was something else that was to be included (we weren't expecting anything) which made the serving look even smaller.

I had the braciolettine. This dish had not one saving grace. The outside had a dark brown, nearly black crust and was nearly impossible to cut through. The interior had no sign of mozzarella or prosciutto which should have added to the moistness. I expect they were dried up as was the veal. The veal was chewy and had some gristle (which may have just been even chewier veal). It was served in four portions. My partner ate a little of the portion I gave him. I worked my way through one and a half and finally realized there was no reason to continue the struggle. There was very little flavor to make it worth continuing.

I did mention this to the server as she was clearing. She asked if she should speak to the manager or chef and I told her that would be fine. We didn't hear from either.

The server never mentioned the spaghetti special and never asked if we wanted dessert. She was very sweet but lacked confidence.

I don't like to complain, especially about a restaurant I really like. We will return as our first two visits were a delight with the food, service and atmosphere. However, tonight was a major disappointment.

Our friends were very happy with their spaghetti dinners.

Correction: One of our party heard the server ask if we wanted dessert.

Edit: Looking at other reviews I can see that the management almost invariably responded when someone had an issue with their meal, but for my review there is nothing but crickets. My concerns didn't matter? I did say I would be back so I would think the management would value me and my experience. Just strange. Like the $1.49 garlic upcharge.

Clearly I am way too sensitive. ...

I made a reservation for my anniversary dinner and the reservation feature was fantastic. The restaurant layout was very nice. Not over the top, well lit, spacious seating in the front. I had put a note in the reservation that this was my anniversary dinner and also that we would need a high chair for our little one. The hostess brought us a high chair right after we were seated, obviously paying attention to the added notes from the reservation. I ordered the calamari as an appetizer and when it arrived ordered the Melanzane Parmigiana (amazing baked eggplant stuffed with cheese and fresh tomato goodness) as well as the Bistecca alla Arrabiata (New York sirloin topped with capers, “spicy marinara,” mushrooms, served with linguine) So atmosphere, 4/5. Staff, possibly short staffed and not a lot was needed but server wasn’t too familiar with the menu as I’d expect at a nice Italian restaurant. Regardless, he met all of our needs 4/5. The food - Calamari Appetizer 1/5. It was so bland that I decided to stop eating it but additionally, it was barely warm when it arrived. If cooked when ordered, I have no idea how it could have got luke warm for as quick as it arrived. As for it being bland, the only time that I’ve experienced it that bland is when it’s been washed, frozen and bagged and then not seasoned when fried. So my 1/5 remains. Eggplant dish - Perfect. 5/5. Plenty of cheese. Sauce was great. Seemed to be fresh baked and served. If a complaint could be made, it would be that it was enough for two people on its own and we would have just ordered that. But that’s not the case. 5/5. Get it, split it. The New York strip - 2/5. Ordered medium rare, received medium rare. Flavor of steak, 3/5…but not hot. The sauce & mushrooms on top weren’t even as hot as the steak, linguine on the side flavor was good but again, it seems that it was all prepared and ready before the eggplant dish so it sat cooling down until the eggplant dish was finished up. As for the 2/5 stars, 2 of 3 under serving temp, 1 of 3 not worth eating, & anniversary note not recognized or...

Disappointing Service Despite Great Food

We were really looking forward to dining at Ristorante Carmelo during our beach vacation, and while the food itself was absolutely delicious, the service was a major letdown that made it hard to enjoy the meal.

From the start, drinks were left empty for long stretches, and our appetizers took almost an hour to arrive. When we politely asked for bread to hold us over, our server responded with, “Are you sure you want bread? The appetizers should be out soon.” — That kind of response felt dismissive and unnecessary. If the kitchen is running behind, offering bread (or just bringing it without being asked) should be standard, not something we have to justify.

What made things worse was watching tables around us receive faster, friendlier service while we sat waiting. As a group of five women simply trying to enjoy a vacation dinner, it felt like we weren’t given the same level of attention or care.

To top it off, there was a total lack of communication when one person in our group ordered the chicken parmigiana. The portion was massive — basically an entire platter and several inches thick. It would have been helpful (and courteous) to mention that ahead of time, especially since the rest of the table was sharing two dishes. So much food went to waste simply because no one took a moment to guide us.

Bottom line: the kitchen knows what it’s doing, but the front-of-house needs serious work. A great meal means nothing if the experience around it is frustrating.

Based on the responses to other reviews, it seems there is a consistent lack of ownership from management. When guests are spending over $170, they’re understandably looking for more than just a simple apology. I considered bringing up my concerns while at the restaurant, but after a long day at the beach and spending two and a half hours there, I simply didn’t have the energy. At that point, I just wanted to put the...