The last two times we have ordered takeout has been amazing! They are so helpful when you call and tonight I got Cody on the phone! He was personable and then what I absolutely loved was you were taken care of by the same individual who took your call when you pick up! Definitely a more upscale take out experience! Shout out to Cody! Thanks for the help!
Don't over look this little bistro in the strip mall with indoor and outdoor seating. If I could give Carmela's more stars, I would. We were looking for Italian food and found this place on Google. We went in , were seated right away, and greeted almost immediately by our server, Breanna. She was patient with us as we decided on drinks and appetizers, made recommendations for our entrees, told us about the special, accommodated special requests (like no mushrooms) with a smile. Her service was PERFECTION - always stopping by our table at the perfect time :) The drinks were perfectly made, our water glasses never went empty, the food was obviously fresh. From our appetizer to our dessert, every bite of food was simply delicious and well made. Nothing came from a can at this place. We are not wine drinkers, so we could not appreciate the vast selections to choose from but did notice French and Italian wines were offered. As far as the price goes, I feel like we underpaid for what we received. Great place, and we will definitely be returning frequently.
Heard good things, so made a reservation for our 39th wedding anniversary. Started out OK. Then, rapidly went downhill. My wife’s meal was ‘OK.’ My meal a total failure. I ordered a sirloin and lobster tail with sides of spinach and asparagus (a low carb substitution for the mashed potatoes). This was a $45 entree. Well, when the meal finally arrived, my lobster tail was barely warm, crusted on top, and tough. My spoonful of spinach was room temperature. The sirloin was warm, not hot. And the potatoes were cold (reminder, I tried to substitute potatoes and they came with the meal anyway). They did bring my asparagus when I pointed out their mistake, and the 2-meager spears were perfect. My wife’s chicken was good and hot, thank goodness! The waiter, while nice enough, never once asked me how my meal was. Had he asked, I would have told him. My $132 tab came for the two of us and I paid it with a tip. We left and went next door to Culver’s for a custard dessert (was not willing to risk another thing at Carmela’s) and it was inexpensive and delicious!! Not a good meal from what was advertised as a first class dining experience. Not recommended!!
We had a reservation for 530 when we arrived the host sits us at the first table on the walkway into the seating area. With open 2 top tables that were so much nicer throughout the diningroom. ( last time he sat us he thought is was exceptable to seat us in the very small bar area in front of the waitress station we had him move us) by the way when we left those tables were still available. No for the food they had a temporary menu not great choices. I didn't want to make my husband feel bad and he didnt want to ruin my evening ( we talked about it after we left we should have walked out and gone elsewhere) My salad had watered down blue cheese . dressing my filet was under done potatoes had no flavor. Asparagus was good. My husband ordered pasta ,no ribeye on the menu. It had very little flavor. We like to go out to a nice steak dinner a couple times a month. We will not be returning. By the way the waitress was very good and we did leave her 20% tip.Mr and Mrs P
Carmela’s is not a big place. It’s got a small bar and two separate dining rooms, but it’s comfortable and has a slightly upscale interior. It’s a bistro and wine bar and you can tell that in its appearance as the very nicely display their wine along the wall of their main dining room. Our server, Marcus, was prompt, pleasant, educated, and attentive. He’s a pro. We began by ordering a 2018 Girard Cab at a nice price-point of $50. One suggestion for Carmela’s is that they upgrade their glassware, especially for wine. This would provide a better experience on bottles $50 and up. They have an excellent and unique appetizer list but we chose to start our meal with a Grilled Caesar Salad Wedge. It was attractive, tasty, and the half size was just right for the two of us to split. For entrees we chose their “Awesome” Chicken Fried Steak - a tempura battered and fried slice of prime rib. It was served with mashed potatoes and green beans. The beans were undercooked, tough, and too chewy, but the mashed potatoes were done to absolute perfection with just the right consistency and marvelous flavor. Believe it or not, they were the star on both of our plates! The Chicken Fried Steak was perfectly battered, not greasy, and had excellent flavor. A few bites were a bit gristly, but for the most part it was excellent. The gravy that topped the steak and potatoes was superior! Our other entree was a beautiful, thick, and expertly sautéed piece of Chilean Sea Bass. Tender, flaky, and appropriately seasoned. Overall, I’ll award four stars as their are improvements that Carmela’s can make, but here me clearly, this place has serious eats and should not be missed when dining in Lincoln!
Really disappointed .Went for our anniversary and expected a higher than normal dining experience. Carmelo's once again did not deliver.Visited there a few months ago, and found it "ok".Tonight ordered the two top end steaks on their menu. Both were cold when they got to our table. my 3 B Ribeye was cold , and fatty. Our sides were wrong, so my wife and I switched sides to make it, sort of work. Should have sent them back. Ordered drinks, sent mine back, as could not tell what it was. Should have been a vodka tonic. Pretty simple drink to make. Pretty sure nothing more than tonic water. Wait staff was great, our waitress was very courteous and friendly. Even when we asked to move to a different table, as whenever the front door opened, we got a blast of cold air. :( They did put up a screen to block the wind ?? Thanks, even after we reserved a table a week in advance . One star at most.
Some of the worst customer service I have experienced. With the staffing shortages, we know things take longer. We know to be patient. We also try to be respectful and tip over 20%.Anyway, we sat for 10 minutes without getting water, but 2 tables next to us received water refills. We tried to make eye contact and ask for drinks and the servers would not even look at us. After 15 minutes of watching those around us get service, and being ignored, we left.I reached out to the company thru their site, not wanting it to be public. That also went unacknowledged.I've heard great things about this place, but my limited experience says otherwise.
The appetizers menu is pretty interesting, the entrees a little more expected, judging from the menu (we did not order any). A carbonara with salmon should not be called a carbonara, in my opinion :) The soups and bread service were good.
We went for Sunday brunch and were surprised that there was no wait which was a huge perk. Our service was quick and the waitress very nice. However, other than the pancakes, the food was mediocre and over priced. The Wicked Eggs had no seasoning; none. My crab cake on my salad was hard to the point that a knife couldn't even cut it and the majority of it was breading and corn; no seasoning. My husband and the chicken fried prime rib - no seasoning but at least it was tender. His eggs had no seasoning and the potatoes were overcooked. Definitely will not be going back.
Carmela's has easily become one of our favorite places for business lunches/dinners and personally for date nights. There is a great atmosphere, the waiters/waitresses are always super helpful, and the food and wine are incredible. Our doctors love the Pig and Fig Pizza!!