Absolutely the best Italian food!! Definitely a place to go on special occasions. Service is impeccable read more

From our cocktails to our desserts we could not have imagined how they could do any better! Their staff is outstanding. They made our dinner so special because of how they provide service. We had the Filet Mignon and a special, Orange Ruffey. The steak was perfectly cooked, one of the best I have had. The fish was fresh, prepared perfectly, and oh so flavorful. We also tried their cannolis and cheesecake. Both were delicious and we would recommend. The ambiance is nice and relaxing. read more

Always fantastic FOOD & PERSONAL SERVICE Would eat there (7) nights a week. ..... BUT... They are closed on Sundays read more

We spent an evening on the patio celebrating a birthday. The weather was cool, but patio heaters kept our party comfortable. There was a solo saxophonist playing a blend of classical and hip-hop music at a reasonable sound level, so we could still enjoy easy conversation. We had a few classic and signature cocktails and started with the burrata appetizer. It was superb, nicely layered with prosciutto, toasted bread, and arugula, then dressed with a balsamic glaze. Since we were indecisive but didn't want to over-order, we agreed to order two mains and a few hearty sides to share among the three of us, which was more than enough. We landed on the Bocconcini alla Marsala (filet marsala, truffle mashed potatoes, and broccolini) and Penne alla Vodka, plus a side of meatballs, fettuccine Alfredo, and a Caesar salad (no anchovies). We did pay the additional fee to have the filet dish split, and between the two mains and the sides, there was plenty to go around and we got a great sample of the menu. The filet was ultra-tender, and the marsala sauce tasted fresh, with mushrooms cooked just enough to hold up to all the sauces and textures on the plate. I'm a sucker for truffle and really enjoyed the truffle mashed potatoes, delicious on their own, but incredible paired with the filet. The fettuccine Alfredo was some of the best we've had: tender pasta and generously sauced. I'm so glad we didn't miss it, and I love that we could order it as a side. The meatballs were excellent and would have gone well with either the Alfredo or the Penne alla Vodka. To finish the meal, they brought a cute little cannoli for the birthday (and no wild singing, thank goodness). We can't wait to go back! read more

Carmelo's - Italian Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

It was everything we hoped for on our anniversary dinner with friends. The food and service were amazing.

We were visiting my daughter in North Port, we went to Fisherman's Village to see the Christhmas display and decided on this place afterwards. Although we were asked if we has reservation, we opted to wait about 30 minutes, I'm glad we did. Reservations are recommended, it is a big restaurant with sitting inside and out, but it was packed. We sat outside in a very large courtyard, very well illuminated and with heat lamps, it is South Florida but the evening was getting a bit cool.we were provided with water and the waiter came over to introduce himself and went through the restaurant history, telling us that Carmello was the head chef and was always there. We were provided with fresh hot rolls with an olive oil and herb mixture, it was very tasty. soup and salad come with the main courses, we opted for the special lentil and house made sausage. We did not have any drinks , but they do have a full bar and beer offerings. We order Calamari Friti, it was very well executed. For the main courses we has Bone in Pork Chop Adrianna, Shrimp and Scallops Limoncello and the Sachettino. I highly recommend this restaurant, everything was very well done, options were generous and service was very good and attentive. I do recommend making reservations, specially during high season. read more

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I went back and, once again LOVED it! While tempted to order the same thing I did last time, I resisted and tried different things on the menu. For our appetizer we had the prosciutto and cantaloupe, which was drizzled with a balsamic glaze. The combination might sound weird but it's the perfect combination of sweet and savory. For my entree I had the shrimp and scallops limoncello with parpadelle pasta. SO GOOD! It's hard to describe, but it had a hint of sweetness (due to the limoncello), which contrasted well with the artichokes. The scallops were cooked to perfection. Once again, our dinner was 10/10. Service was also superb, and this time we managed to score a reservation, so definitely plan ahead. You won't be disappointed! read more

Carmelo's - Prosciutto E Melone - Italian Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

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Nice restaraunt with great food and options to customize for vegetarians (pear sacchetini was wonderful) and excellent service. We have had difficulty getting a reservation online, but recently we called in and were given better options. We enjoyed a celebratory Birthday dinner on the patio and almost everything was great (other than conversations held by other customers which is not the fault of the restaurant.) We sat inside last time, which is nice but outside was more peaceful. They do have a small bar with limited seating as well. Servers/bartenders were all friendly and exceptional. We enjoyed this place and will definitely be back. read more

Carmelo's - Italian Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

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This restaurant is a must. Get reservations way ahead of time. The wait staff is excellent. Food excellent. Never disppoints. Ambiance is quaint. Homey feel in back room. Patio is fun. Bar excellent. John is great. read more

Coming from NY my parents treated us here for my 45th Birthday Celebration. Such a beautiful ambiance, attentive staff and the food is amazing ! Our server Giannni was very charming, personable and created a memorable dining experience! Thank you and hope to visit again! read more

Carmelo's - Italian Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

Absolutely fantastic from start to finish! Although we didn't have reservations, the staff was more than accommodating and seated us despite the hour plus wait. We started at a small spot near the bar, where we ordered a bottle of wine to enjoy while waiting. Once two seats opened up at the bar, we moved over, and it was the perfect spot. We decided to start with the arancini with vodka sauce as an appetizer, and it did not disappoint. The portion was huge for two people and incredibly filling. The waiter recommended the vodka sauce, and he was spot on--it paired perfectly with the crispy, flavorful arancini. When we moved to our table, our waiter, who was from Venice, provided exceptional service. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the experience even more enjoyable. The alfredo sauce was creamy and rich, and the fresh bread they served was a must-try. The fresh caesar dressing and salad was another stand out. Overall, the dinner was absolutely fantastic, and we almost came back on Saturday night! If you're in the area, this restaurant is a MUST try. Highly recommend! read more

Carmelo's - Arancini with vodka sauce - Italian Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

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This is truly an amazing place to dine in. Have been here several times and have never had a disappointing meal. Everything is always amazing including the staff. Had the burrata app and also the mussels with the white wine sauce. You can put anything in that sauce and it would be amazing. For dinner had the filet in the Marsala wine sauce and again a 10 out of 10. A must to place to eat if your in the area read more

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We used Carmelo's for catering our Annual Christmas Party this year "2025" and it was awesome, a big success. Best party ever ! We had a hugh party with so many of our wonderful friends and catering the main dishes from Carmelo's was just perfect. Everyone especially loved Carmelos Baked Ziti, Chicken Piccata and Sausage & Peppers which paired nicely with our many side dishes, desserts and beverages. Such a amazing holiday party, with wonderful friends and delicious food! An absolute fabulous time was had by all. Merry Christmas 2025 ! read more

This is one our favorite restaurant in Punta Gorda. We enjoyed our favorite bada bing appetizer. I tried the Lobster Ravioli and it was amazing. It had just the right amount of seafood flavor and vodka sauce. We also ordered a new wine- Teanum Favugne Nero di Troia and it was a perfect universal wine for everyone's meal. For dessert, I had the blueberry mascarpone cake for dessert. It had a good flavor but next time I'll try something else. My boys had the lava cake and they enjoyed it. read more

Carmelo's - Bada Bing appetizer - Italian Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

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This place is simply amazing! It's our family go to for special occasions. It's pretty loud inside because everybody's having a good time and it shows by all the multiple conversations. They have an excellent wine selection and everything on the menu comes out cooked perfectly and a very authentic Italian restaurant. From pizzas to the pasta and the steak you will not be disappointed. Service is always good. You can tell the folks love working there. Business owners are on site. read more

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Fantastic atmosphere food and service. Will be back to sit inside for the bada bing shrimp soon

Spent $30 at the bar for two cocktails with tip. We ordered bucatini amatriciana with sausage added and spaghetti con polpette. The meals included salads and hot rolls which were enjoyable. Neither of us enjoyed the pasta entrees. The bucatini was heavily sauced and spicy rendering it not enjoyable. The spaghetti sauce was very bitter and the meatballs were not flavorful. We each ate about half our meals and opted for no dessert. Our bill was $79 (including one more cocktail) plus a tip. This was our first time at Carmelo's and can say we won't be returning. The food at River City Grille and/or Italia is much better. The outdoor seating was plentiful and would have been more enjoyable had it not begun to rain just before our meals were served. Very disappointing overall and even more so since it was a birthday celebration. read more

We loved our visit at Carmelo's. Service was excellent & food was delicious. We ate in the courtyard which is our favorite place to dine & enjoy the lights. If you get a chance to go there, it will not disappoint. read more

Authentic Italian with a nice vibe. I had the lobster pasta ravioli it's a little pricey, but considering how fresh the food is, I don't mind. I've ordered takeout but plan on dining in next time. read more

We were a group of 13, 3 of the group were celebrating their Birthdays. Carmelo's from the bar service, while we waited for our group to arrive were extremely accommodating with beverages. Professional, cordial, attentive! When we were directed to our beautiful table in the garden the decor and ambiance was warm, welcoming and very comfortable. Johnny our server immediately as we sat, welcomed all of us to Carmelo's. Inquiring who had dine there previously and those who had not. Johnny started a great orientation of expectations of what was to come from the culinary art from the Chef and staff. Our drinks replenished, fresh water in several bottles at the table, The appetizers once we settled in was a myriad of delights. Calamari, Barrata (mozzarella)with Prosciutto over crostinis and balsamic drizzle. Antipasto, glorious salads of different combinations, pasta faglio soups, etc. All scrumptiously delicate. Dinner entrees consisted of lasagna, seafood over pasta, osso bucco, other delicate pasta with meatballs or sausage, each entree display was phenomenal. Our three birthday 2 ladies, 1 gentleman did receive a cannoli with a candle along with a rendition of the Happy Birthday song . Carmelo's is a step above all else in service, good and ambiance. If you haven't been, you are totally missing a great dining experience . read more

COMPLETELY AVOID THIS PLACE! The Staff is so rude and they think they know it all. I went to pick up a Doordash and they tell me that someone picked it up already. So that means if I got the order then the person that picked up before me stole it because they didn't watch the person accept the Doordash order so he just declined the order and took the food for himself. I tried explaining that to the peanut size brain lady at the pick up counter and she was acting like it was my fault and said there was nothing she was going to do about it. But when these things happen and you call support they legit tell you to tell them to remake the order because it was stolen. They kept telling me over and over again that they wouldn't remake the order. So someone got away with free expensive food and the customer never got there food they payed for. It the stores responsibility to watch dashers confirm the orders on their phones before leaving to prevent this kind of food theft, even Mc Donalds does it yes a cheap fast food place makes and watches you confirm the order before leaving and your telling me this place sells expensive food and doesn't watch dashers confirm the order and leave? Even when your food is crazy expensive? So they never remade the order and I had to take a hit on my account because I accepted the order then had to decline to them being complete idiots. Oh and before I left THE OWENER TRIED GETTING IN MY FACE LIKE HE WAS GOING TO TRY AND HIT ME OR SOMETHING WHEN ALL THIS WAS THERE MISTAKE NOT MINE LOL. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO REMAKE EXPENSIVE FOOD WATCH THE DASHERS CONFIRM BEFORE LEAVING ITS LEGIT THAT SIMPLE THE PEA BRAIN IDIOTS! read more

I wish I could give this 6 or 7 stars. This is perhaps the best Italian food I've ever had; and I've been to Tuscany. The service was also possibly the best I've ever had. Johnny was perfectly attentive, great energy, great recommendations. The ones he recommended were phenomenal, especially the pasta with shrimp, pear and Gorgonzola, which is not a combination I would normally try. Out of this world. And the deserts were unreal. The pistachio mascarpone with Oreo crust and ricotta was divine. And the tiramisu was possibly the best I've had. And they seated us in a quiet back corner that was very quiet and romantic. I hope to eat here again some time (we're visiting from out of state). My compliments to the chef and the waitstaff read more

Best pasta dishes we have ever tasted! So fresh, beautiful presentation, and the seafood was excellent. Our server was most attentive to our needs and each dish was presented timely! High recommend the beautiful venue for small or large gatherings! read more

Carmelo's - Italian Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

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Try the Botta Bing. Top restaurant in Punta Gorda. Good ambiance. Good service. Located in a remodeled large home. Separate rooms. We generally go for birthdays etc. read more

This restaurant was definitely worth the wait! We ended up having dinner at the bar and the bar staff is so attentive and nice!! We had the gnocchi tartuffo as an appetizer to share (a must have!!) and Arancine Sicilliano (it was so good, light crispy and tasty inside). The porkshank ossobuco melted in your mouth, yum! And the shrimp and scallops limoncello was good but I think they forgot to put the lemon. I highly recommend this place and can't wait to go again to Carmelo's! read more

I was extremely disappointed with the service I received after waiting to get reservations to eat at Carmelo's. When my meal came after waiting a half hour it was the wrong meal that I ordered. I was not offered to take it back. I disliked what I got but was stilled charged for the full meal. It a my 60th anniversary which was to be a fun night. read more

My go to when dining out is usually Italian. This dish was cooked to perfection and the sauce was just as perfect. The sauce had just enough cream to balance the lemon. The pasta was made fresh and there is no way another restaurant will top this dish. I will be back on if I do find a place that's comparable. Look at all of the choices for dessert! Finished off the evening with the turtle cheesecake that is definitely the best around. Will visit frequently, call ahead for reservations, at least two weeks in advance. read more

Carmelo's - Italian Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

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Very nice Italian restaurant in Punta Gorda. The service was great and the outside area was beautiful. Our server was super helpful and visited the table often. We had multiple rounds of drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts because we were celebrating a graduation. They had a nice congratulations card on the table for her! The food was good as well with great presentation. The gnocchi bolognese was my favorite, and portions sizes were great. Almost everyone had some leftovers and our server boxed everything up for us (even our extra rolls). I will be back for sure! read more

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This is hands down one of the best staff I have ever seen! They are so sweet and caring! I'll be honest I've never had there food but it looks amazing!!! I hope you're doing good Meg! read more

Great food. Authentic Italian dishes. Waitress was friendly and the place was clean. Also had the sangria. It was great. read more

Carmelo's - Stuffed Rigatoni - Italian Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

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Ambiance and service was great. Also food was very good with lots of choices. Good place for date night read more

I'm extremely disappointed with the service I received at the front of the restaurant. When I arrived, the front waitress was dismissive and immediately told me there was no space since I didn't have a reservation without checking anything or making any effort to help. It was an unnecessarily rude interaction and not what I would expect from an establishment of this level. As I was walking out a very kind gentleman whose name I believe is Jack went back inside to see if there was actually seating available. That small gesture was all I was hoping for from the start: just a bit of effort and basic courtesy. A customer should never feel unwelcome. read more

Damn. Who thought you would need reservations in summer at 5 o'clock? This is our second time dining at Carmelo's. It is definitely a five star experience. The service is outstanding. The food is delicious and the prices are very reasonable. You just can't go wrong. My wife had the lobster ravioli, and I had some sort of fresh pasta that I can't describe, but it was crazy delicious! read more

Carmelo's - Italian Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

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2nd time here the food was amazing Gianni our waiter was top notch. First time having desert, outstanding

Great food and service but save room for desert. The deserts were incredible. I need to start hopping in there and have lunch or dinner at the bar. read more

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Omg, the food was AMAZING. Cant wait to go back. We sat outside and it was a lovely evening with great service.

We were seated in the outdoor garden, which has a relaxing and unhurried atmosphere. The service was fantastic, and the food was amazing. Would highly recommend this restaurant. read more

I have to start with - I am not an Italian food fan. It is never the type of restaurant I will pick. Don't like garlic and ricotta and other weird white cream sauces. But THIS PLACE IS STILL A FAVORITE FOR ME. menu is big enough to please anyone. read more

The first time experience was amazing. Last night the service, food and total experience was a disaster. Service was non existent, food was incorrect three times, and no one cared until after waiting hours we were leaving. Such a disappointment!!!! read more

Right as we got there we were seated by the hostess within 20 seconds of getting there. Our server Ben was amazing and provided us with respect and was super funny, I got the penne pasta and it was AMAZING!! Ben offered a verity of deserts on a tray and all of them looked great. I decided to get the pumpkin roll (which was a limited time option) and I loved it! Amazing restaurant, would recommend to all of my friends and family. The atmosphere was amazing there were lights hanging in the courtyard (which is where I sat) and it was so cool, inside was very cozy and rustic feeling, it felt like an Italian restaurant you would find in Italy! read more