The third concept from the Smeraldo family—following Il Terrazzo Carmine (1984) and Carmine’s Bellevue (2016)—Carmine’s on 5th brings a much-needed fine dining destination to Seattle’s downtown core. Located in the US Bank Center, Carmine’s delivers warm, upscale hospitality and timeless Italian cuisine that have made its sister restaurants pillars of the region’s dining scene. Featuring an extensive wine list and flexible private dining options, Carmine’s on 5th is ideal for corporate lunches, client dinners, and celebrating special occasions with family and friends.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1420 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: (206) 506-0886
Website: https://carminesonfifth.com/
Menu Photos
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Carmine’s on Fifth
Carmines 5th Avenue (@carminesonfifth) · Seattle, WA – Instagram
Carmine’s 5th Ave Restaurant – Seattle, WA | OpenTable
Reviews
The ambiance & elegance of the restaurant makes it so comfortable and inviting.
A few highlights from our meal:
– Fresh bread & butter that is an incredible touch to start the meal. Most places charge for that these days but it just goes to show the level of hospitality at Carmines!
– There are so many delicious appetizers that it felt impossible to pick, but we got the mista salad (very light & delicious) & house made fried bread with the most delicious pistachio-basil pesto that I have ever tasted. We soaked up every last drop with our bread!
– Ravioli di Ossobuco: This just quickly became my favorite pasta dish. It was cooked perfectly, endless flavor and another example of a sauce that I couldn’t get enough of. Will be back to order this dish again and again!
– Dessert: Tableside Gelato – As someone who is typically not an ice cream fan, this was INCREDIBLE. Made in house & so unbelievably delicious.
I can’t wait to bring back more friends and family! 10/10 experience, food and service.
Dinner entrees did not disappoint, we ordered 5 and shared family style as no one could make just one choice as they all sounded delicious. The flavors, textures and aromas just when we thought we tasted the best, we tasted the next!
Service was such a delight with Josh and his trusted busser!
Shout out to the CHEF in charge!
No evening is complete unless a restaurant can top an evening off with an expert finale!
DESSERT. I rate a restaurant by all the elements environment, food, service but most of all the dessert.
AMAZING – go enjoy the salad, appetizer and entrees and most of all the desserts you will not be disappointed! The five of us truly enjoyed it all!
There’s validated parking as well as valet, and walk-ins are welcome when there’s space up at the bar or dining area – though don’t expect to roll up during peak dinner hours and be seated. Vast majority nights are now completely booked out in advance, especially with the holidays.
This isn’t a small cafe, nor is it a hotel restaurant. This is an institution that brings together the best of Seattle – you’ll likely notice the architecture, design, landscaping (there’s a gorgeous olive tree centering the space), marble work, linens, flowers, fresh bread, upholstery, wood work. What you may not realize is that every detail showcases a member of this community who’s been part of a 40+ year journey to craft intimate dining experiences and serve the wonderful people of Seattle for all special occasions.
The team (chef, cooks, bartenders, wait staff, hosts, expeditors, wine curator, management, valet group, etc etc) are still in the very early days of getting a massive operation running smoothly with each and every detail ironed to perfection, so some grace should be extended by any guest who wants to experience the restaurant in its first weeks.
I think it should be stated here (given these are the early days) that anyone who truly wills the success of this city’s local businesses and wants to be a steward of this restaurant or any dining establishment should elect to provide feedback directly to management. This is a standard courtesy for any small business that many folks seem to disregard in favor of inflammatory negative feedback blasted on social media, especially in the early days when a single negative view can make or break the morale of those working tirelessly to get operations in motion. Whether it’s attention seeking or some other motive is beyond me. As a local resident and frequent reviewer, I prefer knowing my feedback is being delivered and received in a respectful and productive manner.
This restaurant is truly a gem that the city has needed for a long time. It’s so heartwarming to see diners dressed to the nines enjoying the restaurant and making a day out of the experience – with Nordstrom bags, plans to see a show nearby, dropping in for a work lunch, celebrating a loved one’s birthday. A special thank you to everyone who’s been a part of this journey, especially Seattle’s families who’ve dined at the restaurants for generations. To many more wonderful meals and cherished memories!!
We chose this restaurant to celebrate the birthdays of all three of us, and we were so excited. At first, the staff were great. Then right after dessert was brought out-when we were about to ask to borrow a lighter to blow out the candles, a front desk staff member told us we had 5–10 minutes to leave. She kept coming back to check if we’d left, with an irritated, rude tone.
We felt rushed, disrespected, and honestly looked down on, like we were being kicked out in the middle of a birthday celebration. I’ve never felt so unwelcome at a restaurant.
The food might be good, but I don’t care! The service was disrespectful and embarrassing. I will never come back.
The atmosphere is lovely, with lots of cute nooks throughout the restaurant. It’s cozy for a date night but also works perfectly for a business meeting.
Delicious food and such a great vibe. I’ll be back.
The food is absolutely delicious, with rich flavors that taste authentic and thoughtfully prepared. Every dish feels made with care and pride. What truly sets Carmine’s apart, though, is the service. The staff’s attention to detail is next level—attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind. They make sure every part of the experience is seamless. Carmine’s isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to savor, relax, and enjoy exceptional Italian hospitality.
The duck entrée was phenomenal. Perfectly cooked with a crisp, flavorful exterior and tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat inside. Every bite was rich and balanced — easily one of the best duck dishes I’ve ever had. You can tell real care and technique went into it. Paired with an amazing glass of Pinot Noir (chef’s kiss)!
And the rigatoni with marinara? Out of this world. The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente, and the marinara sauce tasted fresh, vibrant, and deeply authentic — like it had been simmering all day. Simple ingredients, but executed flawlessly. Sometimes classic dishes are the hardest to perfect, and they absolutely nailed it.
What truly elevated the night was our server, Charles. He went above and beyond in every way — attentive without hovering, knowledgeable about the menu, warm, and genuinely passionate about the food. He made thoughtful recommendations and ensured everything was perfect throughout the meal. Service like that is rare.
If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine with exceptional service, this is the spot. We’ll definitely be back — and asking for Charles.
I opened the meal with the Calamari Fritti (4/5). Lightly golden, crisp, and clean-tasting, it set a confident tone — not overly seasoned, not oily, just a well-executed classic that eases you into the evening. Then came the Wild Mushroom dish (4.5/5), and this one was such a pleasant surprise. The mix of textures and deep, earthy aromas felt like a forest walk translated into a plate. Every bite was layered and warm, almost meditative.
But the moment the Gnocchi Ripieni (5/5) arrived, everything shifted into high gear. These soft, filled little pillows were easily the highlight of the night. They carried this gentle richness that never overwhelmed — the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes for just a second because your brain is trying to memorize the flavor. Truly outstanding.
The Bistecca Tagliata (5/5) sealed the deal. Beautifully cooked, perfectly sliced, and full of that deep, savory confidence a good steak should have. You can taste the care in the sear, the seasoning, the tenderness — it’s a plate that doesn’t need to prove anything; it simply is excellent.
Portions lean generous, so sharing is encouraged, but everything is balanced enough that you never feel weighed down. Service stays attentive from start to finish — warm smiles, helpful recommendations, and timing that makes the meal feel unhurried. It’s the kind of hospitality that blends into the background while quietly elevating the whole experience.
Carmine’s doesn’t chase trends; it leans into quality, technique, and heart. In a city packed with Italian spots, this one stands out for its consistency and its ability to make a dinner feel like an occasion.
If you’re in Seattle and craving Italian that feels both comforting and refined, Carmine’s is absolutely worth a visit. ✨