Carrabba's Italian Grill — Restaurant in Port Saint Lucie

Carrabba’s in Port St. Lucie: A Masterclass in Missed Opportunities ⭐☆☆☆☆

I recently had lunch at Carrabba’s in Port St. Lucie — not for the food, mind you, but as a guest of the Neptune Society. Yes, that Neptune Society. We were there to hear about “Loving Farewell Packages,” but ironically, it was Carrabba’s that flatlined.

This review isn’t about cremation plans — it’s about Carrabba’s missed opportunity to win over eight likely new (or returning) customers. Because we know Carrabba’s. We used to eat there regularly. We were expecting a solid, familiar meal. Instead, we got a masterclass in neglect.

I asked the server about the seasonal non-alcoholic drink. She didn’t know. No offer to check. No apology. Just a shrug — which paired nicely with the nothing I got when my water never arrived. I had to ask again, like I was requesting a rare vintage. (Spoiler: It was just tap.)

Everyone else ordered soup with their meals. I requested a salad. The soups arrived. My salad did not. I waited. And waited. Eventually, I flagged the server down. She returned with the salad — not with an apology, but with a slight edge, as if I’d inconvenienced her by asking for something I’d ordered. “I can only bring what’s on the counter,” she said, as though that were an acceptable excuse for forgetting the order in the first place.

My husband’s soup was lukewarm — more spa treatment than starter. The Italian sandwich I ordered, which had been toasty and delicious last time, was fridge-cold. Is it supposed to be warm? Still unclear. But I do know it was infinitely better when it was.

The woman next to me ordered the meatball and ricotta appetizer. It looked like a toddler had been asked to “decorate with cheese.” A smear on one end, a dab on the other, and barely a whisper of sauce. The whole thing was cold. Was the kitchen’s salamander broken? Did it call in sick?

Final thoughts: This was Carrabba’s moment to remind us why we used to come. Instead, they dimmed the lights, misplaced the water, and served up a side of indifference — with a sprinkle of attitude. Here’s hoping service gets a little less ghostly… and not just when...

I had lunch several times, at the original Carrabba's Restaurant when it opened in Pensacola, Florida about 10-15 years ago now. It was truly a fine dining experience. I also had lunch, by invitation of the store manager, at the Carrabba's Restaurant, shortly after it opened in Panama City, Florida, Again it was a fine dining experience. At both restaurants it was all about the experience, the ambiance.

We moved to Port St Lucie, Florida about 4 months ago and have been eager to have lunch or diner at the Carrabba's, almost since we arrived. Well, my wife had a birthday and we received a gift card to the Carrabba's Restaurant. This finally gave us an opportunity, as well as a reason.

While I do have to admit, the service was excellent (but that was the server), it was lack luster and a disappointment, to say the least. Zero on the ambiance. Plus, the lights are so dim, that I had to as the server to read the menu for me. This she gladly did.

We did not spend the entire gift card, but decided to give the balance to our server, who, at least made the evening worth while. We told her that we would not be back again.

We also asked the giver of the gift card to refrain from doing so, at least not to Carrabba's in Port St Lucie.

WE are not sure if all of the Carrabba's have gone down hill (which is a possibility), or if it is just the experience at the store in Port St Lucie. Don't waste your money. Ruby Tuesday is less expensive and a much better choice. At...

My dinner at Carrabba's can be described in one word, "Perfect". Took the boss (wifey) out for a nice Italian dinner and the evening was great. The atmosphere was comfortable and relaxing. Nice soft Italian music playing in the background and it was not too crowded. Plenty of seating to include private booths and tables. There is a great little bar to enjoy cocktails and drinks. The staff was great. Our hostess was very attentive and sat us immediately. Our waitress, Taris, was sensational. She was friendly, full of energy and a great conversationalist. The meal was above expectations. Honestly, I was very surprised. We started with delicious bread, hot out of the oven, and of course the traditional olive oil and herbs for dipping. For an appetizer we shared the zucchini fries. They were hot, slightly crisp on the outside but firm and sweet on the inside. A nice thick and hearty bowl of lentil and sausage soup which was absolutely delicious. For my main course I had the Pollo Rosa Maria. Two nice portions of wood grilled chicken stuffed with fontina cheese and Prosciutto. The chicken had a nice smokey taste and was juicy and tender. The meal came with a nice side of penne pasta with a thick marinara sauce. Finally for dessert we shared a moist, sweet slice of Tiramisu with a frothy cappuccino. A very delicious meal and wonderful experience. A nice place to bring family...