Carmine’s Times Square: A Classic Italian Feast in the Heart of Broadway

If you’re seeking a true New York dining experience before catching a Broadway show, Carmine’s Times Square delivers a memorable, family-style Italian feast with all the energy and spectacle you’d expect from its iconic location.

Atmosphere and Service

Carmine’s is always buzzing. The restaurant is nearly always packed, filled with families, theatergoers, and tourists soaking in the lively, old-school Italian ambiance. Despite the crowds, the service is impressively swift and efficient; servers expertly weave through the bustling dining room, ensuring that orders arrive quickly and with a smile. Even at peak hours, you can expect to be in and out in time for your curtain call, making Carmine’s a reliable choice for pre-matinee or pre-theater dining.

Menu and Portions

The menu is a celebration of Southern Italian classics, designed for sharing. Expect heaping platters of pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, and steak, alongside robust salads and appetizers. Standouts include the Shrimp Parmigiana-twelve jumbo shrimp smothered in cheese and sauce-and the house rigatoni with beans and sausage. The bread basket alone, with rustic Italian loaves and focaccia, sets a generous tone for the meal.

But the real headline is the portion size. Every dish is meant to serve three to five people, and the servings are so large that leftovers are almost guaranteed. Many diners report that Carmine’s take-home boxes last for days, with the flavors only improving overnight. If you’re coming with a group, it’s the perfect place to sample a variety of dishes; if you’re dining with a smaller party, bring your appetite be ready for a week of delicious leftovers.

Experience and Value

Carmine’s isn’t about haute cuisine or intimate dining. It’s about abundance, warmth, and a sense of occasion. The prices may seem high at first glance, but when you factor in the sheer volume of food, it’s a reasonable value for groups and families. The festive atmosphere, complete with chandeliers and classic Sinatra tunes, adds to the charm.

Final Verdict

Carmine’s Times Square is a New York institution for a reason. It’s not the city’s most refined Italian food, but it’s reliably good, fun, and perfect for sharing with a crowd-especially before a show. Just remember: the portions are massive, the service is fast, and the leftovers will keep you happy long after the curtain falls.

Pro Tip: Make a reservation if you can, and arrive hungry. If you’re in a rush to make a Broadway matinee, you’ll have plenty of time-and plenty of food to take home for the next day, and the day after that.

https://carminesnyc.com/locations/times-square

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