Sleek modern vibe, incredible food, welcoming staff
"Behemoth platters of everything from chicken Parm to pasta with sausage and broccoli rabe make Carmine’s a place you don’t want to go without a large group in tow. With 700 seats, the Penn Quarter Italian place can handle a large dining party. There are several private room options as well. Make reservations for up to 14 people online." - Missy Frederick
"Carmine’s boasts a private secure entrance that leads into one of its private dining rooms. This design was intentional, as owner Jeff Bank planned this entrance for individuals with security details. Since then it has been used by Senate and House leadership, members of the Supreme Court, cabinet secretaries, and more. However, when then-Vice President Joe Biden came to Carmine’s, he hilariously just walked in through the front door." - Vinciane Ngomsi
"Situated right near Capital One Arena, museums, and hotels, D.C.’s biggest restaurant has nine private rooms primed for weddings and rehearsal dinners (for 15 to 400 guests). The flexible space sports movable walls and a private bar in two of the larger rooms. Family-style Italian dishes include pastas, steak, seafood, chicken, and veal. Carmine’s also offers buffet receptions and cocktail parties." - Vinciane Ngomsi
"The massive Italian eatery in Penn Quarter boasts a whopping 9 private dining rooms, advertising rooms for anywhere from 15 to 700 people." - Tierney Plumb
"This family-style Italian restaurant — the portions are huge — has plenty of options for picky eaters, including spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and several chicken entrees. There’s also more interesting options like red peppers with anchovies or linguine with clams. It’s also close to several tourist attractions." - Adele Chapin