Carmine’s Italian Restaurant

Last night a friend of mine and I were reunited after 30 years and shared a meal at Carmine’s. It was a fabulous evening of delicious food, impeccable service, and an overwhelming sense of family. They were so gracious and welcoming as we chatted the evening away and closed the place down. ;-)
Thank you! I gladly recommend Carmine’s to anyone looking for a unique family style dining experience with delicious Italian cuisine.

I have eaten here three times. Each time you walk in you may be greeted with eye rolls and stares, sometimes funny faces by whomever is seated in the interior (usually the same lady on wheels who I suspect answers the phone and her friends or workers? It’s like something out of an Italian soap opera or maybe just the way you get treated here if you are a part of Kennewick ‘s under age 65 minority).
Experience 3 — My husband made a reservation during which the woman who answered the phone said, «For tonight? She sighs loudly into the phone that sounds like she is not pleased to be speaking to us and responds with Ok, I’ll tell them in the dining room so they know.» There was no mention of a lasagna shortage. We show up, wait for several minutes while being stared at by the eye roller brigade when a gentleman finally appears and says he doesn’t have our name on the list. He checks with the lady on wheels. She rolls her eyes and says, «Oh yeah, I forgot. They called.» We are seated with no mention of a lasagna shortage. Many minutes later we tell the waitress we would like lasagna when she greets us and asks if we need menus. She disappears for several minutes, only to return to offer us the B prize of cheese ravioli. For the uninitiated, cheese ravioli is what you get if you don’t have a reservation, upset the lady on the phone, have a toddler or they are just super busy and you are late. It’s better than Costco by a tiny bit, though definitely better if you eat it inside). I was rather upset given my previous experience (#2 below) with this place but they tried to make it better by offering an apology (not from the lady who answered the phone) and dessert, which was nice, but ugh, what bad luck/​service from the person who answers the phone multiple times now.
Experience 2 — I call for take out on a chicken Alfredo night at 5:45. The woman who answers says I can’t have Alfredo unless I make a reservation and eat in. When I ask for a reservation, she at first says ok and asks for my name and number of people. When I mention I have a toddler, she says I can’t have a reservation because they are suddenly too busy and that I can have cheese ravioli. I thank her and hang up but my husband gets the ravioli anyway. It is just ok, pretty flavorless and there were four pieces for each of us, which seemed like a weight watcher’s portion — they hadn’t met us, so I guess for cheese ravioli, they decide you need to be on a diet.
Experience 1 — no reservation, came in with my family and had lasagna. The lasagna is a generous portion and good value. The waitress was kind after getting over her initial shock that we wanted to eat in. Overall a good experience if you don’t count this table that is facing the door after you step up (the same eye roller folks seem to sit there often).

Really nice family style Italian food. My kind of restaurant, simple menu, you eat what they serve based on the day you go. I was there for lasagna. As good as the food is, it’s no where near as spectacular as Carmine and his lovely grand daughters are at making you feel home and more importantly like family.

It doesn’t get any better than that! I went to dinner with my mom & my husband on lasagna night. Upon entering… the aroma was calling my name. It’s a good thing the menu is easy or it would’ve been pure torture. The food they put out here is fresh with great flavors & textures. Their staff is welcoming. Atmosphere warm & inviting. I had the made for Carmine’s red blend. Highly recommend it. Quoting my mom; «This is the best Italian I’ve ever had!»

Carmine is the nicest, genuine, funniest guy ever!!! The food is DELICIOUS, and the atmosphere is very family friendly. He makes sure everyone has a personalized experience. It was my first time there and I’m definitely going back! New favorite spot in the tri cities!

While visiting Hermiston for a few weeks we grew tired of the limited selection of restaurants. Fired up Unilocal and searched for some good Italian close by. Carmine’s stood out and it was only a 30 mile drive! (It was worth it and we will be back!}
The service and food is as great as the previous reviews have already mentioned. Baked lasagna with a side of sausage and meatballs. Eye-​rolling, grunting goodness.
What was even better than the food? Carmine himself! He greets you with a sincerity that shows is appreciation for his customers.
If he offers to take you on a tour some of the many photos on the wall take him up on it. Listening to his epic stories was the highlight of our week!

Absolutely wonderful. I love this place. Really fantastic family style dinner. Had a solid, Italian meal with plenty of wine and conversation and laughs with my family. Every bit of the food was way above par. The sausages were my favorite; full of flavor and the skins aren’t too thick as to be cut with a fork. Carmine’s wine is also really good. A couple of bottles of his premium red pair really well.
I’m looking forward to tasting the rest of the menu.

Tonight my daughter wanted Italian, and we were passing through Kennewick. We found this fine looking little restaurant on Unilocal.Did I think I was going to have one of the best meals/​experiences of my life? No, but I did. Carmine instantly made us feel at home. The food was family style and amazing. My wife was brought to tears because it reminded her of her Italian Aunt and Uncle’s meals. Carmine ironically told us that his wife’s vision was a home that reminded people of their Aunt’s or Grandma’s. He gave us continual attention and even extra-​food to go home. If you’re looking for an amazing meal in an amazing atmosphere this is your place.

My parents came into town to celebrate our birthday (my birthday and dad’s birthday are a day apart), and Carmine’s came highly recommended for a nice night out. We were greeted by Carmine himself, who is a charmer. The stories he has! The pictures on the wall led to great conversation, and the atmosphere made us feel like family. We went on Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo/​Cheese Ravioli and Sausage night (it’s a set menu every night, so check their website before you visit), and the food was deliciously authentic. The homemade Italian sodas were sinful. So tasty! We all left stuffed and satisfied. From beginning to end, a 5 star evening. We will definitely be back!

Good food and great atmosphere but limited menu and very high priced. The sausage though is a craver!

Loved our experience and thee dinner! We were able to get a last minute reservation on Friday night. I have read some of these other reviews and I just can’t imagine where they came from. Carmine is just a peach of a gentleman! Hosted, served, refilled like a pro. The portions were enough that we at another full meal from the order the next evening? Loved Carmine’s, loved Carmine! Will be back soon.

An enjoyable home cooked family style dinner. One or two choices per night. Sweet and tasty desserts. The tables are set just like you are at home. Best of all the pictures on all the walls and listening to Carmine tell you all about his life and family.

If you like to peruse through a 3 page front and back menu with tons of different choices, and like the feel of a big chain restaurant, well then I suggest… you move on because this is not the place for you. I would suggest the Olive Garden. I’m sure its right there by the mall. You’ll get a ton of choices and that impersonal feel from your wait staff. However if you’re like me and like the feel of a family friendly restaurant or that little hole in the wall then Carmine’s is the place to go. Keep reading for my review.
A friend and I were traveling for business to Walla Walla, WA in mid October. We flew into and out of the Tri-​Cities airport. On our last night (a Thursday night) in Pasco, we were deciding on where to go for dinner. We wanted to eat at a place that was unique to the area. We didn’t want to eat at a chain restaurant since we could do that at home. When traveling I always look for the one of kind places to eat at. Best way to find the one of a kind place is either by word of mouth or in our case, to Google it! (The love for a smart phone!) Carmine’s was the first restaurant that popped up on search. Seeing as it had 4.5 stars, we figured why not, lets give it a try. And I am SOOO glad that we did.
The restaurant itself is a converted old house with tons of charm. The walls are filled with all sorts of wonderful pictures. They tell the history and story of Carmine and his family. We were seated right away and were brought water and bread. Our waitress, Alyssa, explained how the menu worked. Each day there are 2 different items that are offered. Dishes can be ordered as family style or individuals. Most night items are set, however it can change depending on what the cook and Carmine, Alyssa’s father and grandfather, decide to prepare for the night. You also receive salad with the meal as well. (I love the simplicity of the menu. Less stress and indecisions of what to order.)
The night we were there the options were fettuccine alfredo with grilled chicken breast and cheese ravioli. My friend and I decided to do individual servings of each item so we could share. And let me tell you, even the individual serving is plenty of food. Especially with the warm, soft yummy bread and the salad that is included with the meals.
Not long after we placed our order, Carmine stepped out into our seating area. The first thing he said was, «How did you guys sneak in here without me knowing?» He came straight over and starting chatting with us. He became our pseudo grandpa. It felt as if we had been friends with Carmine for a long time. Our meal arrived shortly after. But Carmine didn’t skip a beat with us in between the conversations. Both him and Alyssa took great care of us. Before we knew it, it was 2 – 3 hours later. Listening to the wonderful stories he told us, (and they are great stories!) it really felt more like catching up with old an old friend than anything else. On our second trip, we got to meet grandma (Joyce), and she has a fiery personality! Both my friend and I loved her the instant we meet her. Just like we did with Carmine and Alyssa.
We’ve been back 2 more times since. It’s been a great way to end a business trip. And we will continue to finish our trips with dinner at Carmine’s. We both decided that when the traveling stops for business we will make it a point to travel to Kennewick, WA just to visit and eat at Carmine’s!
Carmine’s is far from a hole in the wall. It’s a great family friendly restaurant! It has great food, great people and a great atmosphere! And great service from the entire staff. Who can ask for better than that?! It’s like going home once we step into Carmine’s. He’s our grandpa and we’re his 2 Asian friends!
If you are in the area, please give them a try. You won’t be disappointed!!!
We’ll see you soon Carmine, Joyce and Alyssa! — Jamie & Susan (you’re 2 Asian friends!!)

Great cozy atmosphere with personal touch. Greeted and provided description of menu options from the owner himself. Restaurant operates on a food limit so I would recommend making an earlier reservation to provide more menu options cork fee is only $ 9.00 and the meat platter was to die for! Sausage for days felt like Snooki that’s Amore

We found this place on Unilocal and we are so glad that we did. Carmine came out and greeted us, introduced then made menu suggestions. Our food was yummy.
The charming environment and this place’s warmth and the staff hospitality are the reason to come here!

I’ll say right away that I plan on going back to see if I have a better experience, but here’s what happened.
–My girlfriend and I walked in at 7pm (we already had a reservation). There a small handful of tables sat and the staff looked like they were trying to recover from a major rush.
–7:10 We were greeted and said they would seat us in a minute.
7:20 Finally got seated at the table right in front of us. Were not given any food/​beverages
7:30 We were brought water/​bread and finally put in our wine/​food order
They only do a couple dishes per night and we were informed (after 30 minutes of waiting mind you) that they didn’t have the one dish we wanted to try so we had to do the other.
8:05 Food was brought out, finally after over an hour.
They food was decent, but not great. We had ravioli and meatballs. It was average but nothing I would order again.
We ate pretty quickly (we were starving) and left at 8:30.
Overall, I’m sure it was just a bad night for some reason and I’m willing to give them another shot because I’ve heard great reviews but we waited an extremely long time for barely average food.

Read my other reviews. I’m a transplanted Jersey Boy… half Sicilian on my mother’s side. I love GOOD Italian food and when we were in Kennewick this last weekend, I looked for a place my wife and I could get a decent Italian meal at. We took a gamble on Carmine’s, walked in on Thursday night. Carmine greeted us at the door and gave me a (playful) hard time about not having a reservation.
Once he gave me a hard time about me being from Jersey, I asked him if he was a local… nope, Carmine is a Sicilian Jersey Boy as well. Based on that, I said we were going to make reservations for Saturday.
THEN we sit down. The menu items consist of salad, bread, soft drinks and two different entrees each night. Thursday was Fettuccini Alfredo with chicken breast and Cheese Ravioli with meatballs and sausage. MAMA MIA! Everything tasted fresh. The salad reminded me of what my Nana would make. The bread was hot and fresh out of the oven. The entrees were authentic fresh made and HOT.
Saturday, we brought friends… we shared a dish of spaghetti and meat balls and sausage and also had the baked ziti. I was speechless. I don’t even make baked ziti this good.
In regards to Carmine himself, he is a bonus. He is like the favorite uncle I never had. You immediately like the guy when you enter his place and love him when you leave. Very genuine and gives each customer his attention.
Now, the food can come in individual orders but homestyle is the way to go. The plates are melmac (Hey, Carmine… too bad it’s not Boontonware!), he served my friend a glass of wine in a jelly jar and it feels like home.
Anyone who gives this place less than five stars needs to keep eating at Olive Garden, since they have no idea what real Italian food is. For me to eat at one place two out of four nights (with left overs consumed the other two days) on a trip is a staggering accomplishment. Carmine’s is the bright spot for me in Kennewick and I WILL be back any time I’m in town.

I am from Seattle and came here based off of Unilocal.I had a wonderful experience as both the food and atmosphere, and service was fantastic!
I got a kick out of Carmine, and love supporting this type of place. I will come here anytime I visit from Seattle now. Skip olive Garden or whatever plastic corporate restaurant you were going too, and give this place shot.

Love love love
We love this place. It’s in someone’s house turned into a restaurant. They serve two dishes every night. We have had the spaghetti and lasagna. Their food is very good. We always leave stuffed and happy. It’s fun for the family but can get spendy. I recommend this place for a date night. Small, romantic and delicious.

Carmines. family atmosphere.friendly.great food. good people. Carmine came out. Nice to meet the owner. Great place pics on the wall are amazing and fun.