Easygoing, family-owned trattoria offering pastas, pizza & traditional mains, plus a martini bar. Based on 448 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.0 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout
Address:
515 27th St E # 9-10, Bradenton, FL 34208
Phone: (941) 745-1540
Website: http://www.carmensitaliancafe.com/
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Saturday | 3–10 PM |
| Sunday | 3–10 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
Closed |
| Tuesday | 3–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–10 PM |
| Thursday | 3–10 PM |
| Friday | 3–10 PM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
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Reviews
Becky S.
My parents and I are here and had the best meal and best time! Carmens was so good! We came in for an early dinner so it’s wasn’t crowded. We were greeted nicely by the gentleman who would be our waiter. He answered all our questions and let us know about some specials for appetizers and entrees. While we noshed on warm fresh sliced bread dipped in a yummy olive oil herb dip I debated between the hand-breaded mozzarella sticks and the meatballs. Meatballs won!They were so tender and juicy, so well seasoned and the creamy ricotta(?) perfect marinara and crispy crostini put it over the top great! Next, we were served a salad with house dressing. And I ordered the caramel apple martini. Delicious! The apple martini with the sugar rim comes through first and then the caramel flavor develops on your tongue that leaves you with a not too sweet, but delightful flavor. Now for the main course my parents got their favorite dish the veal and chicken marsala’s and they did not disappoint! I went a little out of my comfort zone and ordered the Chicken alla Carmen. The chicken was thin and tender I could easily cut it with my fork! The sauce clung to it like velvet as it did to the mushrooms and artichoke hearts and finished with lemon! Now this is not meant to be a pasta dish per se,but it was nice to have some spaghetti underneath so that none of the sauce was wasted.. and even after everything else, I happily ate the whole thing! Talking with Carmen about Maryland, restaurants and family was fun. He is one of a kind! ☺️ Finally, we decided have a look at the dessert tray, my parents chose the tiramisu which was perfectly soft and whipped and espresso-y, while I fully enjoyed the Torta de Nonna, with it’s flaky tart shell, not to tart lemon custard center and finished with pine nuts and almonds and a good dusting of confectioners sugar *chef’s kiss* the perfect end to a fabulous meal!
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Antoine Thompson
Best authentic Italian food you could ever eat. Everything is cooked to order. Where can you go in Italy and get fast Italian cuisine in a hurry. It takes a little time to prep your tummy for an amazing meal. It’s worth every minute you wait. I’ve been eating here for the past 5 years —no where comes close. Prices are what you pay for excellent food trust me you won’t get this at a fast food place or run of the mill commercial chains. Family owned pleasant atmosphere for the entire family. Come in and share the Italian cuisine experience. 5 plus stars.
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Christine Smith
We were celebrating a birthday and sat at booth( 4 in party). Our meals were tasty and the waiter was very patient and attentive to our needs. We even asked for several wine tastings before ordering a bottle.
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Dorothy Persiflage
Okay, this is supposed to be one of those old-fashioned Italian places where you are not allowed to make substitutions to the menu items. I was unaware nor told. My wife ordered the personal eggplant parm pizza but asked for alfredo for the sauce instead of marinara. Her request was granted. See the pics for the size of the pizza and associated charges (this is what we brought home). I did not bring home the chicken parm. While the sauce was good, the actual food was underwhelming; $16 for the pizza and $8 to substitute alfredo for marinara. That is $24 for less than an 8inch personal pizza. ♂️ I asked for penne with my chicken parm, instead of whatever pasta was served with it so I was charged an additional $3. These upcharges were unknown in advance. So – Do I get it? Yeah. The restaurant taught me a lesson. Perhaps this review will give them some satisfaction since their point is loud and clear. For me? So be it, I will just eat elsewhere for mediocre Italian food. This review is a “heads-up” for those people who are not interested in learning the same lesson as me.
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Rozilynn Frederich
The flavor of the food was really pretty good. I had the Veal Marsala. The sauce was WAY too watery. Literally like soup. It should have had a thick creamy consistency. My mom’s Eggplant Parmesan was the same way – very watery sauce. Perhaps they didn’t drain the pasta well enough. My dad’s Pescatore was really good though, the seafood in it was perfect.
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Dennis Stull (The Funcles – DASHR)
Carmen’s is a favorite dining experience for The Funcles! Everything is made to order, so we get to enjoy an evening of talking, sharing and eating delicious food. Don’t come to Carmen’s if you are in a hurry. This is a restaurant experience that is made for relaxing and savoring the food and company.
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Joan Rivera
Appetizers, soup, salad, main course, and desert were the best Italian food I’ve had in a very long time. I especially enjoyed their 515 Martini. Most of all, Little Carmen was one of the best servers I’ve ever had. Thank you so much Little Carmen.
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Alyssa Petronella
Not one to leave bad reviews, as many small, local businesses thrive on word-of-mouth… but here goes;
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R S
Absolutely delicious. Service was great. Food was exceptional. Wine list is definitely above average. If you are looking for a family owned real Italian restaurant with authentic dishes this is the place for you. Our family felt like we were back North (NYC/NJ) eating Nonni’s homemade dishes. This will absolutely be our go to place!
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gfull13
We have a delicious meal at Carmen’s. This place is the real deal home made authentic Italian food. My daughter kept saying this is the best place she has ever been! We will absolutely be going back for several more meals!
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