Carmine's - 5th Avenue

Our experience at Carmines on 5th Ave was phenomenal. From start to finish, the service was fantastic and the food was perfection. The ambiance & elegance of the restaurant makes it so comfortable and inviting. A few highlights from our meal: - Fresh bread & butter that is an incredible touch to start the meal. Most places charge for that these days but it just goes to show the level of hospitality at Carmines! - There are so many delicious appetizers that it felt impossible to pick, but we got the mista salad (very light & delicious) & house made fried bread with the most delicious pistachio-basil pesto that I have ever tasted. We soaked up every last drop with our bread! - Ravioli di Ossobuco: This just quickly became my favorite pasta dish. It was cooked perfectly, endless flavor and another example of a sauce that I couldn’t get enough of. Will be back to order this dish again and again! - Dessert: Tableside Gelato - As someone who is typically not an ice cream fan, this was INCREDIBLE. Made in house & so unbelievably delicious. I can’t wait to bring back more friends and family! 10/10 experience, food and service.

Ready for something amazing! Visit Carmines on 5th! Arrive at a beautiful front door that feels old world and elevated! Soak up the beauty and grandor upon entering. Greeted by friendly hostess. Seated quickly as we had a reservation at 6pm. The appetizers Steak Tartar and Pane Caldo had my friend asking for another. Which is quite a compliment since she does not like meat unless its cooked well done! Dinner entrees did not disappoint, we ordered 5 and shared family style as no one could make just one choice as they all sounded delicious. The flavors, textures and aromas just when we thought we tasted the best, we tasted the next! Service was such a delight with Josh and his trusted busser! Shout out to the CHEF in charge! No evening is complete unless a restaurant can top an evening off with an expert finale! DESSERT. I rate a restaurant by all the elements environment, food, service but most of all the dessert. AMAZING - go enjoy the salad, appetizer and entrees and most of all the desserts you will not be disappointed! The five of us truly enjoyed it all!

As someone who’s dined here 5+ times, my recommended must-try’s: ravioli di ossobuco, lobster pappardelle, risotto of the day (can’t go wrong), panne caldo, gnocchi, tiramisu, pistachio cheesecake (when available). There’s validated parking as well as valet, and walk-ins are welcome when there’s space up at the bar or dining area - though don’t expect to roll up during peak dinner hours and be seated. Vast majority nights are now completely booked out in advance, especially with the holidays. This isn’t a small cafe, nor is it a hotel restaurant. This is an institution that brings together the best of Seattle - you’ll likely notice the architecture, design, landscaping (there’s a gorgeous olive tree centering the space), marble work, linens, flowers, fresh bread, upholstery, wood work. What you may not realize is that every detail showcases a member of this community who’s been part of a 40+ year journey to craft intimate dining experiences and serve the wonderful people of Seattle for all special occasions. The team (chef, cooks, bartenders, wait staff, hosts, expeditors, wine curator, management, valet group, etc etc) are still in the very early days of getting a massive operation running smoothly with each and every detail ironed to perfection, so some grace should be extended by any guest who wants to experience the restaurant in its first weeks. I think it should be stated here (given these are the early days) that anyone who truly wills the success of this city’s local businesses and wants to be a steward of this restaurant or any dining establishment should elect to provide feedback directly to management. This is a standard courtesy for any small business that many folks seem to disregard in favor of inflammatory negative feedback blasted on social media, especially in the early days when a single negative view can make or break the morale of those working tirelessly to get operations in motion. Whether it’s attention seeking or some other motive is beyond me. As a local resident and frequent reviewer, I prefer knowing my feedback is being delivered and received in a respectful and productive manner. This restaurant is truly a gem that the city has needed for a long time. It’s so heartwarming to see diners dressed to the nines enjoying the restaurant and making a day out of the experience - with Nordstrom bags, plans to see a show nearby, dropping in for a work lunch, celebrating a loved one’s birthday. A special thank you to everyone who’s been a part of this journey, especially Seattle’s families who’ve dined at the restaurants for generations. To many more wonderful meals and cherished memories!!

This place almost became one of my favorites because the food really fits my taste. But the service completely ruined our night. We chose this restaurant to celebrate the birthdays of all three of us, and we were so excited. At first, the staff were great. Then right after dessert was brought out-when we were about to ask to borrow a lighter to blow out the candles, a front desk staff member told us we had 5–10 minutes to leave. She kept coming back to check if we’d left, with an irritated, rude tone. We felt rushed, disrespected, and honestly looked down on, like we were being kicked out in the middle of a birthday celebration. I’ve never felt so unwelcome at a restaurant. The food might be good, but I don’t care! The service was disrespectful and embarrassing. I will never come back.

Fantastic experience from start to finish. I had an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, and the entire meal was excellent — but the chef’s special of char-grilled jumbo prawns over squid ink pasta stole the show. Cooked to perfection and packed with flavor. Highly recommend.

I had such a great dinner here! The paccheri alla vodka is incredible. Easily my favorite dish on the menu. The atmosphere is lovely, with lots of cute nooks throughout the restaurant. It’s cozy for a date night but also works perfectly for a business meeting. Delicious food and such a great vibe. I’ll be back.

Carmine’s is the kind of Italian restaurant that instantly makes you feel at home. From the moment you walk through the door, there’s a warm, welcoming energy that wraps around you. The ambiance is truly divine—soft lighting, elegant details, and a cozy atmosphere that feels both refined and comforting, making it perfect for a special night out or a relaxed dinner. The food is absolutely delicious, with rich flavors that taste authentic and thoughtfully prepared. Every dish feels made with care and pride. What truly sets Carmine’s apart, though, is the service. The staff’s attention to detail is next level—attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind. They make sure every part of the experience is seamless. Carmine’s isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to savor, relax, and enjoy exceptional Italian hospitality.

Absolutely incredible dining experience from start to finish. This place isn’t just an Italian restaurant, it was an experience. The duck entrée was phenomenal. Perfectly cooked with a crisp, flavorful exterior and tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat inside. Every bite was rich and balanced — easily one of the best duck dishes I’ve ever had. You can tell real care and technique went into it. Paired with an amazing glass of Pinot Noir (chef’s kiss)! And the rigatoni with marinara? Out of this world. The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente, and the marinara sauce tasted fresh, vibrant, and deeply authentic — like it had been simmering all day. Simple ingredients, but executed flawlessly. Sometimes classic dishes are the hardest to perfect, and they absolutely nailed it. What truly elevated the night was our server, Charles. He went above and beyond in every way — attentive without hovering, knowledgeable about the menu, warm, and genuinely passionate about the food. He made thoughtful recommendations and ensured everything was perfect throughout the meal. Service like that is rare. If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine with exceptional service, this is the spot. We’ll definitely be back — and asking for Charles.