Carmine's Restaurant Dining Review:
A must try spot in Atlantic City, NJ

Carmine's Restaurant
The Quarter at the Tropicana
2801 Pacific Ave
Atlantic City, NJ

Carmine's: Restaurant Highlights

Fare: Traditiona Italian (Red Sauce)

Price: Expensive

Food Quality: Excellent for Old World, southern Italian family style dining. Portions are huge.

Service: Friendly, attentive.

Ambiance/Decor: Dark wood paneling, vintage photos of Italian celebrities, and festive lighting

Overall Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Note: Four-star Rating System from no stars = poor to Four stars = Best in Class

Noise Level: High

Dress: Casual

Recommended For: Large groups, celebrations, families, tourists

Not Recommended For: Quiet, intimate dinners or those seeking light, modern Italian fare

Recommended dishes: When available, Lasagna; Veal Parmigiano, and Spaghetti with meatballs.

Liquor: Full service bar with extensive list of wines and cocktails.

Carmine’s delivers a festive, family-style Italian dining experience with massive portions, warm service, and a celebratory ambiance—perfect for groups and special occasions. Known for its Southern Italian classics and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a standout in the Tropicana’s The Quarter.

🍝 History & Vision

Carmine’s Atlantic City is part of the iconic Carmine’s restaurant group, founded in 1990 by restaurateur Artie Cutler. The Atlantic City location opened in 2004 inside The Quarter at Tropicana, bringing the brand’s signature family-style Southern Italian dining to the Jersey Shore. Inspired by Italian-American wedding feasts, Carmine’s vision is to create a joyful, communal experience where guests feel like part of a big Italian family

🍷 Food & Cuisine

Cuisine: Southern Italian “red sauce” classics served in hearty, shareable portions
Style: Traditional, rustic, and indulgent—think comfort food with flair
Quality: Consistently praised for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and generous servings
Signature Dishes: Chicken Parmigiana, Penne alla Vodka, Spaghetti with Meatballs, and the Titanic Dessert
Preparation: Dishes are made to order, emphasizing rich sauces, slow-simmered meats, and classic techniques
Special Diets: Offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Farm-to-table/Organic: Not advertised as such; focus is on traditional recipes and abundance

👨‍🍳 The Culinary Team

Carmine’s operates with a team-based kitchen rather than a celebrity chef model. The brand is known for consistency, volume cooking expertise, and culinary execution across all locations. The Atlantic City team maintains the high standards set by the flagship NYC location.

🪑 Ambiance & Décor

Décor: Dark wood paneling, vintage photos of Italian celebrities, and festive lighting
Vibe: Warm, bustling, and celebratory—ideal for birthdays, reunions, and group outings
Noise Level: High—expect lively chatter and clinking glasses
Table Spacing: Designed for large parties; spacious but energetic
Style: Ornate and nostalgic, with a touch of old-school Italian charm
Outdoor Dining: Not available
Background Music: Subtle, often drowned out by the crowd

🤵 Service

Staff: Friendly, attentive, and well-versed in the menu
Consistency: High marks for timely service, knowledgeable recommendations, and group coordination

🍸 Other Features

Bar Service: Full bar with Italian wines, cocktails, and popular espresso martinis
Child-Friendly: Yes—great for families with kids due to large portions and casual vibe
Recommended For: Large groups, celebrations, families, tourists
Not Recommended For: Quiet, intimate dinners or those seeking light, modern Italian fare
Parking: Available via Tropicana’s garage and valet
Dress Code: Casual
Holiday Hours: Open on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Mother’s Day, often with special menus