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Carmine's Italian Restaurant

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424 Fair Oaks Ave
South Pasadena, CA 91030

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(626) 799-2266
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Carmine's Italian Restaurant - South Pasadena, CA
Carmine's Italian Restaurant - South Pasadena, CA
Carmine's Italian Restaurant - South Pasadena, CA
Carmine's Italian Restaurant - South Pasadena, CA
Carmine's Italian Restaurant - South Pasadena, CA
Carmine's Italian Restaurant - South Pasadena, CA
Carmine's Italian Restaurant - South Pasadena, CA
Carmine's Italian Restaurant - South Pasadena, CA
Carmine's Italian Restaurant - South Pasadena, CA
Carmine's Italian Restaurant - South Pasadena, CA
Carmine's Italian Restaurant - South Pasadena, CA
Reviews
( 15 )
( 7 )
( 3 )
( 2 )
( 5 )

Best

My husband and I were just there this past Saturday... and we will definitely be coming back for more. The portions are enormous. I had the Gumbi and it was FANTASTIC (definitel...

Worst

The food is plain and uninspired, canned tomato sauce (or it tastes like it), and is more like bar food than that of a restaurant. Service was slow, flippant and unattentive. Th...

Okay food, bad experience! 9/29/2004

What's wrong with these people? Such an unpleasant dining experience when you have an idiot waitress that hates her job and is a frickin' typical snob. The food was okay, but she ruined it for us. All I can say is, if that happens again, it won't be pretty. Go there and enjoy your food people, but don't ever let any idiot servers ruin your hard earn monies spent! Cons: , parking more
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It's the best 6/17/2004

My boyfriend and I love this place. The food is delicious, the portions are huge and the value for the money is incredible. You can't find anything like it anywhere else. We moved 30 miles away, but we still drive there at least once a week to eat the incredible food. All the pasta and chicken dishes are great, and the minestrone is better than I've tasted at any other restaurant. The grilled chicken salad is also a personal favorite, and huge!! I would recommend it to anyone, and have brought many friends here, all of whom have loved it! Pros: everything more
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Poor Poor Poor 12/29/2002

What Carmines lacks in decor it lacks even more with their flavorless dishes. We thought we would venture to the bar to hear some entertainment and were let down again a wannabe 80 heavy metal band were playing way to loud and to top it off a lady who someone told me was the owner was completely drunk and at one point even tried to arm wrestle me. Overall a wasted Saturday night at this dump more
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What's good about it? 11/17/2002

I really don't know why there are so many people raving about this place here, it's really overrated. The food is pretty average, not much decor, below-average service, went on a friday night and the place wasn't even half full. With the same price range, Oliver Garden might be a better choice..... more
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A New Alternative 9/6/2002

I met with three associates on their recommendation at Carmine's. We all shared different entrees and a very nice bottle of wine. Everything from the service, ambiance, to the large portions was excellent. Good thing we had a reservation, it looked to be about a half hour wait. After our meal, we then went into the bar where the owner or manager overheard us comment that it would be difficult to get a seat because it was so busy. She very nicely accommodated us. The crowd was good looking with music, dancing and great martinis. The owner/manager kept her staff on their toes in both the restaurant and bar. Highly commendable!!! All in all, a great night. Will definately return. Beats the hassle and the people in Old Town. more
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SO GOOD! 8/27/2002

It was a Friday night and my wife and I had driven past Carmine's for years and never stopped in, so we decided to try it. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, but Carmine himself made sure to seat us right next to the fountain outside on their wonderful little patio. We had a great bottle of vino and thoughrouly enjoyed our pasta dishes, pasta rosa is the best! Truly some of the best Italian food and service I have ever had, and try to save room for the Tiramisu, its amazing! It really is a MUST TRY if you are in the area. Pros: great food, wait staff, patio Cons: little wait more
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Good for groups 7/18/2002

My experience has shown that you get better service when in a group. The food does come in good portions but I always get the impression that the chefs are back there yawning over the method book. Theres not alot of creativity put into your dish thats for sure.. but its good food. The lunch special is a great deal. The bar, the bartenders are super great. The atmosphere is ghetto fraternity, the themed nights are just silly... and like the other reviewer mentioned.. be prepared for the owner and her drunken rampage thru HER bar, i thought it was more funny to watch her but after awhile i just felt bad inside. Pros: food portions Cons: pricey, parking more
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NEVER AGAIN!!!! 7/1/2002

I was their last Saturday for the first time. The food was over priced and below average in taste. We went to the bar, where the bartenders were very helpful and charming. We were having a good time until the owner became extremely intoxicated and started yelling and cursing to no one in paticular. She capped off the night by getting on the microphone and thoroughly annoying everyone. I get two nights off a week and I'm sorry I chose to spend one of them at that establishment. more
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good clean fun 6/13/2002

It's always interesting to see what type of entertainment Carmines will book in the bar on any given night. Lots of fun and entertaining. Food is decent considering I'm not a big pasta eater. Bartenders are a little full of themselves making them a little less helpful than they could be. All in all though I like the place. more
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Family Favorite 6/13/2002

My family has been eating at Carmine's since I was a kid. This one only opened a few years ago but the original Carmine's in Arcadia has been frequented by my family for a long time. The food is always good with reliable favorites. It's great for large family get-togethers or a romantic night out (I especially recommend the patio seats for couples). Go to Carmine's, you won't be disappointed. The family favs are Gnocchi Carmine and Manicotti (baked with cheese on top). This place is great for carry-out pizza too! more
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Pleasant Neighborhood Dining 5/20/2002

As a South Pas resident, I can say nothing but wonderful things about Carmines. I like to think of it as my neighborhood bar and the restaurant under one roof. The pizza is great and most of the pastas are tasty. Look out for the BIG beers in the bar and be sure to show up to watch your favorite games. However, I'm leary of some of the bands and the idea that Carmine's hosts a karaoke night. Also, parking is available but some creativity or patience is involved. more
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Great for Friday Fun 5/19/2002

Came here with several friends on a Friday night and had a blast. Drinks were strong, the waitress was attentive and the food was good. Heard the live band play and enjoyed the energetic crowd! more
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Menu for Carmine's Italian Restaurant


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Editorial

  • In Short
    The warm dining room bustles with families sharing pizzas and pasta every night. Wood furniture, empty Chianti bottles and closely packed tables add to the homey atmosphere....

  • 12/18/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Sat-Sun: 12pm-12am, Thu: 11am-11pm, Mon-Wed: 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm, Fri: 11am-2pm, 5pm-12am
  • Payments: American Express, Discover, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: San Marino
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