Carmen's Italian Cafe 515 27th Street East, Bradenton, FL 34208

"Overall experience of this place wasn’t bad! The food my husband & I ordered was good. The waiter did a great job, being that he was the only one serving us with a larger party. Did it take some time? Yes. But it was only 1 man vs. a huge group. Gave 4 stars only because we were there so long, but overall I’d probably return!"

"Horrible first experience and will never be back. I get that it is Christmas Eve but it was not busy and they were staffed. Took 1hr. 20min. to get our food. There was a preset menu of about different items so it shouldn't have taken that long. Food was mediocre at best and small portions when it did come out. $30/plate for 4 of us. Way overpriced. Then when we were done, a guest from the other side of the restaurant walked by two times flicking them all off. Not condoning what she did by any means but she could have been set off by the horrible service and food. Then mix in alcohol. Just a guess. But the cook saw it and said "Merry Christmas and an f-ing happy New Year". Won't ever go back. Server wasn't good either. Had to come home at 9:30 took cook dinner for my boys then."

"My family and I have been to Carmen’s about four times now and have had a wonderful experience every single time. A quiet and relaxed atmosphere, excellent wine selection, and the food is divine. Do be prepared to wait for your meal, but it is always worth it. The food is so fresh and everything is good. Dessert is also phenomenal. The service is fantastic and friendly. We love coming here."

"We visited Carmine’s for the first time last night. It was amazing! The service was very good and the food was even better. Family owned and operated. Our server was attentive and very informative. Our entrees came with garden salad with the most amazing homemade dressing and the house made bread was fabulous. Our entrees were cooked to perfection with the best flavors. We highly recommend and will be back."

"My parents and I are here and had the best meal and best time! Carmens was so good! We came in for an early dinner so it's wasn't crowded. We were greeted nicely by the gentleman who would be our waiter. He answered all our questions and let us know about some specials for appetizers and entrees. While we noshed on warm fresh sliced bread dipped in a yummy olive oil herb dip I debated between the hand-breaded mozzarella sticks and the meatballs. Meatballs won!They were so tender and juicy, so well seasoned and the creamy ricotta(?) perfect marinara and crispy crostini put it over the top great! Next, we were served a salad with house dressing. And I ordered the caramel apple martini. Delicious! The apple martini with the sugar rim comes through first and then the caramel flavor develops on your tongue that leaves you with a not too sweet, but delightful flavor. Now for the main course my parents got their favorite dish the veal and chicken marsala's and they did not disappoint! I went a little out of my comfort zone and ordered the Chicken alla Carmen. The chicken was thin and tender I could easily cut it with my fork! The sauce clung to it like velvet as it did to the mushrooms and artichoke hearts and finished with lemon! Now this is not meant to be a pasta dish per se,but it was nice to have some spaghetti underneath so that none of the sauce was wasted.. and even after everything else, I happily ate the whole thing! Talking with Carmen about Maryland, restaurants and family was fun. He is one of a kind! ☺️ Finally, we decided have a look at the dessert tray, my parents chose the tiramisu which was perfectly soft and whipped and espresso-y, while I fully enjoyed the Torta de Nonna, with it's flaky tart shell, not to tart lemon custard center and finished with pine nuts and almonds and a good dusting of confectioners sugar *chef's kiss* the perfect end to a fabulous meal!"