Carmelo's Italian Restaurant

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14795 Memorial Dr
Houston, TX 77079

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(281) 531-0696
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Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant - Houston, TX
Reviews
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( 3 )

Best

The Sunday brunch was excellent. That said, the bread served in the entree room was a little hard and chewy for my taste. Not for older people, for sure. But the toast on the s...

Worst

The only reason I'm giving this review 2 stars is because the band, Larry & Marilyn, were great. For a restaurant with the record of good history and longevity this one has th...

Editorial review from Citysearch 5/12/2013

This place was very nice and just what we needed for a romantic night out but the food is no good and the entire staff seems to have a problem with African American people. It was hard for me and my date to get service, then they completely overlooked him. I wouldn t frequent this establishment. more
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Excellent Sunday brunch 1/25/2012

The Sunday brunch was excellent. That said, the bread served in the entree room was a little hard and chewy for my taste. Not for older people, for sure. But the toast on the salad bar was great. The accordion player was wonderful too. We'll be back. more
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Poor service / cold food 4/18/2011

My fiance and I went anticipating great service and food and were sorely disappointed on both counts. We waited 20 minutes to order - I literally had to get up from the table to speak to the waiter to get his attention. We then waited another 40 minutes for the food and when it arrived it was cold. As far as I am concerned there are better places with better service, better food and better prices. We will NOT return. more
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NEW YEARS EVE A BUST! 1/1/2011

The only reason I'm giving this review 2 stars is because the band, Larry & Marilyn, were great. For a restaurant with the record of good history and longevity this one has they crapped out on NY Eve. For $55 pp, we received food that was overcooked, not prepared as was described on menu and service that was very slow and poor at best. We were sat at 9:00 and it took over 3 hrs to be served our entire meal. The first bottle of wine we ordered was bad. It took at least 45 minutes to receive our entrees after the salad course and this was at 11:30! The fish was overcooked, not prepared as listed and portions were tiny. The couple next to us claimed they made a bet with Carmelo that if they didn't receive their entire meal before 12:00 they wouldn't pay. Not only did they receive their entire meal within an hr and a half, the portions were of normal size. Will not be going back ever. more
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Viva Italia! 11/7/2010

My wife has been dining here for over 24 years and she brought me here on our ""date night."" It was exceptional... the bread alone was the best! You must try the escargot for your appetizer! Wow!!! Carmelo stopped by and chatted with us. The wait staff was courteous. We loved our main course and shared a dessert that we enjoyed thoroughly! Perfect evening!!! If you want to be romantic, ask for the couch seating! more
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what a disappointment!!! 2/13/2010

taste -below average Cons: Everything more
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Great food, great service, friendly staff! 9/20/2009

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 more
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Best Italian we've had outside the loop. 9/20/2009

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 more
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exactly as described-- excellent service and great ambience 8/27/2009

prices were reasonable for level of service and attention to detail. Pros: excellent pasta Cons: not close to city-- bit of a drive-- but worth it more
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Worth the price 8/12/2009

This is one of those rare cases where you definitely get what you pay for. Expensive, but you forget about all that after the first bite. Pros: Best italian food in city more
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Cold food 1/31/2009

I was with a party of 15 celebrating a birthday on a Saturday night. We had to ask for bread multiple times before we got any. When our food arrived (30 minutes after we ordered it), my food was completely cold. I may have liked it better if the food was hot. more
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Best Place to have a romantic date, the food's not bad either!!! 6/14/2008

I think that they have the best pasta hands down (even better than Maggiano's and dare I say it...Grotto's). The food was so delicious and seriously I felt like I was in little Italy or something. Carmelo himself seated me and my significant other in the coziest table in the house where you can look out to see the other people and the decor of the restaurant. The only con was the waiter we had, I forget his name, but he was very rude and almost condescending. The dessert was not all that great, I had the flan. The chocolate cake looked alot better. But overall the experience was nice. Me and my sweetheart will definetly be back for more! Pros: The food and the Ambience Cons: not so great desserts and some snooty waiters more
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Private Room... 11/5/2006

Attended a friend's birthday party in the private wine room. It was a great space for our group. The service was excellent. more
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I love this restaurant! 9/29/2006

We had dinner here last night and it's even better than the last time we were here--and that time was fantastic! I had the duck--incredible, and my husband had the pasta trio with lobster ravioli--to die for!! I can't wait to go back! Carmelo really makes you feel at home! more
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User review by g16 11/30/2005

they have an excellent room that could accomodate a big group...the ambience is very romantic...the food was prepared well but a little bit on the bland side...they have an extensive wine selection more
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The Best there is in Houston 7/27/2005

I've been enjoying this great place for more than 10 years. The food, service, ambiance, and host are all impeccable. I have not had better Italian food any where in Texas. Carmelo Mauro, the host, has done a wonderful job. His staff has all been there for years. Pros: Great Food, Big variety of grappa, Treated like family more
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Superior Dining 7/3/2003

If you have not dined at Carmelo's you have not dined at all! Superior amosphere, very homely services, great food... was a delight on the whole. Pros: Great Food, Carmelo-ultimate host, soothing atmosphere Cons: None, None, None more
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BEST ITALIAN RESTUARANT BY FAR 2/20/2003

Carmelos is by far the best italian restuarant in Houston.I come to this restuarant with my parents ,who are regulars ,I've had the pleasure of meeting Carmelo,and his staff they are very pleasant people.They made me feel at home.Pino with the acoardian is amazing ,not to mention the food is outstanding! Pros: valet, great food, great service Cons: nothing, ---------------------, --------------------- more
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Only word, GREAT! 9/20/2002

I took my girl friend here for Valentines Day last year and we loved it the food was great, the atmospher was great, the scenary made you feel like you were actually in Itally, and of course the servers were GREAT! So I have eaten at a lot of Italian Resturants and this has to be the best of them all. more
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Houston's Best Italian 8/9/2002

Carmelo's is the best Italian Food Houston has to offer. Atmosphere is great. It is on the far west side but worth the drive. Second location in Austin which is how I discovered the Houston location. Pros: Mid Price, Excellent Service, Food is Outstanding Cons: Far West, Wait without Reserv more
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Menu for Carmelo's Italian Restaurant


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Carmelo Mauro Brings Authentic Italian Cuisine to Houston, inspired from Sicily. Wine Spectator Award Winning Wine List. Call 877.711.8126.

Owner Message

  • Carmelo's Ristorante Italiano serves up Authentic Italian Cuisine. We take pride in serving the finest quality beef, poultry and the freshest of seafood. Our Signature Dishes include Ossobuco, Tegoline con Pollo, Red Snapper Mango, Oysters with a champagne reduction, Steak Diane and Fettuccine Carbonara. Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free options are included in the menu; with a little notice we will are happy to accommodate all dietary requirements and prepare special requests. Carmelo's impeccable wine list consistently receives the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence & we offer full bar service. Carmelo's will assist you in planning your rehearsal dinner, wedding and/or reception. We offer Off-Site Catering including delivery, set up and service. Impress your guests with a delectable menu of authentic Italian cuisine. Book your reservation today at 877.711.8126. Great Food, Fun & Wine.

Editorial

  • In Short
    With a wall-to-wall recreation of a quaint Sicilian village, black-suited waiters and piped-in Italian music, all that's missing is an appearance by Don Corleone himself. Muted...

  • 12/8/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Lunch Weekdays 11:00am - 2:30pm Dinner Hours Sun 5:00pm - 10:00pm Mon - Thu 5:00pm - 10:30pm Fri & Sat 5:00pm - 11:00pm Open for Parties Sat Lunch
  • Payments: Master Card, American Express, Visa, Discover
  • Neighborhoods: Memorial, Westside
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