Carmelina's
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Carmelina's
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
Intimate Italian dining in the North End. Large open front overlooking all the action on Hanover St, the main street in the North End. Marble tables, brick walls, large Black and White photos of the family in Sicily. This is truly like taking a trip to an Italian restaurant in a little Italian village. The menu offers a combination of the styles of the Chef / Owner's family, and modern inspiration and applications. We are always striving to keep our food fresh, flavorful and true to our culinary traditions.
Features
CUISINES
Italian, Pizza
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Gift Cards Available
Non-smoking restaurants
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Table Service
Wine and Beer
Location
Menu
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 11:30 AM
Sunday
11:30 am - 10:00 pm
Monday
11:30 am - 10:00 pm
Tuesday
11:30 am - 10:00 pm
Wednesday
11:30 am - 10:00 pm
Thursday
11:30 am - 10:00 pm
Friday
11:30 am - 10:00 pm
Saturday
11:30 am - 10:00 pm
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4.5
764 reviews
Excellent
507
Very good
178
Average
45
Poor
18
Terrible
16
Stanley S
Winter Garden587 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
Perhaps the best Italian cuisine meal we have ever had. We took a chance late on a Friday to get in. We got lucky and the front of house person (screener?) let us in. This is a very tiny restaurant in The North End and I believe they keep a table or two for walk-ins. We waited only a few minutes and were seated near the entrance ( I noted the walk-ins were seated in this general area) and the service was set up promptly. I did see many people turned away as well as those with reservations seated quickly. The noise level is beyond comprehension, but don't worry about it since you will be too engrossed in your food to care. There is barely enough room in this tiny location for the servers to come and go. The menu is only available via scan code and there is an indication to order all items you will be having, at the same time. I guess for efficiency. We ordered with me having The Crazy Alfredo (even though I am not that big a cream sauce fan) and my wife had Penne Capriocciose. We shared Calamari which was made in the traditional New England way with sweet and spicy peppers (as opposed to the spicy tomato sauce in the NY area). The meals came served in the pan they were cooked in and at first looked small; they were not. My dinner was spicy and exquisitely delicious and my wife raved about hers. The pasta was cooked appropriately, Al Dente. The meals turned out to be so large and filling, we regretted ordering the appetizer as we could not finish our meals. As out of town visitors, we couldn't take the leftovers and it was a shame since I would have liked to have the opportunity to experience this wonderful food again, even if just reheated. We both got a spicy glass of Lambrusco from the small but varied wine list. The price, after tip, was in the $125 range and worth every penny which I feel was not too high a price for such a quality meal. I can see why this restaurant has won many raves and if ever in the area again, it will be on our list of "musts". We have been to Boston several times in the past and after this meal immediately regretted not stopping here before. Who knew that these NYC Metro residents would have to go to Boston to have their best Italian meal ever.
Written 23 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dustythoughts
Manchester2287 contributions
Feb 2025 • couples
This place was utter perfection! We came here on a whim while looking for somewhere to eat, and we were prepared to wait the 20-25 minutes they told us, just based on the smells emanating from the kitchen. This is a small restaurant, maybe 20-30 tables tops, and it was *super* busy. However, the host was able to squeeze us in at a table by the window, much to our gratitude. The menu appears to be standard Italian fare (chicken parm, wild mushroom risotto, eggplant parm, etc.), but the food was prepared so lovingly that every bite of food was pure heaven. We shared the eggplant parm appetizer, the wild mushroom risotto, and the potato gnocchi, and everything was delicious. We also asked for a piece of chicken on the side, and we received a very large portion of chicken milanese minus the sauce. The food was outstanding and the service was very friendly.
Please note that they don't serve hot beverages (coffee, tea, etc.) or dessert here, so if you ask, they'll direct you to one of the many bakeries and gelaterias in the area. However, the North End doesn't lack for places that offer coffee and pastries, so you'll have no trouble finding somewhere to go.
Written 16 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dalvay02
Manchester6 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
First, let me say that the food was AMAZING. We went a little bit overboard with the menu, but ordered the Roasted Beet Salad, Chicken Parmesan, the Carbonara, Pasta with Bolognese sauce and the Sunday Macaroni. Total YUM! The only reason I rated Carmelina's "Very Good" rather than "Excellent" was the music. It was loud, overbearing House Music that made it difficult to converse with someone across the table. It's an Italian restaurant - how about some Italian music?
Written 23 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelley M
19 contributions
Jun 2023 • family
More interested in moving people thru than satisfying the customer Had reservations for 3 people and was seated at table for six with another couple we did not know. Ok we understand small busy place so we thought give them a chance. Service was terrible like we were peasants Asked waitress twice for more bread (after our one basket of 3 pieces of scraps) and she never brought it. Hectic atmosphere w a side of attitude. Food was good but you have to put up w a lot. Think all of their great reviews has gone to their head. Seem like just want to move people thru to seat next reservation.
Written 10 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nettie2010
Saint Charles367 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
Tried to get a dinner reservation 3 weeks ago but could only get lunch. Great wine and pasta. I thought the $50 lobster ravioli (no lunch prices) was a little pricey but you got a big portion and other prices seemed very decent for the excellent flavor.
Written 11 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rich K
Atlanta69 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
This is not a restaurant to miss. Great pasta. The restaurant has great food, and fun service. Everyone was nice and helpful. My daughter and I were looking for an Italian restaurant at 8:30 PM, with no reservations. We showed up and were lucky to have two spots at the "counter-like" high-top. I had the Sunday Pasta my daughter had the Bolognese and both were perfectly prepared. We were some of the last folks there and had a good time speaking with the staff during their dinner time, getting advice on the best bakeries in the area and just hanging out. Many Bostonians were impressed that we found Carmelina's, and according to everyone we met, we were at the best Italian place in the area. I would go b ack in a heartbeat and have no problem recommending this restaurant. Unlike us, make reservations a few days in advance because its not a big place.
Written 24 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lmbrooks
Rockwall29 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
Amazing, as expected! The food is to die for! Every plate on our table was full of rich, authentic, creamy, saucy, fresh flavors! Everyone at the table ordered something different and we all agree, every dish was excellent. The restaurant was small in size but the portions were huge. We never felt rushed (despite the 1.5hr time allotment) or cramped. The service was excellent and the wait staff was helpful and knowledgeable when providing information about dishes. Cannot wait to visit again in the fall. Carmelina's will be my first stop.
Written 15 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gvw2022
Liverpool2 contributions
May 2024 • family
The food here is lovely! They have a really good menu, I could’ve had so many of the dishes but went for the pasta capriciosse which I loved. All my family loved theirs as well but the only thing that lets this place down is the service.
It’s a very small restaurant so theres not too many tables but they had about 5 servers, roughly 2-3 tables per server so you would think they’d be very attentive - but I found the opposite. Our server wasn’t very friendly and took a while to come to us to give us menus and order ect. No one came to check on us once we’d received our meals of top up our drinks.
Written 29 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth I
Baltimore204 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
No trip to Boston is complete without a walk through the North End neighborhood. We got a recommendation for Carmelinas by a local. It’s a small but very popular spot…we got lucky and were seated before the lunch rush. It was a great experience with exceptional food. We split a Caesar salad (perfect size to split), had carbonara and gnocchi dishes. Loved that the food was served in its own skillet. Very clever. Portions are large enough to share but so delicious that you may not want to!
Wait staff works as a team and makes sure the customers are well attended.
Written 17 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dgiannoni
Chicago411 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
I'm not sure that Carmelina's lives up to the hype and the necessity of booking 3 months in advance.
The decor and vibe were great, but the seating was so very tight. We were seated next to some very nice native Bostonians. They come a couple of times a year and love it. They recommend everything. We had to scan a QR code to order. I hate that. If I'm spending that much money and effort to eat here, at least give me a real menu. I felt, nope, no space for menus. Order quick, eat in your tiny space, then leave. We were close to the door, and there were lots of people waiting to eat.
It was just so much pressure that you couldn't really enjoy your meal. It seems like most of the North End is like this.
I had read reviews and expected much of this. I think I had expected the food to be so much better and that it would be worth it. We would have been better eating lunch there when it might be less crazy.
I ordered the lobster ravioli, which was good but not fabulous. Hubby had a short rib, which he said was just ok.
Our waiter was good to us. I think we should have ordered differently and eaten at lunchtime. Hopefully, we can come back to Boston and give Carmelina's another try.
Written 1 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FranFromFlushing
Flushing508 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
Always make a reservation
1 ½ hour limit (you really don’t need more than that).
No dessert
Staff is wonderful, attentive, and personable.
We ordered fusilli pesto which we thoroughly enjoyed and melted in your mouth and the Brasato (beef short ribs) with risotto—cooked to perfection.
This small restaurant on Boston’s North End is a must at least once during your stay.
Our waiter recommended Modern Bakery for dessert and he was spot on with his recommendation.
Thank you for an exceptional experience.
Written 21 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael S
San Francisco24 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
The food here was really outstanding. The best dish we had was the Crazy Alfredo, but the pasta carbonara was very good, and the mussels Fra Diavolo appetizer were also very good. The Italian wine was excellent for the price, $45 for a bottle of quite good Sangiovese. The weight staff were friendly, overworked, but efficient as well as pleasant.
Written 21 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Lewin
Rancho Palos Verdes27 contributions
May 2022 • family
Carmelinas is an incredibly charming family Italian restaurant in the middle of Little Italy in North Boston. Because there was a large group of us, we were able to sample many of the dishes that they had. All of them were out of this world! I would especially recommend the meatballs and the Rollati, a dish I’ve never seen or had anywhere else. They serve everything in these giant sauce pans. Everything from the fresh bread with olive oil to the appetizers to the main dishes were extraordinary!! On top of everything else, close but not the prices were extremely reasonable. My meatball appetizer was $14 and it came with for giant meatballs. The incredible reality was $24. I don’t know if the prices are different for dinner, but I would highly recommend lunch. It’s impossible to get reservations there, but if you come a little bit after lunch and before dinner, it was a very short wait. This has been the best food we have had on our trip that included some of the best restaurants in New York City as well as Boston.
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JDD1973
Wisconsin54 contributions
Jul 2024 • friends
Very small space, which could mean a wait time. Luckily, we only had a minimal wait time. The food was fantastic, especially the Crazy Alfredo. The food was good enough for me to overlook some negatives (loud and weirdly non-Italian music, non-friendly hostess, and small, cramped space)
Written 1 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike S
Arlington2971 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
While in Boston, we knew we wanted to try the Italian food in the North End. The place we originally had picked out turned out to be open for takeout only so we went to Carmelina's which was our backup. It turned out to be a good choice for the food but the staff could have been a little nicer. After we put our name on the list for a table, we waited and watched and heard others come up and ask for a table and be seated almost immediately. They looked and sounded to be local so all we could assume was that they prefer locals to tourists. I guess that's fine if it works out for them but that could come back some day and bite them...Karma is funny that way...
Anyway, we did eventually get a table outside but the weather was nice and there were umbrellas on the tables so it turned out to be a good dining experience. The tables were somewhat close together but real estate in that area is at a premium. The interior of the restaurant is small and the sidewalk/street space we were in was packed with as many tables as was possible.
Our group each had different entrees. The portions were quite large. It was definitely authentic and made to order. I always try the Eggplant Parm at a new place and I did so here. It was excellent! My wife had the Crazy Alfredo and could only eat about a third of it. But I tasted it and it was delicious. There is no substitute for freshly made pasta!
Carmelina's doesn't serve coffee or dessert because they want you to try other establishments in the North End so we finished up and headed to Mike's Pastry which is right across the street. Having done that, we considered out foray to the North End a success!
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Wandering around Boston’s North End can feel like being transported to Europe. Stroll down Hanover and Salem streets for the finest Italian restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and a few boutique shops. Take part in the big debate as to whether Modern Pastry or Mike’s serves a better cannoli. Before your food coma sets in, make sure to stop by historic Paul Revere’s home, and follow the Freedom Trail to Old North Church and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. Take a rest in a cafe on Hanover street and observe the quirky, European character of the North End.
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