I eat out in NYC often and have had dinner at many Italian restaurants in the city. I have been dining out in NYC for almost nine years and I have never had such an awful Italian meal.
The Food: We ordered chicken piccata and the baked ziti. The chicken piccata was horrible - absolutely no taste and made without any capers. We actually had to ask for slices of lemon to squeeze on the chicken along with lots of salt and pepper to give it any flavor. The baked ziti was just horribly bland. We originally tried to order the manicotti and were told that they no longer serve it but still have it listed on the wall menu.
Staff: The restaurant staff do not communicate with each other. Halfway through our meal the manager asked if he could move me because they had a large party coming in and they didn't want me to be in the way. Now with my meal in front of me and my child sitting on my lap they want to move me -- the manager and the hostess should have realized that they had such a large table and would need more room before seating me there. Not only did they ask me to move but the manager was extremely rude.
Atmosphere: Loud and chaotic is an understatement! This restaurant had many children screaming and throwing their food at surrounding tables. Having a child I would never return to this restaurant because this is exactly what I don't want my child to behave like at a restaurant. I would NEVER put up with the behavior here. Go to Chuck E. Cheese if you expect your child to act that way.
Again, I have dined at many restaurants throughout the city for the past nine years that I have lived here and I have never had this awful an experience. I highly recommend Carmine's if you are looking for a great Italian restaurant with amazing food, large family portions, served in a fun, lively and loud environment that is great for large or small groups.
Pros: none
Cons: rude staff, awful bland food, unruly children
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