From the kitchen of Italy to your dining table, we bring you the finest of authentic cuisine to Bradenton. Freshly prepared as you order, Carmen captures the flavors of his homeland to share with Bradenton locals. With a quaint and romantic ambiance, you surely will feel as if you are spending the evening in Sicily. Let us help you to escape for the night with a savory meal and a glass of wine.
Easygoing, family-owned trattoria offering pastas, pizza & traditional mains, plus a martini bar.
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!
… moreC. Hepp
Our appetizer, entre and dessert were bursting with flavor. The sauces … Mmm Never fast food. The food has always been delicious, Any day of the week. Please remember this will be a dining experience that lasts hours. So if you have the time go enjoy every bite.
… moreDA S
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.
… moreBri Kaufman
This was our first time eating here and we will definitely be back! Everyone including the owner were checking on us multiple times throughout dinner and our waiter was efficient and knowledgeable. The bruschetta, Osso bucco special, tortellini Della nono, and the tiramisu were delicious!
… moreBone Tactical
Carmen has made some of the best Italian food in Bradenton for many years. Recently it would appear he has been having trouble finding good help (like many of us small business owners). You could get your food in 10 minutes, or two hours. It’s difficult to say here. Atmosphere will likely be good, food will be great, martinis are good, wait staff will likely be average at best.
… moreAlyssa Petronella
Not one to leave bad reviews, as many small, local businesses thrive on word-of-mouth… but here goes;
The restaurant is cute, well-presented. But it was absolutely freezing!
Our (male) server was very un-attentive, having to ask for water refills and wasn’t until 45 minutes into our 2.5 hour wait, did we receive our app, then fresh bread, then salads. Then an hour after that did we get our entrees.
The only other waiter was great and she made sure we were getting our items.
It is made-to-order style, which is nice and different from American ways, but if you are looking for a prompt meal, this is NOT your place. It is very LONG to get ANYTHING.
Most important- the food. We are huge foodies and enjoy finding unique places to eat, needless to say, it isn’t great, only ok at best. However, my sons lobster special was delicious. The wait would have been worth it if the food was a knock-out. Disappointing that the food was not very good for the price and wait.
Sorry, just won’t be back, but wish y’all the best!
… moreDorothy 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.
… moregfull13
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!
… moreJoan Gajadhar
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.
… moreCamille Wynter
Went to Carmen’s for the first time on Friday, it was amazing! Calamari appetizers I prefer the fried. I know people don’t rate the bread, but it was good. We had a bottle of silkwood red duet, I don’t like red wine but this was awesome! And then there was the main dish…. drum roll please, Eggplant Parmigian. The best one I have ever had. Since Friday, I have been planning how to get back there.
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