Photo by: Courtesy
Few things make the heart more whole than a family-style Italian meal within the walls of an old-school eatery. Seriously, how could you resist? When you combine the aromas of freshly cooked breads and pastas, the ambience provided by warm light and soft music, and the hospitality from waitstaff that makes you feel like family, it's singularly one of the best dining experiences you can have. So have it, at Carmine’s Las Vegas.
It would be a crime to sit down at this New York City favorite and just order an entrée, so throw your diet out the window, because you’ll need to have a multicourse experience here. Of course, you’ll start your dining experience with a fresh basket of bread on the table, but take that starter up a notch when you order the Spiedini Alla Romana, an absolutely delightful loaf of thick-sliced bread stuffed with fresh mozzarella and soaked in a rich combination of butter, lemon, white wine, capers and anchovies. If you’re more into a bit of a crunch, order the fried zucchini, which are cut shoestring style to optimize crispiness.
Mixed seafood Photo by: Courtesy
While you dig into apps, you’ve got to order a cocktail … or two, or three. Sip on the scrumptious Ginger Peartini, a concoction of Grey Goose Pear vodka, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur and lemon juice, or the Sardinian Lemon Drop, made with Grey Goose, lemon juice, Chambord and Argiolas amaro. If you prefer a bit of bite, have the Carmine’s Negroni with Broker's gin, Carpano Antica vermouth and Campari.
You’ll have a hard time choosing just one entreé here as the menu is gigantic; quite literally everything on it will make your mouth water. For proteins, try the porterhouse Contadina or the chicken Contadina, both featuring their starring meats over a bed of roasted bell peppers, potatoes and sweet Italian sausage. Veggie lovers have got to order the eggplant Parmigiana, a traditional take made simply with fried eggplant, marinara sauce and cheese that needs to be on your must-try list. It’s flavorful, satisfying and oozes with cheese and sauce without being soggy. (It’s incredible, and this is coming from a lifelong eggplant hater.)
The Titanic Photo by: Courtesy
Expectedly, you’ll find pastas galore here. Penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, lasagna—you name it, they serve it, probably in multiple ways, too. Meatballs, pork braciola and Italian sausage make the savory ragu, while veggies are the main event of the giardiniera, made with broccoli, spinach, plum tomatoes, mushrooms and fresh herbs. Seafood standouts include calamari, shrimp and clam sauce, all served either red or white, or pasta with mixed seafood like lobster, shrimp, clams and mussels.
You didn’t forget about dessert, did you? Here you’ll find Italian classics like tiramisu and cannolis, but you’ll also find the absolutely over-the-top Titanic, a mountain of ice cream served over a chocolate torte and topped with fruits, nuts, fudge and whipped cream. And, of course, Carmine’s has a dessert cocktail menu. Try the Café Corretto, made with Borghetti espresso liqueur. It’s like having a cup of coffee with dessert, but better!
The Forum Shops at Caesars. 702.473.9700. carminesnyc.com
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. In addition to the latest edition emailed to every week, you’ll find plenty of great, money-saving offers from some of the most exciting attractions, restaurants, properties and more! And Las Vegas Magazine is full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.
