ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Hell's Kitchen-Midtown West
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Hell's Kitchen-Midtown West
Master Critic Review
Carmine’s
8.4
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Legendary family-style Southern Italian since 1990, serving wedding feast-sized portions under candelabra chandeliers. With over 32,000 OpenTable reviews and consistent 4.6 stars, this 500-seat institution has proven staying power for groups seeking shareable classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Rigatoni alla Vodka
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Massive family-style portions that make every meal feel like an Italian wedding
Who should go: Large groups, families, anyone who loves sharing food
When to visit: Before or after Broadway shows
What to order: Chicken parm, meatballs, and vodka rigatoni for the table
Insider tip: Each pasta serves 3-4 people—servers will warn you but listen carefully
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Edison Parkfast at 332 W 44th St offers validated parking - $20 for up to 4 hours. Additional lots directly across the street. No valet
Dress code: Come as you are - very casual. Tourist spot where jeans, t-shirts, and theater attire all work. No dress code enforced
Noise level: Loud - bustling, energetic, festive Italian wedding atmosphere. Not for intimate conversation; great for celebrations where the energy matches
Weekend wait: Up to 2 hours without reservation; even with reservation expect brief waits on peak Broadway nights. Book well ahead
Weekday lunch: Typically seated quickly with reservation; walk-ins possible but not guaranteed
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated Vegetarian & Vegan menu with pasta primavera, eggplant parm, salads. All shareable sizes
Vegan options: Yes - separate menu section. Salads can sub oil & vinegar dressing. Limited but available options
Gluten-free options: Accommodating - dedicated Wheat & Gluten Allergy menu. Not allergen-free kitchen, cross-contact possible. Alert server to allergies
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal. The loud atmosphere makes conversation difficult, and family-style portions force you to agree on dishes. Works for couples who already know each other and want high-energy fun, but skip this for getting-to-know-you dinners
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky. Pre-theater walk-ins often wait 1-2 hours. Even with reservations, peak Broadway times may involve short waits. Always book ahead online or by phone, especially weekends and holidays
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - ranked among NYC's best family restaurants. Shareable portions work perfectly for feeding kids, the lively atmosphere masks noise, and staff will sing Happy Birthday with cheesecake. No baby-changing facilities though - note for parents with infants
Best For
Better for: Groups of 4+ seeking value and abundance, birthday celebrations wanting festive energy and staff singing, pre-Broadway families needing quick turnaround, anyone wanting the Italian wedding feast experience
Skip if: You're a couple wanting quiet conversation, prefer portion control over family-style sharing, seeking refined fine dining over celebratory abundance, or hate loud environments