09/20/09

Great food, great service, friendly staff!

by The Dining Duo

We have passed by this restaurant too many times to count. And for whatever reason we had not stopped. Maybe it was the carton like painting or the fact that they obviously have events there and the parking lot can be intimidating.

Well we finally stopped in yesterday and we could not have been more surprised at how much we liked this place. The cartoon like painting continued inside but somehow it had a totally different effect as it made you feel like you had left Houston for Italy, right down to the clever Leaning Tower of Pisa! We were there around 6ish and would probably go later next time to check out the lighting when the sun is down as they have some cool lighting in the Italian town's facade.

The menu was robust and had a great selection of dishes. I had the Carbonara table side...how fun is that! My wife went for the lobster ravioli and asked for a slight change with more of a cream sauce and they were only too happy to oblige.

The wine list was comprehensive and not too over priced ( a pet peeve of mine), and the Host gave us a great recommendation...although I'd be surprised if someone dropped $2800+ for the Chateau Margaux on the menu!

Save room for dessert! The list is so long you need another 5 minutes just to hear it!

The service at Carmelo's was great! We would return just for that, but the food was also great and we can't wait to try something new on our next trip.

• Pros: Food, Staff, atmosphere
• Cons: Parking spaces are very tight

09/20/09

Best Italian we've had outside the loop.

by Aliasspd

Really liked this place. Lot's of table side offerings which adds to the already romantic ambiance.

• Pros: Menu and super friendly staff
• Cons: Parking

08/27/09

exactly as described-- excellent service and great ambience

by mike Tweedy

prices were reasonable for level of service and attention to detail.

food was fresh and well presented.

Staff are attentive without hovering or getting in the way.

Possibly a little slow to bring menus , but quick on initial drinks ( as any good American restaurant should be).

We live in Belliare and it was definitely worth the drive. Better food than Sambuca or Crappino

We both had pasta , and desert with Coffee... Nice place for an adult meal..serving size was just right---not overly large but not faux gourmet small either.

Wine list was pretty average though Amarone list was reasonable and not unfairly priced. We had a house Chianti...not bad.

THe only downside is Location--- a bit far out for any thoughts of kicking on to something else........

• Pros: excellent pasta
• Cons: not close to city-- bit of a drive-- but worth it