We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

“Great Italian and low prices.”
Review of Carmela's

Carmela's
Ranked #12 of 386 Restaurants in South Bend
Price range: $25 - $50
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Dining options: Dinner, Reservations
Dining style: Casual Elegant
Description: Carmela's is one of South Bend's most beloved fine dining establishments. Known for its Italian-influenced cuisine, Carmela’s came to be when George Jr. Macri became intent on sharing his wife’s phenomenal cooking with the public. Named after George’s wife, Carmela, the restaurant’s menu is a true reflection of the dishes the Macri family makes for their own special occasions. All of the recipes and cooking comes from Carmela herself, ensuring that every customer gets a real taste of Italy in every bite. Designed to be relaxing yet romantic, Carmela's is a true reflection of dining in southern Italy with arched walls, a sky-painted ceiling, a fountain centerpiece, and Tuscany-inspired ambience.
Reviewed 24 July 2024 via mobile

Amazing Italian food, along with great service and an upscale environment. Yet the prices were so low. Hard to believe. Could not be more pleased. So good!

Date of visit: July 2024
Thank Mark F
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.
Reviews (138)
Traveller rating
Traveller type
Time of year
Language

2 - 6 of 138 reviews

Reviewed 21 June 2024

The restaurant was very accommodating. We made reservations for 7pm for a large party of 18 only to call the day of and move our time to 6pm and then our large party of 18 grew to 22. The service was friendly and food delicious for our group of 13/14 year old ravished tennis players and their parents.

Date of visit: June 2024
    • Value
    • Atmosphere
    • Service
    • Food
Thank Kelly N
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.
Reviewed 31 January 2024 via mobile

Just okay. $25 bought a not-generous bowl of tepid, generic soup and five stuffed mushroom caps. Service is okay, but during neither my December nor January visit did the waitress ask if I wanted a refill of my drink. Walls are painted attractively, but that doesn’t overcome the deficiencies. This is not the first time I have told myself that the food and experience of this restaurant are worth about half of the actual cost. I will remember to suggest somewhere else in the future.

Date of visit: January 2024
1  Thank HonestK1610
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.
Reviewed 15 December 2023 via mobile

Food is good. Our group ordered several appetizers and five meals, and everything was delicious. Server was pleasant but not available to replenish soda or water, though we did get a pitcher of water late into the meal.

I doubt that any of our party will return. The prices are high, but we were happy until the bills revealed unexpected charges. Of course the gratuity appeared on the bill (due to the number in our group), as well as the charge to pay by credit card (there’s a sign at the entrance). But the $4 for a single cup of hot water (called it “tea”) and the $5 for an extra plate so we could split a meal ourselves at the table, not even the same size as that which the dish was served on) seem unreasonable to all. Feels sneaky, and changed how we thought of our experience.

Date of visit: December 2023
1  Thank HonestK1610
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.
Adriana Macri, General Manager at Carmela's, responded to this reviewResponded 19 December 2023

Hello, thank you for your feedback as it is very important to us. We're glad to hear you enjoyed your service and meals! Sorry to hear you were unhappy with those charges. Splitting plates has always been an additional fee at our restaurant, but the server should have mentioned it to you upon ordering. Also, your $4 would have been for tea... not just hot water, and we do charge for hot tea. I will be sure to bring this up to my serving staff to ensure they are more transparent next time about the split plate fee. In no way are we trying to be "sneaky" as we have been in business for many years. We apologize for your disappointment and wish you had mentioned your disappointment upon visiting us so we could make it right. We hope you will consider revisiting and please ask for me on your next visit. Thank you-Adriana

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 2 September 2023 via mobile

Great Italian cuisine and service. Beautiful dining room as well as patio for outdoor dining. Small bar with few high top tables. Good selection of spirits and wine. Every dish is awesome so it’s difficult to choose one that’s my favorite!

Date of visit: September 2023
Thank Mishawaka1537
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.

Travellers who viewed Carmela's also viewed

 

Been to Carmela's? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos & Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.