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✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
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Old-school Italian eats (plus gluten-free menu) with an outdoor patio & 360-degree fireplace.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 645 30th St, Boulder, CO 80303
Phone: (303) 938-9300
Website: https://carellis.com/
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Reviews
Ritvik Nag
Carelli’s — a carb-loading dream in Boulder
Carelli’s is an “authentic” Italian gem tucked in the heart of Boulder, Colorado.
First time in Colorado, first Italian dinner here — the night before my Boulderthon half marathon. A city full of runners, carbs were calling. I snagged a Saturday 7 PM reservation by phone the night before (do the same — weekends fill fast).
We ended up accidentally going full vegetarian. No regrets.
What we ate:
• Asparagus & Leek Soup – Light, velvety, a perfect palate reset.
• House Insalata – Crisp greens, zippy Italian dressing; simple but electric.
• Angel Hair Alla Olio – A runner’s dream: delicate pasta, swimming in olive oil and garlic, with a sprinkle-as-you-please bowl of parmesan.
• Eggplant Parmigiana (my dinner partner’s pick) – Bubbly cheese blanket, baked eggplant layers, comfort on a plate.
Complimentary garlic bread showed up warm and buttery but leaned dry — a little more olive oil would have taken it from good to grazie mille! Still, it paired nicely with the pasta’s olive oil bath.
Everything felt fresh, Italian without heaviness — perfect for pre-race fueling. Service was friendly and unhurried; the dining room cozy without being cramped.
Bottom line:
If you’re in Boulder (runner or not), book ahead, show up hungry, and expect honest Italian cooking with a few charming quirks. I’d happily come back on my next Colorado visit — whether chasing a PR or just a good plate of pasta.
(Visited September 27, 2025)
… moreCarelli’s is an “authentic” Italian gem tucked in the heart of Boulder, Colorado.
First time in Colorado, first Italian dinner here — the night before my Boulderthon half marathon. A city full of runners, carbs were calling. I snagged a Saturday 7 PM reservation by phone the night before (do the same — weekends fill fast).
We ended up accidentally going full vegetarian. No regrets.
What we ate:
• Asparagus & Leek Soup – Light, velvety, a perfect palate reset.
• House Insalata – Crisp greens, zippy Italian dressing; simple but electric.
• Angel Hair Alla Olio – A runner’s dream: delicate pasta, swimming in olive oil and garlic, with a sprinkle-as-you-please bowl of parmesan.
• Eggplant Parmigiana (my dinner partner’s pick) – Bubbly cheese blanket, baked eggplant layers, comfort on a plate.
Complimentary garlic bread showed up warm and buttery but leaned dry — a little more olive oil would have taken it from good to grazie mille! Still, it paired nicely with the pasta’s olive oil bath.
Everything felt fresh, Italian without heaviness — perfect for pre-race fueling. Service was friendly and unhurried; the dining room cozy without being cramped.
Bottom line:
If you’re in Boulder (runner or not), book ahead, show up hungry, and expect honest Italian cooking with a few charming quirks. I’d happily come back on my next Colorado visit — whether chasing a PR or just a good plate of pasta.
(Visited September 27, 2025)
Andrew G.
Pretty good food although tough to compete in a major market. Cleanliness could be better, too. Great garlic bread and mixed drinks.
… moreLauren Mistral
I’ll admit, pulling up to Carelli’s — tucked into an uninspiring strip mall alongside a Domino’s and a liquor store — doesn’t exactly set the stage for a great meal. Boy, was I wrong. Inside, it’s warm and unpretentious. Old-world décor, comfortable seats, generous table spacing. The kind of place that actually lets you have a conversation. We came in for parents’ weekend, Friday night, and getting a reservation wasn’t easy. We half-expected to be rushed through. Instead, we were given plenty of time, and our waitress Anna was attentive without being overbearing — good suggestions, good timing, no pressure.
The chicken saltimbocca is worth ordering. The appetizers held up too. Service was solid across the board.
We left satisfied and we’ll be back next time we’re in town.
… moreThe chicken saltimbocca is worth ordering. The appetizers held up too. Service was solid across the board.
We left satisfied and we’ll be back next time we’re in town.
Dan Gurule
Food was great! Atmosphere was nice. Great for a date. Love the large booths. Service was not good! Had to ask for refills of drinks. Had to get up to get our waitress for desert order. Waited 15 minutes to get our drink order. All while we could see her standing around. Very disappointed in the service.
… moreKenyon
I was surprised by the pizza. Lots of very good regional Italian dishes. Good date night restaurant and nice selection of drinks. Thumbs up to the sangria. It can be a bit noisy.
… moreSohrob H
⭐ 5/5 – Boulder’s Best Italian Spot, Perfect for Any Occasion
Carelli’s is hands down one of the best Italian restaurants in Boulder. I’ve been coming here for years, and the consistency in food quality, service, and overall experience is what keeps me coming back. Whether you’re looking for a nice dinner out, a spot to celebrate a special occasion, or just a solid Italian meal, this place delivers on all fronts.
The Food: 5/5
The menu has something for everyone, from classic pasta dishes to amazing pizzas and fresh seafood options. You can tell they use high-quality ingredients, and everything comes out perfectly cooked.
The pasta dishes are always cooked to perfection, never overdone or undercooked. The sauces are rich and flavorful, whether you’re going for a classic marinara or a creamy Alfredo.
The pizza is fantastic, with a perfectly crispy crust and just the right amount of cheese and toppings. It’s easily one of the best in Boulder.
Seafood dishes and appetizers are also well-executed, which isn’t always the case at Italian places this far from the coast.
Portions are generous but not overwhelming, so you leave satisfied without feeling stuffed.
The Atmosphere: 5/5
Carelli’s has a warm, inviting vibe that makes it great for any occasion. It’s nice enough for a special celebration but also casual enough for a relaxed dinner. The lighting is dim but cozy, and the décor has an upscale yet comfortable feel. If you’re looking for a place to take visiting parents, a date, or a group of friends, this is a fantastic option.
️ The Service: 5/5
The service is consistently great. The staff is attentive without being overbearing, and they always seem genuinely happy to be there. Food comes out in a reasonable time, even when they’re busy, and the servers are knowledgeable about the menu. If you have dietary restrictions or need recommendations, they’re happy to help.
The Verdict: Boulder’s Best Italian Spot
Carelli’s is one of those places that never disappoints. The food is always on point, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the service is top-notch. It’s a perfect mix of upscale and casual, making it ideal for everything from a nice dinner out to a special celebration.
✅ Consistently excellent food
✅ Great portions, fresh ingredients, and a well-balanced menu
✅ Perfect for special occasions or just a great meal
✅ Friendly, knowledgeable service
✅ Reasonable prices for the quality and experience
Would I return? Absolutely—Carelli’s is a Boulder staple, and I’ll keep coming back for years to come.
… moreCarelli’s is hands down one of the best Italian restaurants in Boulder. I’ve been coming here for years, and the consistency in food quality, service, and overall experience is what keeps me coming back. Whether you’re looking for a nice dinner out, a spot to celebrate a special occasion, or just a solid Italian meal, this place delivers on all fronts.
The Food: 5/5
The menu has something for everyone, from classic pasta dishes to amazing pizzas and fresh seafood options. You can tell they use high-quality ingredients, and everything comes out perfectly cooked.
The pasta dishes are always cooked to perfection, never overdone or undercooked. The sauces are rich and flavorful, whether you’re going for a classic marinara or a creamy Alfredo.
The pizza is fantastic, with a perfectly crispy crust and just the right amount of cheese and toppings. It’s easily one of the best in Boulder.
Seafood dishes and appetizers are also well-executed, which isn’t always the case at Italian places this far from the coast.
Portions are generous but not overwhelming, so you leave satisfied without feeling stuffed.
The Atmosphere: 5/5
Carelli’s has a warm, inviting vibe that makes it great for any occasion. It’s nice enough for a special celebration but also casual enough for a relaxed dinner. The lighting is dim but cozy, and the décor has an upscale yet comfortable feel. If you’re looking for a place to take visiting parents, a date, or a group of friends, this is a fantastic option.
️ The Service: 5/5
The service is consistently great. The staff is attentive without being overbearing, and they always seem genuinely happy to be there. Food comes out in a reasonable time, even when they’re busy, and the servers are knowledgeable about the menu. If you have dietary restrictions or need recommendations, they’re happy to help.
The Verdict: Boulder’s Best Italian Spot
Carelli’s is one of those places that never disappoints. The food is always on point, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the service is top-notch. It’s a perfect mix of upscale and casual, making it ideal for everything from a nice dinner out to a special celebration.
✅ Consistently excellent food
✅ Great portions, fresh ingredients, and a well-balanced menu
✅ Perfect for special occasions or just a great meal
✅ Friendly, knowledgeable service
✅ Reasonable prices for the quality and experience
Would I return? Absolutely—Carelli’s is a Boulder staple, and I’ll keep coming back for years to come.
Andrea Borlovan
I used to love this place, we’ve had every dish in the menu in the past couple years, unfortunately the dishes can be very inconsistent sometimes. Prices aren’t terribly overpriced, but are noticeable when the food is disappointing at times. I think they’ve gotten a new Chef as of the last year, or maybe have the teens running the kitchen because food doesn’t come out the same. The plating is different, the pesto has a bunch of oil, the pasta sometimes isn’t freshly made day-of, chicken is always overcooked or undercooked, and it’s noticeable. Although I love the atmosphere, the servers are professional, table clothes are clean, and the ambiance of lighting is perfect, the food isn’t the star of the show anymore. I do recommend the desserts and drinks though!!! Unfortunately I had to write this review as it used to be our top choice for an elegant Italian dinner.
… moreJulia Davis
I chose this place to celebrate my birthday, and I have to say the aesthetic was absolutely romantic and upscale–perfect for a special occasion. The service was fantastic as well. Even though they were fully booked, the staff went above and beyond to accommodate us by rearranging things to get us a table, which I truly appreciated.
Unfortunately, the food was not up to par. My husband and I were both disappointed with our meals. The dishes lacked flavor and were, quite frankly, bland. It just wasn’t our cup of tea, especially given the high expectations set by the ambiance and service.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, romantic setting with excellent service, this spot is worth considering. However, if food is the highlight of your dining experience, it might not meet your expectations.
… moreUnfortunately, the food was not up to par. My husband and I were both disappointed with our meals. The dishes lacked flavor and were, quite frankly, bland. It just wasn’t our cup of tea, especially given the high expectations set by the ambiance and service.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, romantic setting with excellent service, this spot is worth considering. However, if food is the highlight of your dining experience, it might not meet your expectations.
Mary Horlock
Cindy and Alex, are amazing! My favorite spot in Boulder- after being here for a month!
The food is fresh and the atmosphere is vibrant!
Thank you for such a lovely night solo
… moreThe food is fresh and the atmosphere is vibrant!
Thank you for such a lovely night solo
Daniel Roeder
The staff was quick and attentive. Really felt the waiter liked his job and went out of his way to make sure we felt special and were given his full attention while he was at our table.
The food was great and the atmosphere was good. Indoor and outdoor seating arrangements were ample and the decorations are top notch.
Would make this a regular dinner location if I was local.
… moreThe food was great and the atmosphere was good. Indoor and outdoor seating arrangements were ample and the decorations are top notch.
Would make this a regular dinner location if I was local.