Carmelo's Italian Ristorante

I was there for New Year's Eve. It was very busy but the waiters took there time to allow you to check out the menu and give suggestions, and recommendations for appetizers, and specials. It is a great looking old but very nicely remodeled with multiple rooms. Great looking bar and patios. The appetizers are large and delicious. Great meatballs. The food we had was extremely delicious and tasty. The Osobuco was tender, and delicious. The same could be said for the Veal Marsala. Their bread and pasta where also very good. It was an excellent choice. We didn't have room for their awesome deserts. I would highly recommend this restaurant for a great authentic Italian meal.

Food is absolutely incredible. Atmosphere is amazing especially outside (they have space heaters). Service could not be better. Ive been here a handful of times in the last few years and recognize a ton of staff. Little bit of a snag at the beginning tonight due to a seating issue but not a big deal. Literally the only time I've ever had to wait for a server here and the only reason I mention it is because I could see how upset the staff felt about the error and am hoping they see how incredibly well they turned it around and provided us with a memorable and delicious experience

**Long review incoming, but 100% worth the read and make sure you look at the pictures!!**

Yesterday, my family and I went to Carmelo's for the first time for my dad's birthday. After multiple raving recommendations from friends, my mom made a reservation back in November to make sure we were able to celebrate at the restaurant. The restaurant is right of off 41 after you cross the bridge from Port Charlotte to Punta Gorda, easy to find, and parking across the street is ample, so no issues there! When we arrived, we were greeted by the hostess and immediately taken to our table. They even gave my dad a little birthday card to put on the table/take home.

Richard was our waiter for the evening and he was the perfect example of going above and beyond. He was extremely knowledgeable about the menu, very friendly, and checked on us the perfect amount of time!

We started with the calamari fritti (my dad gave this a 5/5 and usually is a harsh critic when it comes to calamari) and mamma's polpette (my mom and I shared this, it was 4 meatballs with fresh ricotta scooped on top, we also gave this a 5/5 and would order it again and again).

All of the pasta is freshly made in house, so of course, we decided on pasta dishes (my mom and I) for our main course. My mom ordered the "secret" menu Bada-Bing, which is prepared table side. I've included pictures below, it was amazing to watch and learn about the cheese wheel! It can be done as an appetizer that you share or an entree (with added protein of your choice), just so you know! I ordered the gnocchi tartufo and added chicken; it was heavenly. The gnocchi were so pillowy, soft, and melted in my mouth! My dad ordered the surf and turf and the steak was perfectly cooked, so soft, and extremely tasty; he also had the truffle mashed potatoes as a side, which we all took a bite of because they were so flavorful!

After eating ALL of that food, Richard brought us the dessert tray (yes, an entire tray to display the desserts, amazing) and also told us about the regular options on the menu, which included freshly made cannoli, profiteroles (which are cream puffs), and a few other things, but my mom and I decided on the chocolate lava cake. It was truly one of the best desserts I have ever eaten, even on a COMPLETELY full stomach.

All in all, this restaurant did not disappoint, especially for our first time, and will definitely remain in rotation for special occasions. I am so excited to go back and try a different set of menu items next time, because if what I ordered was AS GOOD as it was, I cannot imagine what the rest of the menu tastes like!

We also are going to request to be at Richard's table each time we go back, he truly made the experience pleasurable and you can tell he truly loves the restaurant and its guests!

Thank you Carmelo's for an amazing first experience; it definitely will not be our last!

A beautiful place for family and friends gathering. First time here with friends for a great tasting dinner. Even though I took pics of the food, somehow they got deleted. We had a superb tasting brushetta, rice balls, meatballs for appetizers. All of our entrees tasted absolutely amazing. For the final touch I had the best tasting cream Brule. I'm definitely will be bringing my family next time. Ty ❤

Are you looking for a restaurant with a great atmosphere? Then, head to Carmelo’s in Punta Gorda, FL. You will feel like you are in Italy. Plus, they offer indoor and outdoor seating. And, you may have a band playing while you eat.
I dined at Carmelo’s as a party of four on October 7, 2023. Can I tell you that it was easy to make reservations through RESY. Now, I booked during the off season, and I was able to get a reservation in two weeks. Unfortunately, I do have celiac disease and a soy allergy. But it is nice to know that the staff is well educated. By the way, they have food marked GF for gluten free, but I check because of the soy.
For an appetizer, I had the caprese; the tomatoes were red, ripe, and juicy. And the rest of my party got the Calamari which they said was crisp and flavorful. Oh and of course, an order of the Bruschetta. Can you believe they served one without the crostini for me? Everything was delicious!
For dinner, I could have all of the three tomato sauces. But I chose the Bucatini Amatriciana with the gluten free gnocchi. Wow! I have never seen gnocchi on any menu. This was a nice treat! And, oh, how I missed it! All of us were so stuffed that we did not get dessert. But we will next time! We were all impressed with the quality of food and excellent service. Not to mention the great atmosphere and fair pricing.
A big shout out to Sutton, my waiter! He was AMAZING! And he took great care of my dietary needs. I look forward to returning soon! I highly recommend Carmelo’s!

Thank you Carmelo’s for the delicious food that was served at my husband‘s 80th birthday party. I found your catering service to be very convenient to use. Jack was an enormous help in choosing the food, arranging for pick up, and for payment. All arrangements were made by phone and email. Our guests thoroughly enjoyed all the food choices we had made. Everyone commented on the delicious food from Carmelo’s. Thank you for helping make it a very memorable party.

Had our annual Christmas dinner at Carmelo's with friends. Special of the day, 36 ounce tomahawk steak. Had to try. It was awesome. Too big to finish though. As usual, everyone's dinner was outstanding and the service was top notch. It always is here. Best Italian restaurant in the area.

Food was so good we came back the next night . . .

Living in NYC we are often spoiled with both fantastic food and service, this restaurant has both. Our server Alondo was amazing, he saw us the next night and greeted us with a smile. Will request him next time we visit

Meatball app is a must. We requested grilled calamari w/red sauce vs. fried and it was excellent!

Will visit again in April when we are back in PG

Absolutely one of the finest restaurants I have visited kind server who even let us hang out a little after closing. My food was amazing but honestly...the service was impeccable. ANNNND After another visit here it is even BETTER. Do not pass this restaurant over. "SUTTON" our amazing server had quite a great offer in pairings and suggestions for a main course even topping the night with a thoughtful cake for our engagement. His suggestion of the "Bada Bing" appetizer, made at the table, took it over the top.
You are missing out if you havent eaten here.
THANK YOU CARMELO'S for and amazing dining experience.

This is our second year coming for our anniversary. We are making this a tradition. Love the atmosphere and the service is awesome. I recommend this restaurant 100%. We added the meatballs this year to our menu and they were delicious

We came for our anniversary, and we were so impressed! Best dinner I’ve ever had, exceptional service, everything was perfect! Compliments to Carmelo for preparing fresh, flavorful, and beautiful dishes! I highly recommend everything we ate tonight. Arancini, badabing, sausage lentil soup, Cesar salad, shrimp and scallop limoncello, osso buck pork shank, and finally tiramisu. You can tell from the first bite that everything is made fresh. Carmelo has a gift!!! Thank you for a fantastic dining experience!

First time eating here. The restaurant is beautiful & has outdoor dining. You feel like you're in Italy. The food is beyond what one could imagine. Pasta is fresh, portions are substantial, and if you had room for desert, be prepared to have your mind blown. The meals come with soup or salad. I had the pasta fagiol. It wasn't a little cup but rather a bowl of happiness. One of the best I've ever had. The prices are so reasonable for what you get that it's a wonder how they do it. We will, without a doubt, be back. Outstanding!

What an amazing night! My husband surprised me with dinner to celebrate my 50th birthday. From the moment we arrived to the leaving, the staff, food and atmosphere did not disappoint. My dinner was the Sacchettini, recommend by our waiter Sutton, my husband had the Veal Parmigiana. Both dishes were amazing and I would recommend them too. My only negative, and not really that bad, was I don’t think dress code is followed. In the end, it was a great night and we will be back.

Excellent food and service. We had bruschetta, Arancine Siciliane, Italian wedding soup, spaghetti with Italian sausage, and veal Marsala. Room a little noisy as some diners can be loud.

Terrific courtyard dining experience. Pasta dishes were excellent. Great service; Alondo is a true professional and we will ask to be seated in his area next visit.

Everything was goId about this place . Wait staff was having fun on halloween. Very good food. Try this place. Second visit the same.
Next visit, sat at the bar. Need to be there right at 4 pm to find a seat. All good again.

Outstanding unexpected find in Punta Gorda right near the harbor and downtown. Dishes were heavy but delicious, full of flavor, and the service was amazing.

Our server Dannie was one of the best in the business. Personable and attentive and was a great part of an amazing evening.

Our server Sutton was fantastic! He recommended the badabing to me which actually wasn't on the menu. We made it in just before they were closing the doors to let the last customers in. If you get there earlier, you can see them actually do something with the big block of cheese that gets put on it. I must say it was absolutely delicious! Highly recommend. The drinks were great. My girlfriend and I were very happy with the experience! Definitely worth giving a shot if you are in Punta Gorda or anywhere near the area !

Enjoyed an amazing dinner for 2, our server Sutton was very accommodating & knowledgeable. The calamari is a must have appetizer & the wedding soup with chicken tasted great. I had the swordfish entree(photo attached) & I would recommend it to anyone.

As soon as you entered the restaurant the smell was intoxicating and the team in reception were friendly and welcoming. We were escorted to our table on the porch ( great table) where we met our server Donna. She was just a delight throughout the evening looking after us, checking to ensure the food came as ordered and we had everything we needed.

The entire team was friendly / efficient and we felt well looked after, it was a pleasure sitting there, no rushing, a gentle breeze was blowing and the temperature perfect.

The food was excellent, lots of it and wonderful flavours, everyone was so pleased with the food.

We wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant, make reservations early and you won’t be disappointed. We are already planning our next visit when we have friends visit us in Fort Myers.