Carmine’s Menu with Prices is something you need before you walk in the door, because this place is not your typical Italian spot. Carmine’s serves portions meant for sharing, and the price structure encourages ordering family-style rather than sticking to single plates.
The menu is huge, and the plates are bigger. If you show up without a plan, you will either over-order or miss the best dishes. This guide breaks down the current menu, what things cost, and how to order smart for your group.
Why Family Style Changes Your Bill
You are not paying for a single plate of pasta here. You are paying for a massive platter that feeds three or four people. This is the core of the whole experience.
Most pasta dishes land in the $25 to $35 range. That sounds high for pasta, but the portion is closer to three servings. When you split that across the table, the per-person cost drops fast.
Appetizers work the same way. A salad for $18 looks pricey until you see the bowl. It easily serves four to six people. You have to adjust your thinking from “what do I want” to “what does the table want.”
Carmine’s Menu With Prices
Below is the breakdown of the main menu sections. These prices are based on the current standard menu. Keep in mind that locations in New York (Times Square and the Upper West Side) may have slight differences, and specials change daily.
Appetizers And Salads
You need to start with something green or fried. The Caesar salad is a classic choice and it is massive.
- Caesar Salad – $18.95 (serves 4-5)
- Insalata Di Mare (Seafood Salad) – $24.95
- Fried Calamari – $21.95
- Baked Clams (Half Dozen) – $19.95
- Mozzarella Marinara – $18.95
- Melanzane (Eggplant) – $19.95
The Caesar is the best value on the appetizer list. It is tossed tableside and the portion is generous. For a group of four, get one salad and one fried item. That is enough to start.
Pasta Dishes
This is the heart of the menu. The pasta is cooked al dente and the sauces are heavy and rich. You will not leave hungry if you order from this section.
- Baked Ziti – $24.95
- Penne Alla Vodka – $25.95
- Linguine With White Clam Sauce – $32.95
- Fettuccine Alfredo – $28.95
- Spaghetti With Meatballs – $32.95
- Rigatoni With Sausage And Broccoli – $29.95
- Cheese Ravioli – $26.95
- Lasagna – $27.95
The Penne Alla Vodka is the signature dish. It is creamy, slightly spicy, and the portion is enormous. The Spaghetti with Meatballs comes with three large meatballs that are almost the size of your fist.
If you have a group of six, order two pastas. That is enough for everyone to get a solid portion. Do not order one pasta per person. You will waste food and money.
Chicken And Veal Entrees
These come with a side of pasta or vegetables. They are meant to be shared as well.
- Chicken Parmigiana – $29.95
- Chicken Marsala – $29.95
- Chicken Scarpariello – $32.95
- Veal Parmigiana – $34.95
- Veal Marsala – $34.95
- Veal Saltimbocca – $36.95
The Chicken Parmigiana is a tower of breaded chicken topped with mozzarella. It comes with a side of spaghetti. This dish alone can feed three people if you also order a salad.
Seafood And Fish
Seafood is pricier, but the portions stay large. The fish is usually sourced fresh daily.
- Shrimp Parmigiana – $34.95
- Shrimp Scampi – $34.95
- Salmon (Grilled Or Lemon Butter) – $32.95
- Branzino (Mediterranean Sea Bass) – $36.95
- Lobster Fra Diavolo – Market Price (usually $60-$75)
The Lobster Fra Diavolo is for special occasions. It comes with a whole lobster and a massive bowl of linguine in a spicy tomato sauce. It serves four to five people easily. The market price changes, so ask your server before ordering.
Side Dishes
Sides are also family style. They are not necessary if you have pasta, but they round out the meal.
- Sautéed Spinach – $14.95
- Broccoli Rabe – $14.95
- Roasted Potatoes – $12.95
- Mixed Vegetables – $14.95
Skip the sides if you are ordering two pastas and an appetizer. You will have too much food. Only add a side if you have a large group of six or more.
Desserts
Desserts are gigantic. One slice of cake can feed two or three people. Do not order one per person.
- Tiramisu – $14.95
- New York Cheesecake – $12.95
- Chocolate Cake – $14.95
- Lemon Chicken (yes, it is a dessert here) – $14.95
- Apple Tart – $13.95
The Tiramisu is the best choice. It is creamy and not too sweet. Share one dessert among the whole table.
How To Order For Your Group Size
Ordering here is a strategy game. Here is a simple guide based on how many people are at your table.
For Two People
You have limited stomach space. Order one appetizer and one pasta. That is enough. If you are very hungry, add a small side salad. Do not order an entree and a pasta. You will take home a ton of leftovers, which is fine, but the bill will be high.
For Four People
This is the sweet spot. Order one salad, one appetizer, and two pastas. That is the perfect amount. If you want a chicken dish, swap one pasta for the Chicken Parmigiana.
For Six To Eight People
Now you can go big. Order two salads, two appetizers, three pastas, and one meat or fish entree. This gives everyone variety and enough food. Add a dessert for the table.
For Large Parties (10+)
Carmine’s offers a family-style dinner menu for large groups. It is a fixed price per person, usually around $45 to $55. This includes a selection of appetizers, pastas, entrees, and dessert. This is the best value for big groups. You do not have to calculate anything. Just tell the server your budget and they handle the rest.
Tips To Save Money On Your Visit
You can eat well here without breaking the bank. The key is to share everything and skip the extras.
- Share everything. Do not order individual plates.
- Skip the drinks. A bottle of wine is cheaper than four glasses, but tap water is free.
- Take leftovers. The portions are so large that you will likely have a full meal for tomorrow.
- Avoid the daily specials unless you ask the price first. Some specials, like the seafood platter, can be $100 or more.
- Go for lunch. The lunch menu has smaller portions and lower prices, usually $15 to $20 per person.
What About The Lunch Menu?
Lunch is a different beast. They serve a smaller menu with individual portions. You can get a pasta dish for around $15 to $18. This is a good option if you want to try the food without committing to the family-style portions.
The lunch menu is available Monday through Friday until 4 PM. It includes sandwiches, salads, and smaller pasta plates. The quality is the same, but the portions are normal sized.
Drinks And Wine List
The wine list is extensive and mostly Italian. You can find bottles starting at $45. There are also some very expensive reserve bottles that go into the hundreds. If you want a good value, ask the server for a recommendation in the $50 to $60 range.
Cocktails are around $15 to $18. They are strong and well made. The Negroni and the Aperol Spritz are popular choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the menu and pricing.
Is Carmine’s really family style?
Yes. All the main dishes are served on large platters meant for sharing. You cannot order a single portion of pasta for yourself. The only exception is the lunch menu, which has individual plates.
How much should I budget per person?
Plan for about $35 to $45 per person if you are sharing properly. This includes an appetizer, a pasta, and a shared dessert. If you add drinks, expect to pay closer to $60 per person.
Can I order a half portion of pasta?
No. The kitchen does not offer half portions on the dinner menu. You either order the full platter or you skip it. This is why it is important to go with a group.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, especially for dinner and weekends. The Times Square location is always packed. You can often walk in for lunch, but dinner without a reservation means a long wait.
Is there a dress code?
No strict dress code. You will see people in jeans and t-shirts as well as people in suits. It is a casual Italian restaurant, so come as you are.
Final Thoughts On Ordering
Do not let the prices scare you. The cost per person is actually reasonable when you split the plates. The food is classic Italian-American, heavy on the garlic and cheese, and the portions are legendary.
Go with a hungry group, order one or two dishes at a time, and pace yourself. You can always order more if you are still hungry. The servers are used to explaining the portions, so ask them for advice if you are unsure.
Carmine’s is a great spot for birthdays, family gatherings, or any time you want a loud, fun dinner with lots of food. Just remember to bring your appetite and your wallet, because you will need both.
One last tip. If you are only visiting New York for a short time and you want to try Carmine’s, go for lunch. It is cheaper, less crowded, and you still get the same great taste. The dinner menu is the full experience, but the lunch menu is a smart way to sample the food without the big commitment.
So now you have the full picture of the menu and the prices. Plan your order ahead of time, share everything, and you will have a great meal. The food is consistent, the service is friendly, and the portions are unbeatable. Just make sure you do not order too much on the first round. You can always get more.
Thats the best way to enjoy Carmine’s. Go in with a plan, share the food, and leave with a box of leftovers. You will be glad you did.