I'm not sure what all the rave reviews are about, but I was highly disappointed. We came here in an attempt to eat locally, as we tend to migrate into the city every weekend. What a bust! Our waitress was a bit of an airhead. She took our order, gave us our appetizers, and as we waited for entrees, she asked if we would like anything for dessert. Uh.. wow. I got the savory beignet special as an appetizer and they were oily and.. unappetizing. I ate one but couldn't stomach another. For my entree, I ordered the seafood courtboullion. It's infused with Pernod, which may have been an oversight on my part since the anise flavor was really off-putting for me. The seafood itself was cooked fine, but I wasn't a fan of the dish. It's a shame, considering the price. Overall, the execution of the food and service is not worth the time, effort, and money to come here.
My first time to Carmine's was in December of 2014. I was really impressed by the meal that was presented to me. I've been looking forward to coming back again for months. Today was that day. I finally had the time to make the 40 minute drive out and I was so excited! I parked my car, walked in and was quickly greeted and seated. On my table was the delicious bread I was looking forward to snacking on. All that was ruined though. After I got comfortable and and decided what I was going to order, my server informed me that the owner decided not to accept credit cards anymore. Seriously? It's 2015. Who doesn't accept credit cards? They don't even have an ATM in the building. I was told I could walk down the street and find one, but that meant nothing to me because I only had credit cards with me. No bank card to take money out with. I'm really disappointed. I felt embarrassed. I wasted an entire afternoon planning on dinner. I wasted a 40 minute drive there and a 40 minute drive back. Thanks, Carmine's. I don't even know what else to say... Who doesn't accept credit cards? :(
(1)
John Z.
It has been several months since we had eaten at Carmine's. Absolutely need to get it back in the regular rotation. Dinner last night was great. Had the swordfish special - fantastic. The filet was perfectly cooked, tender and tasted great. John serves food that compares favorably to some of the top places in New Orleans. Yes it's small, yes it's a little out of the way, yes it's cash only but the food is fantastic. Please go and enjoy.
(5)
Emily M.
This restaurant is amazing! I crave the shrimp and gouda grits! Everything I've ever tried here has never disappointed me! I wish it was closer to my house!
(5)
Geraldine G.
This was my first visit. The service and the food was great. We had the taster. Everything was flavored well. I will definitely return to this restaurant. I would suggest you make reservations. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Rachel D.
So good, we came back twice in one week! Huge thanks to the husband and wife team that run this restaurant; they are extremely accommodating and very friendly. We will be back again soon and will bring as many people as we can find to taste this wonderful food. It's also BYOB so you can bring your favorite bottle wine to enjoy with your meal
(5)
John D.
I really enjoyed this place. The coconut shrimp appetizer was excellent. Good portion size and a jalapeño jelly on it is delicious. For our entrees, we had the Shrimp and Crawfish Etoufee and the Red Wine Braised Shortrib. The Etoufee recently received recognition in best of Philly and this was very deserving; the dish is excellent. The Shortrib was very good also and the accompanying mashed potatoes were also fantastic. The dessert we had did not disappoint either. The white chocolate bread pudding was also an amazing dish, some of the best bread pudding I've ever had. The staff, specifically the owner and his wife, were incredibly friendly and the service was excellent. I honestly don't have a bad thing to say about the experience and would go back again without hesitation.
(4)
R P.
Had a great experience here! Food was fantastic, great service and a nice atmosphere. For apps we had the sweet potatoe sausage bisque and the gumbo. Both dishes were packed with flavor and we couldn't get enough of them. i don't even really care for sweet potatoes that much, but, found this soup to be delicious and would def order again. For main dishes, I had the shrimp and crawfish etouffee and my gf had the jambalaya. The etoufee was a knockout - rich and great flavor profile. The jambalaya was also good - it comes with a ton of sausage and chicken. For dessert we split the bourbon pecan pie ala mode - i was ready to burst from being too full, but couldn't stop eating. Love this place.
(5)
Pat R.
As I sit here with my morning coffee, savoring a leftover square of butterscotch carrot cake with caramel icing & pralines, how could I not rave about the restaurant that served it to me? It was our third trip to Carmine's Act II, and every time, we leave soooo happy. We've had lots of Creole food on multiple trips to New Orleans and environs; Carmine's is right up there with the very best. We patronized the restaurant in its first incarnation ... followed it to Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr ... and now it's happily back where it belongs, which happens to be a brisk 10-minute walk to and from our house, helping us feel just a tiny bit less guilty about all that good eating. Chef Mims, please never leave us again!
(5)
Pat D.
Excellent meal on Friday night. Got there early on the way to a game at St. Joe's (5 min away). We had fantastic gumbo, Etouffee and the special - blackened grouper over jambalaya. Prompt attentive service and great food. Don't live close but will make the drive to try the rest of the menu.
(5)
Karen L.
I've been a fan of John Mims since his storefront in Havertown nearly 20 years ago. So glad he decided to come back to Narberth. I had the spinach salad--it was dressed with just the right amount of vinaigrette and had some nice chunks of goat cheese and walnuts. For my main course, I had the crab cake--it had crab, crab, and more crab, with a delicious sauce that I just wanted to keep on eating. And topped it off with the sticky bun bread pudding for desert--oh, baby! Great service, reasonable prices--and John oversees everything, you know that your meal will be excellent. Highly recommended. Again.
(5)
Joel S.
I was very pleased with my dinners at Carmine's. Glad they are back in the neighborhood. Service was excellent, and the dishes (seafood on pasta and a cajun rib eye) were great. The cajun fries are the best!
(5)
Bill M.
An incredible Creole restaurant that's on the verge of becoming a whole lot better. Carmine's was (and may still be) a tiny B.Y.O.B. restaurant in Narberth that served fresh and succulent food. But now it has acquired a bigger spot in Bryn Mawr that houses a full stocked bar and live blues music. It should still have a lot of the favorite meals, but it will also be unveiling a bigger menu. Chef John Mims was born in New Orleans and knows how to cook plenty of Authentic Cajun recipes. on the menu you'll find plenty of tradition treats like Jambalaya and Crawfish Spoon Bread. so it's good to hear that it's going to be bought to a bigger location.
(5)
Emily A.
Oh my god- I am so sad about this... This was a really great place to eat and seemed to do a great biz. What happened?!
(5)
Hunter B.
Carmine's is my favorite restaurant on the Main Line, for several reasons. Maybe you'll find some of them helpful ... My first visit was when it was located in Narberth and still a BYOB. My girlfriend and I stopped in one night on a whim, without reservations, and had no wine. The amiable host noticed and apparently told owner/chef John Mims, who appeared from the kitchen, asked our preferences and sent out a bottle of white (gratis) that accompanied our food perfectly. The crab cakes were incredible, and we were both surprised by the deliciously spicy pasta sauce. Service was top-flight from start to finish. And it's been the same ever since they moved to Bryn Mawr -- except I don't have to worry about wine anymore. They have a solid wine list and make a damn fine Hurricane (powerful and not cloyingly sweet). Ever since those first sublime crab cakes, I've stuck close to seafood (crab bisque, lobster bisque, cajun shrimp) and/or steak (filet with crabmeat). Yes, I'm crazy about the crab there and you would be, too. I have yet to eat anything from this kitchen that wasn't excellent. Even my vegetarian girlfriend shares my affinity for this place. I can't remember what she's eaten because I tend to zone out into my own little Cajun world, but I know that when we want to kick it up from 3-4 star to 5 star, this is our top choice. I've read complaints about the noise level. It's not quiet, especially if the live bands are playing in the front. But it ain't the front row at the Troc either. The noise would never keep me away when the food, drinks and service are this good. Plus there's plenty of parking in the area and the Bryn Mawr Film Institute is next door. Very highly recommended. * Update: A recent trip didn't live up to our previous experiences at all, I'm sad to say. The food was underwhelming (blackened shrimp appetizer and my favorite filet mignon with crab meat weren't that great) and service was so-so, even though the place was not very busy. What's worse is the owner was at the table right next to ours. We don't expect him to run the kitchen every night, but considering he's on premises so much, it made the drop-off from our previous visits that much more disappointing. We'll think twice about going back.
(4)
ace b.
Food is addictive and rib sticking good.
(5)
Lauren C.
Have been to Nola a few times. Etouffe and bouillon is delicious. Beignets a bit like funnel cake, but is that a bad thing?
(5)
Laurin T.
OH MY GOSH I'll make this short and sweet: Best creole cuisine in Philadelphia... and possibly the northeast! I'm usually not impressed with cajun/creole cuisine outside of N'Awlins because to me it's not flavorful... Just hot and charred. Not here! I treated my beau to a birthday/Valentine's Day dinner and from start to finish EVERYTHING was bursting with well rounded flavor. Just incredible! A BYOB too boot? I've been telling everybody I know about this place ever since!
(5)
Alejandro B.
Amazing amazing amazing!
(5)
Jeff D.
We've been to Carmine's (BYOB) 3 times now. And several times back when they were Daddy Mim's in Phoenixville. We've never been anything but blown away by the food. Absolutely amazing. John and his wife have both been fantastic, amiable hosts as well. We'll definitely be back. It's out of your way, but so worth your time. The sweet potato smoked sausage bisque soup is absolutely incredible. Every component of The Taste of New Orleans is absolutely amazing, as is the Butterscotch Carrot Cake, etoufee, and cajun seafood pasta. So far, we've not had anything that wasn't excellent.
(5)
Thomasina G.
Great service and awesome food!!! Can't wait for the beignet bakeries to open on Broad street and South Street.
(5)
Pam M.
This place may be one of my favorites in the Philly area. My husband loves Creole food and this place is fabulous! We are lucky enough to live right down the street. Brunch or dinner, takeout or dine in, it is always fabulous. The staff is always friendly and John makes amazing food! We just left Easter brunch which was beyond tasty and filling! The pesto for bread dipping (served with dinner) is a favorite of mine, among basically I've ever had there. I highly recommend this quaint, awesome restaurant.
(5)
Peter G.
Fantastic! Started with bread and a pesto chipotle sauce for dipping that was so unique and flavorful. Then had a wedge salad drenched in blue cheese and bacon (maybe the only negative as it was a little to much). Entree was the jambalaya, my wife had the duck with dark bacon gravy. Both were out of this world! We finished the night off with their Cinnabon bread pudding and coffee. Highly recommend. Byob as well!
(5)
Samantha D.
Delicious! SheCrab soup, coconut shrimp, short ribs, and bourbon pecan pie with ice cream (and REAL delicious hot fudge). All had tons of flavor and just enough spice. Only negative was no free refills on soda (I would have made it 4 3/4 if I could have; felt a little stingy). Additionally, the wait staff was great. Attentive and pleasant. Would love to go back.
(5)
Mike W.
This place is a hidden gem. Words cant even describe how good the food was. I cant wait to go back and try something else on the menu.
(5)
H C.
They've done it again! I had another fantastic meal at Carmines last night!! From start to finish, first class quality food and excellent service. Save room for dessert!!!
(5)
Maria B.
My husband and I went to Carmine's last Saturday night last minute, and we are so glad we did. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. I noticed right away the exposed kitchen which we sat next to and I thought " it's going to be noisy". But to my surprise , that kitchen ran so smoothly, quietly and clean. Our waitress was friendly, helpful and just sweet. We also had a wonderful staff member named Al. He was more then helpful making suggestions and explaining some of the dishes ..... Which brings me to the meal -WOW- it was exceptional, my husband had the chefs selection and I had the fish special which was swordfish. The chef is talented and knows how to do creole :) We were so pleased with our meal, the service and the venue. We will definitely go back. Thank you for a great night. Keep up good work P.S The bread pudding and waffles and ice cream are a must!
(5)
Jessica S.
We've enjoyed John Mimms' creations since he was back in Havertown. The food is absolutely delicious. The noise level is high. The parking is indeed tough (we were there in the beginning of March when there was still snow piled high in the streets). I would definitely recommend this place. They only take cash or checks. It is BYOB. You do need reservations especially for a big group.
(4)
Regina B.
Finally, a really great restaurant arrives in Narberth. We love lots of things about Narberth, and there are many 'good' places to eat here. The problem is, they all have bars and TVs and sometimes good/sometimes bad service and really good but not fantastic food. Carmines is not these places. You walk in from the street and are transported to a place that is all muted tans and browns, upscale but not pretentious, with an open kitchen but no sounds of clanging pots. It's a place you can go in jeans but also in suits and cocktail dresses and be just fine. We were greeted quickly and seated, well, anywhere we wanted because we were the first to arrive for the dinner set. We are promptly offered a basket of bread and some lovely pesto dipping sauce. The menu. This is where I had a bit of trouble. If you are a fish eater (which I am not, due to a food allergy) or a pork/beef eater, you're golden. If not, it's salad time. Except if you mention this, then they create something on the spot for you, as the food is all prepared to order. I am a little bit trepidatious, because usually off menu is haphazard. Faithful Dining Companion can eat anything she wants, so she orders the shrimp in grits for an appetizer and the crab cake for an entree. I opt for the wedge salad and the 'special creation' of hot sausage on pasta. The appetizers arrive promptly. They are very, very good. I think if she could have, FDC would have licked the plate. As it was, she was scraping the sides with her fork. My wedge was very good, lots of bleu cheese, the wedge itself was inverted with the wide side up, which, OK, I am not picky. Here's a lovely touch that I hardly ever see. When our appetizer plates are cleared, so are our utensils, replaced with clean ones for our main course. Hallelujah! Such a small touch, but so thoughtful of the diner while ensuring the dish is not tainted with the flavors of the appetizers. Then the entrees arrive. I am floored. What I am served are three large hot sausages on what looks to be pasta tossed with veggies and mixed with a butter cream sauce and tons of parmesan cheese. It looks beautiful, like it was a plated menu item, not at all like something just 'thrown together'. It is, in a word, delicious. FDC was also blown away by her crab cake - fresh, mostly meat, very little filler, and all kinds of delicious. The staff shared with me that they will accommodate dietary issues and food preferences wherever possible. I am told the chef, John, has some fantastic vegetarian dishes up his sleeve. If the 'off the cuff' hot sausage and pasta dish is indicative of what's up there, I am SO game. I would recommend adding at least one pasta and one chicken menu item, (or at least discreet signage notifying patrons of their options) so that those who are not as, well, vocal as I am don't write this place off, as they would be missing something truly special if they did. I would also advise those lovers of AMEX that this is the only card they do not take. Carmines, Act II welcome back to Narberth. I hope you stay a long, long time because your dining experience was sorely needed here!
(5)
Sharee G.
The creole food here is very comforting, rich and flavorful. The highlights were the ribs over fondue mashed potato and the Shrimp and Grits as well as the sweet potato soup. The have a tasting menu and literally everything on it except the dessert was out of this world. There was steak with crawfish and shrimp and grit as well as this amazing sweet potato soup. The only major let down was the Jambalaya and I love jambalaya but theirs was surprisingly weak, it needs more spices. My niece ordered this and was disappointing, she tried to send it back and they refused and they kept it on the bill, even though she ordered something else and paid for it. I found that a bit tacky because any good place with decent customer service will not fight you when you send something back, they take it and remove it from your bill. Apart from that experience we were very happy because our waiter was great and most of the food was top notch. Oh and the dip that comes with the bread was the best dip I have ever had and I'm a major foodie, I eat at some of the best places in Philadelphia. I know food and I know service.
WOW!!!!!!!!! Had dinner tonight at 8. EVERYTHING from the server, to the ambiance to the food was stellar. We'd been to the restaurant in Phoenixville many times, but this was our first time in Narberth. We had the crab cheesecake and shrimp and grits appetizers. Both perfect. Wedge salad to split, perfect. I had the short ribs and my wife had the filet over truffle fries, both were outstanding. Pecan pie a la mode and coffee to finish, great finishers. I can't say enough about how enjoyable this night was....great music, super cute digs and an outstanding chef made for a great night out. And it was BYOB, so the bill for all came in under 100 bucks! Best meal out we've had in years.m
(5)
Jill S.
Easter brunch was outstanding!! We got to try everything on the menu. Service was excellent, food was incredible and the mimosas were flowing!! We will definitely be back for dinner!
(5)
Steve T.
Flavor people. You know you want it...you know you need it. And Carmines delivers. This byob Creole gem in Narberth continues a long tradition of great Main Line Loosiania fare (a contradiction of terms, but work with me here) for those who need a change. Andouille sausage makes an appearance in many of the dishes, and the gumbo was no exception. Served with big chunks of the stuff in a tasty brown sauce, my only regret was this gluten free kick I'm on that prevented me from lapping up what was left with my bread. I also enjoyed one of the numerous specials, in this case the filet served over lobster mashed potatoes. Delish. The lady enjoyed the soft-shell crab appetizer which she considered first rate (and she is in fact a pro on this subject, having been raised on this crustacean delicacy) and the halibut special, served with a watermelon and habanero salsa. Wow. Seriously, if you want to get outside your comfort zone and wake up those taste buds, give this place a shot. They don't take reservations, and parking can be tight on the streets, so come a little early. Bring a nice chilled sauv blanc and let chef John Mims do the rest.
(5)
David P.
How is it that Narberth was lucky enough to get John Mims to open up here? This restaurant could be successful anywhere. The best BYO on the Main Line, and in the top 10 for the Philly area in my opinion. The menu changes a lot. Consequently, he has a loyal following and the place is usually packed. Seafood focused with Creole flavors, but more like influences than traditional. The tasting menus are a great option and will dazzle your mouth with flavors. Try the she-crab soup, the short ribs or the blackened fish of the day. Only downside is the limited parking in the area.
(5)
Carol L.
Great for a change of pace. The food was interesting, different and everything was tasty. The owner was present and stopped by to chat. No problems with the device either. The place was a bit cramped but the noise level was not bad. Parking was tough. This is a byob.
(4)
Steve B.
I use to go to his Original restaurant in Havertown. This place is great too. Service was quick food was tasty and spicy. The calamari was good, but a little too heavy. The ahi tuna was perfect, however the rice was cold. All in all a very nice meal. Not crowded when we arrived but got almost full by the time we were through.
(4)
Howard U.
Very good. Had the she crab soup and crab cakes. I enjoyed this place. Got there early and service was great. Place does full up though so is prefer to go before it filled up. Got to try the liver mouse appetizer and this seared tuna entree. Byob. Everything I had was well seasoned and tasty. Nice neighborhood restaurant. Recommend.
(4)
Michael S.
Outstanding , diverse Creole menu. Great ambiance. A little noisy on weekends. BYOB
(5)
Jan K.
Went there last night. The place seems perpetually packed, so there is always a wait. White it's still crisp Autumn weather, they will gladly uncork your wine, give you a couple of glasses and let you chill on the porch. Wait for a deuce was only about 30 minutes (there was a Birthday party of about 9-10 still waiting out there after we'd gone.) Food was REALLY spot on NO-style Creole ..Sort of an updated Antoines/Arnauds - classic rich cream-based sauces with a hint of fire (obviously a lot of white pepper along with the Cayenne.) Along with the classic shrimp/crawfish/redfish, there was spectacular striped bass (with a hint of Wasabi) and popular retro-comfort foods like short rib and pork shoulder. Service was friendly and efficient, and food served PIPING hot (cooked to order.) Hard to tell where grits end and risotto begins, but you will not leave hungry. There were two tasting menus (Chef's and "Trip to New Orleans") each around 28-30 bucks for a 3-4 course meal with soup to dessert.) Well worth the time and the price, but this is not a place for weight-watchers. The chef gives no quarter when in comes to butter and cream in the modern take on VERY traditional Creole (not Cajun) cuisine.
(5)
Tre F.
Recently went to this place on a friends suggestion. Apparently the owner had a place in the Collegeville area and my friend was a real fan of the place. It's a small intimate place. They won me over from the second I walked in the door. They offered us some complimentary house mojito that was awesome. It was really really good and you can't beat the price of it ;-). Oh yeah, the food is really awesome. Well seasoned. It's not exactly New Orleans, but it's the best I have had outside of the French Quarter. We all ordered various dishes and passed them around the table. Every bite i took was amazing. One dish that really stood out was the dessert. This white chocolate bread pudding was epic. I have been back for just that dessert. The staff is very pleasant; awesome service.
(4)
Pam A.
This is our favorite place to just pop into in Narberth. We are always warmly greeted by John & his wife. The food is consistently top notch, and when there are a few misses (the wild boar night was a bummer), its just a rarity. I keep going back to the crab claws with gouda, oh my..The cajun pasta is a solid go to - tons of food, but when John throws veal on the menu - I say jump! Its loud, its small, its friendly, and the food is like nothing else nearby. A gem..
(4)
Denise H.
My mom, my grandmother and I visited Carmine's to celebrate a birthday. We have Louisiana roots and love cajun food. Carmine's did not disappoint. I left already thinking about how soon it would be until I could come back. Service was friendly and can't beat the BYOB. Thank you for a wonderful night!
(5)
Reid F.
This little BYO in a Narberth neighborhood makes some of the best food North of New Orleans. Five stars isn't enough for their gumbo, jambalaya, and amazing use of the best spices. Joni and I are likely to return whenever we visit the area.
(5)
Red C.
We loved the original Carmine's in Bryn Mawr and were thrilled to find Act II in Narberth. But much to our disappointment, Carmine's Act II did not live upto any expectations. Twice in a row we've been disappointed with the food. Not to mention chef Carmine's attitude towards his staff creates an air of tension in the restaurant - not something you want when you're trying to enjoy a romantic evening with your date. The food was overcooked - the coconut shrimp was terrible! The jalapeño jelly that accompanies the coconut shrimp tasted like duck sauce. Let's put it this way, the jambalaya was no differrnet than what you would get out of an uncle bens box. Overall a very disappointing representation of Cajun Creole. Sad to see an old favorite restaurant go down hill.
(1)
Jay B.
I've been here twice and both times the food was amazing. Wish it was still in phoenixville.
(5)
Rich S.
Great food and awesome people. This town has been missing New Orleans styled food. Lovely to be able to get some good gumbo.
(5)
Paul M.
Awful. Probably the worst representation of Cajun food I have ever attempted to eat, Service was solid but that did not make up for a poor meal
(1)
Whiterock R.
Overwhelms the senses in a bad way. food was very very salty. Dessert and service was not great either. Took me a while to figure out why it was so popular. It is BYOB and everybody comes with a lot of alcohol and were having a good time. Don't go there for the food.
(1)
Burroughs M.
This place is amazing. Wonderful food and service. Owner and staff are friendly and attentive. Highly recommended.
(5)
Racqueal H.
This restaurant is now one of my top favorites. Everything was delicious. My favorite dishes are the shrimp and grits and also the braised short ribs w/ fondue mash. Everything was full of flavor. The service was also excellent. Definitely don't leave without trying a dessert, I highly recommend the white chocolate bread pudding. Enjoy!!
(5)
Mykell I.
Why can't I give Carmine's 10 stars? Feels like we struck food gold, what a pleasant discovery... This restaurant IS truly NoLo of the North! From the service to the complementary Bloody Mary's to the meals themselves. All of these added up to an amazing Sunday brunch. Forgot we were in the burbs after this experience. Best BYOB in the area. Can't wait to come back next week with more friends.
(5)
Jordan K.
This place is AMAZING! This is one of those off the beaten path places that takes a lot of pride in their cooking. The Etouffee and gumbo are incredible.
(5)
Alizia F.
Outstanding meal!!!! Every component on each dish was something special. We were talking about our meal for the rest of the night and when we woke up in the morning. Flawless and oh so satisying! Thanks to chef John and his very attentive staff for the delightful experience.
(5)
Eric S.
Although Carmine's is somewhat noisy, and a little pricey, the food was superb and the service equally good. That is a rare combination indeed, and a neighbourhood gem as well. Bring good wine to match the food and enjoy a special evening out.
(5)
Joe C.
John Mims back in Narberth and I'm back in heaven. We have followed John around for years, but Carmine's in Narberth was always our favorite location. We are thrilled he has returned. The Chef's Tasting Menu this week is something we are still talking about. Everything on the regular menu sounds so delicious that it's tough to make just a few selections. Having the tasting menu is the way we'll go. Very affordable and just absolutely fabulous. Thank you John and Welcome Back!
(5)
Jeff A.
Our group of ten enjoyed a truly top notch dining experience at Carmine's last night. It was a final hurrah with dear friends who are moving away and the restaurant left little room for improvement. From the moment we walked in our table was made welcome, our bottles opened, and the glasses filled. Our server happened to be the same one we had for Mother's Day brunch. And as it turns out, she has the best inside information on the menu one could hope for because she's married to Owner/Chef John Mims. And once again, she did not disappoint, steering wifey toward a Chef Special menu that included an outstanding cold soup. Let me tell you, if Daddy Mims is a master of anything, it's his soups. We have now tried three different soups and all have been sumptuous. The hot (Creole?) soup I tried was like a thicker version of an oxtail in color with a hint of a spicy kick that came with the Taste of New Orleans Menu. If you are a fan of the Bayou, this Taste of New Orleans special menu delivers! Especially the main course of a drier take on shrimp etouffee served with pork shoulder over melt-in-your-mouth mashed sweet potatoes. I should explain what I mean by drier. Rather than shrimp swimming with the rice in the rich sauce, the shrimp were placed on top of the rice with the sauce drizzled on top. In my opinion, the etoufee by itself was good but not in the traditional sense one might expect around the French Quarter. Coupled with that pork shoulder, however, the entree was a smashing success. The flavors of my dessert were excellent, but went a wee heavy on the raisins for my taste. I've had heavenly white chocolate bread pudding in New Orleans at the Jazz Fest, and so it's almost unfair to compare any other version to the memoy of that sweet delight. Would it be fair to compare any other kiss to one's great first kiss? A final word on the food: friends ordered and passed around some appetizers including crab legs caked with garlic and andoullie sausage with sweet sauteed onions. Both left me wanting to steal off into the night with the plates all to myself. In a town better known for the 'Triangle' on Haverford Ave consisting of three wonderful pubs, Carmine's adds that flavorful, spicy ethnicity too often missing on the Main Line. Here's hoping Act II plays a long run in the neighborhood.
(5)
Susan S.
We were delighted to stumble upon Carmines. The food was spicy with lots of flavor. We loved the spring rolls, she crab soup and pork. Will definitely go back. The service was excellent and the owner very friendly. Nice decor with an open kitchen.
(5)
John T.
If you want an authentic Cajun-Creole BYOB place then look no further and go to Carmine's Act II.This restaurant didn't get "Philly Magazine's Best Of" for nothing.The menu is varied for both seafood & meat lovers and the portions are plentiful.I enjoy sitting at the bar-counter to watch chef-owner John Mims perform his culinary skills,it's like watching Emeril Lagassi in person! Bring your appetite and enjoy the finest cuisine this size of the " The Big Easy". Sent from my iPhone
Yelpers and foodies, let me tell you a story. I had a favorite restaurant, once upon a time, in Phoenixville, it was called Daddy Mims. I got a gift certificate for my girlfriend for Christmas, and we called to make a reservation a few weeks back, and I was told they were closed, and a new restaurant called Carmines Creole Act II just opened in Narberth. It was far from where I live, but we had this gift cert to use. We figured since we loved Mims, we'll give it a shot tonight. Mims Fans, this review is for you! It's EXACTLY the same as Mims, only a little cheaper!!! The name Carmines made me think Italian, but its not, and the decorations aren't very cajun/creole either. It's a little small, but cozy, and they don't take resavations. Tables are set up for 2 and 4. It's still BYOB, they still have Tour of New Orleans ($28 as opposed to $35 at Mims) and Chef's Tasting (we both got this one $30 as opposed to $40). All we could talk about during our meal was how f'ing good the food was. The sweet potato/sausage bisque was out of this world, crispy sea bass w/ cheddar grits and spicy remoulade kicked ass, as did the short ribs w/ smoked bacon mashed potatoes, the bread, the spicy olive spread, the ice cream waffle, the sticky bun bread pudding, the service, everything!!!!! Cons: The small bathroom, and the corkage fee but that's ok! LOVED IT. Apprehensive going in, but left full, completely satisfied, and totally stoked that our favorite restaurant it still alive and kickin...just need to travel a little further to get there. Enjoy!!! -Mike
(5)
Donna L.
Loved everything we had!!! So another date night for hubby and I and we wanted to try Carmine's as it is right in the neighborhood. We arrived at 6:00pm and were immediately seated. They don't take reservations on Saturdays and we were happy we arrived early as it soon became full. But that was fine and not too noisy or distracting. We began by sharing a bowl of the she crab soup which I'm still craving even after the last spoonful. Hubby then had the crayfish egg rolls which were lightly fried, crispy, spicy and served with a delicious dipping sauce. I then had the crab claws which were so incredibly good I would kill for the recipe for the sauce...yes, really. They were perfectly cooked with two big pieces of bread soaking up the wonderful broth...sorry my mouth just watered on my phone...moving on to entrees...hubby got the special blackened fish which was delicious and I had the filet with crab over top with a cheesy potato gratin. It was so yummy - and I'm a steak snob - so really, it was amazing. I was completely stuffed but hubby went for the bourbon pecan pie with ice cream and it was so good I shoved as much as I could in. Look, I've been to New Orleans and while this is a little outside legit Cajun food - it is still amazing!!! I'm looking forward to cozying up there again on a cold winter night with a nice bottle of red wine and some seriously awesome food!!
(5)
Heidi G.
For those who loved this restaurant you will be happy to know that it is returning to Narberth! balacynwyd.patch.com/art…
(4)
C.B. B.
Being from the South has its drawbacks, but there is one distinct advantage: you get to know the cuisine of New Orleans quite well, from gumbo to jambalaya to coffee with chicory. So, when I heard that there was an excellent Cajun restaurant on the Main Line, I had to give it a try. Unfortunately, however, Carmines was not overwhelming. I started with the "Best-of-Philly" oysters, which almost lived up to the hype. The only downfall was an overly generous helping of remoulade sauce, which threatened to drown out the flavor of the oysters. Still, I was optimistic when my entree arrived--a jambalaya with Andouille, chicken, and shrimp. But it failed to impress. The Andouille seemed like it had just been plucked from the fridge at Acme down the street, while the chicken, though plentiful, was chewy. The shrimp were fine, but, again, there was so much rice that it was slog to get through. I won't say it was a *bad* meal, but, for $23, it should have been better. In short, I'd go back, but only on someone else's dime.
(3)
Trudi K.
We ate at Carmine's tonight. Wow, they have it all right!! The food was excellent. The service was perfect. A great place to enjoy good conversation with friends. We can't wait to go back.
(5)
Barbara P.
Beyond disappointing- untrained clueless servers, anything but crispy oysters- very mushy-definitely can not recommend the Grilled Brazlian Butterfish
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Lindsay V.
I'm not sure what all the rave reviews are about, but I was highly disappointed. We came here in an attempt to eat locally, as we tend to migrate into the city every weekend. What a bust! Our waitress was a bit of an airhead. She took our order, gave us our appetizers, and as we waited for entrees, she asked if we would like anything for dessert. Uh.. wow. I got the savory beignet special as an appetizer and they were oily and.. unappetizing. I ate one but couldn't stomach another. For my entree, I ordered the seafood courtboullion. It's infused with Pernod, which may have been an oversight on my part since the anise flavor was really off-putting for me. The seafood itself was cooked fine, but I wasn't a fan of the dish. It's a shame, considering the price. Overall, the execution of the food and service is not worth the time, effort, and money to come here.
(2)Alex H.
Fabulous just like the reviews say on here. The Caesar salad with a kick is delicious, just the right spice with a lemon zing! I also had the shrimp and crawfish étouffée and WOW was it good. The shrimp were large and perfectly cooked, the crawfish were plentiful and it was just the right spice for me, enough to make me want to scoop what was left with the fresh bread! I've been wanting to visit Carmine's and after my first visit I can't wait to go back!
(5)Anthony S.
My first time to Carmine's was in December of 2014. I was really impressed by the meal that was presented to me. I've been looking forward to coming back again for months. Today was that day. I finally had the time to make the 40 minute drive out and I was so excited! I parked my car, walked in and was quickly greeted and seated. On my table was the delicious bread I was looking forward to snacking on. All that was ruined though. After I got comfortable and and decided what I was going to order, my server informed me that the owner decided not to accept credit cards anymore. Seriously? It's 2015. Who doesn't accept credit cards? They don't even have an ATM in the building. I was told I could walk down the street and find one, but that meant nothing to me because I only had credit cards with me. No bank card to take money out with. I'm really disappointed. I felt embarrassed. I wasted an entire afternoon planning on dinner. I wasted a 40 minute drive there and a 40 minute drive back. Thanks, Carmine's. I don't even know what else to say... Who doesn't accept credit cards? :(
(1)John Z.
It has been several months since we had eaten at Carmine's. Absolutely need to get it back in the regular rotation. Dinner last night was great. Had the swordfish special - fantastic. The filet was perfectly cooked, tender and tasted great. John serves food that compares favorably to some of the top places in New Orleans. Yes it's small, yes it's a little out of the way, yes it's cash only but the food is fantastic. Please go and enjoy.
(5)Emily M.
This restaurant is amazing! I crave the shrimp and gouda grits! Everything I've ever tried here has never disappointed me! I wish it was closer to my house!
(5)Geraldine G.
This was my first visit. The service and the food was great. We had the taster. Everything was flavored well. I will definitely return to this restaurant. I would suggest you make reservations. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Rachel D.
So good, we came back twice in one week! Huge thanks to the husband and wife team that run this restaurant; they are extremely accommodating and very friendly. We will be back again soon and will bring as many people as we can find to taste this wonderful food. It's also BYOB so you can bring your favorite bottle wine to enjoy with your meal
(5)John D.
I really enjoyed this place. The coconut shrimp appetizer was excellent. Good portion size and a jalapeño jelly on it is delicious. For our entrees, we had the Shrimp and Crawfish Etoufee and the Red Wine Braised Shortrib. The Etoufee recently received recognition in best of Philly and this was very deserving; the dish is excellent. The Shortrib was very good also and the accompanying mashed potatoes were also fantastic. The dessert we had did not disappoint either. The white chocolate bread pudding was also an amazing dish, some of the best bread pudding I've ever had. The staff, specifically the owner and his wife, were incredibly friendly and the service was excellent. I honestly don't have a bad thing to say about the experience and would go back again without hesitation.
(4)R P.
Had a great experience here! Food was fantastic, great service and a nice atmosphere. For apps we had the sweet potatoe sausage bisque and the gumbo. Both dishes were packed with flavor and we couldn't get enough of them. i don't even really care for sweet potatoes that much, but, found this soup to be delicious and would def order again. For main dishes, I had the shrimp and crawfish etouffee and my gf had the jambalaya. The etoufee was a knockout - rich and great flavor profile. The jambalaya was also good - it comes with a ton of sausage and chicken. For dessert we split the bourbon pecan pie ala mode - i was ready to burst from being too full, but couldn't stop eating. Love this place.
(5)Pat R.
As I sit here with my morning coffee, savoring a leftover square of butterscotch carrot cake with caramel icing & pralines, how could I not rave about the restaurant that served it to me? It was our third trip to Carmine's Act II, and every time, we leave soooo happy. We've had lots of Creole food on multiple trips to New Orleans and environs; Carmine's is right up there with the very best. We patronized the restaurant in its first incarnation ... followed it to Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr ... and now it's happily back where it belongs, which happens to be a brisk 10-minute walk to and from our house, helping us feel just a tiny bit less guilty about all that good eating. Chef Mims, please never leave us again!
(5)Pat D.
Excellent meal on Friday night. Got there early on the way to a game at St. Joe's (5 min away). We had fantastic gumbo, Etouffee and the special - blackened grouper over jambalaya. Prompt attentive service and great food. Don't live close but will make the drive to try the rest of the menu.
(5)Karen L.
I've been a fan of John Mims since his storefront in Havertown nearly 20 years ago. So glad he decided to come back to Narberth. I had the spinach salad--it was dressed with just the right amount of vinaigrette and had some nice chunks of goat cheese and walnuts. For my main course, I had the crab cake--it had crab, crab, and more crab, with a delicious sauce that I just wanted to keep on eating. And topped it off with the sticky bun bread pudding for desert--oh, baby! Great service, reasonable prices--and John oversees everything, you know that your meal will be excellent. Highly recommended. Again.
(5)Joel S.
I was very pleased with my dinners at Carmine's. Glad they are back in the neighborhood. Service was excellent, and the dishes (seafood on pasta and a cajun rib eye) were great. The cajun fries are the best!
(5)Bill M.
An incredible Creole restaurant that's on the verge of becoming a whole lot better. Carmine's was (and may still be) a tiny B.Y.O.B. restaurant in Narberth that served fresh and succulent food. But now it has acquired a bigger spot in Bryn Mawr that houses a full stocked bar and live blues music. It should still have a lot of the favorite meals, but it will also be unveiling a bigger menu. Chef John Mims was born in New Orleans and knows how to cook plenty of Authentic Cajun recipes. on the menu you'll find plenty of tradition treats like Jambalaya and Crawfish Spoon Bread. so it's good to hear that it's going to be bought to a bigger location.
(5)Emily A.
Oh my god- I am so sad about this... This was a really great place to eat and seemed to do a great biz. What happened?!
(5)Hunter B.
Carmine's is my favorite restaurant on the Main Line, for several reasons. Maybe you'll find some of them helpful ... My first visit was when it was located in Narberth and still a BYOB. My girlfriend and I stopped in one night on a whim, without reservations, and had no wine. The amiable host noticed and apparently told owner/chef John Mims, who appeared from the kitchen, asked our preferences and sent out a bottle of white (gratis) that accompanied our food perfectly. The crab cakes were incredible, and we were both surprised by the deliciously spicy pasta sauce. Service was top-flight from start to finish. And it's been the same ever since they moved to Bryn Mawr -- except I don't have to worry about wine anymore. They have a solid wine list and make a damn fine Hurricane (powerful and not cloyingly sweet). Ever since those first sublime crab cakes, I've stuck close to seafood (crab bisque, lobster bisque, cajun shrimp) and/or steak (filet with crabmeat). Yes, I'm crazy about the crab there and you would be, too. I have yet to eat anything from this kitchen that wasn't excellent. Even my vegetarian girlfriend shares my affinity for this place. I can't remember what she's eaten because I tend to zone out into my own little Cajun world, but I know that when we want to kick it up from 3-4 star to 5 star, this is our top choice. I've read complaints about the noise level. It's not quiet, especially if the live bands are playing in the front. But it ain't the front row at the Troc either. The noise would never keep me away when the food, drinks and service are this good. Plus there's plenty of parking in the area and the Bryn Mawr Film Institute is next door. Very highly recommended. * Update: A recent trip didn't live up to our previous experiences at all, I'm sad to say. The food was underwhelming (blackened shrimp appetizer and my favorite filet mignon with crab meat weren't that great) and service was so-so, even though the place was not very busy. What's worse is the owner was at the table right next to ours. We don't expect him to run the kitchen every night, but considering he's on premises so much, it made the drop-off from our previous visits that much more disappointing. We'll think twice about going back.
(4)ace b.
Food is addictive and rib sticking good.
(5)Lauren C.
Have been to Nola a few times. Etouffe and bouillon is delicious. Beignets a bit like funnel cake, but is that a bad thing?
(5)Laurin T.
OH MY GOSH I'll make this short and sweet: Best creole cuisine in Philadelphia... and possibly the northeast! I'm usually not impressed with cajun/creole cuisine outside of N'Awlins because to me it's not flavorful... Just hot and charred. Not here! I treated my beau to a birthday/Valentine's Day dinner and from start to finish EVERYTHING was bursting with well rounded flavor. Just incredible! A BYOB too boot? I've been telling everybody I know about this place ever since!
(5)Alejandro B.
Amazing amazing amazing!
(5)Jeff D.
We've been to Carmine's (BYOB) 3 times now. And several times back when they were Daddy Mim's in Phoenixville. We've never been anything but blown away by the food. Absolutely amazing. John and his wife have both been fantastic, amiable hosts as well. We'll definitely be back. It's out of your way, but so worth your time. The sweet potato smoked sausage bisque soup is absolutely incredible. Every component of The Taste of New Orleans is absolutely amazing, as is the Butterscotch Carrot Cake, etoufee, and cajun seafood pasta. So far, we've not had anything that wasn't excellent.
(5)Thomasina G.
Great service and awesome food!!! Can't wait for the beignet bakeries to open on Broad street and South Street.
(5)Pam M.
This place may be one of my favorites in the Philly area. My husband loves Creole food and this place is fabulous! We are lucky enough to live right down the street. Brunch or dinner, takeout or dine in, it is always fabulous. The staff is always friendly and John makes amazing food! We just left Easter brunch which was beyond tasty and filling! The pesto for bread dipping (served with dinner) is a favorite of mine, among basically I've ever had there. I highly recommend this quaint, awesome restaurant.
(5)Peter G.
Fantastic! Started with bread and a pesto chipotle sauce for dipping that was so unique and flavorful. Then had a wedge salad drenched in blue cheese and bacon (maybe the only negative as it was a little to much). Entree was the jambalaya, my wife had the duck with dark bacon gravy. Both were out of this world! We finished the night off with their Cinnabon bread pudding and coffee. Highly recommend. Byob as well!
(5)Samantha D.
Delicious! SheCrab soup, coconut shrimp, short ribs, and bourbon pecan pie with ice cream (and REAL delicious hot fudge). All had tons of flavor and just enough spice. Only negative was no free refills on soda (I would have made it 4 3/4 if I could have; felt a little stingy). Additionally, the wait staff was great. Attentive and pleasant. Would love to go back.
(5)Mike W.
This place is a hidden gem. Words cant even describe how good the food was. I cant wait to go back and try something else on the menu.
(5)H C.
They've done it again! I had another fantastic meal at Carmines last night!! From start to finish, first class quality food and excellent service. Save room for dessert!!!
(5)Maria B.
My husband and I went to Carmine's last Saturday night last minute, and we are so glad we did. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. I noticed right away the exposed kitchen which we sat next to and I thought " it's going to be noisy". But to my surprise , that kitchen ran so smoothly, quietly and clean. Our waitress was friendly, helpful and just sweet. We also had a wonderful staff member named Al. He was more then helpful making suggestions and explaining some of the dishes ..... Which brings me to the meal -WOW- it was exceptional, my husband had the chefs selection and I had the fish special which was swordfish. The chef is talented and knows how to do creole :) We were so pleased with our meal, the service and the venue. We will definitely go back. Thank you for a great night. Keep up good work P.S The bread pudding and waffles and ice cream are a must!
(5)Jessica S.
We've enjoyed John Mimms' creations since he was back in Havertown. The food is absolutely delicious. The noise level is high. The parking is indeed tough (we were there in the beginning of March when there was still snow piled high in the streets). I would definitely recommend this place. They only take cash or checks. It is BYOB. You do need reservations especially for a big group.
(4)Regina B.
Finally, a really great restaurant arrives in Narberth. We love lots of things about Narberth, and there are many 'good' places to eat here. The problem is, they all have bars and TVs and sometimes good/sometimes bad service and really good but not fantastic food. Carmines is not these places. You walk in from the street and are transported to a place that is all muted tans and browns, upscale but not pretentious, with an open kitchen but no sounds of clanging pots. It's a place you can go in jeans but also in suits and cocktail dresses and be just fine. We were greeted quickly and seated, well, anywhere we wanted because we were the first to arrive for the dinner set. We are promptly offered a basket of bread and some lovely pesto dipping sauce. The menu. This is where I had a bit of trouble. If you are a fish eater (which I am not, due to a food allergy) or a pork/beef eater, you're golden. If not, it's salad time. Except if you mention this, then they create something on the spot for you, as the food is all prepared to order. I am a little bit trepidatious, because usually off menu is haphazard. Faithful Dining Companion can eat anything she wants, so she orders the shrimp in grits for an appetizer and the crab cake for an entree. I opt for the wedge salad and the 'special creation' of hot sausage on pasta. The appetizers arrive promptly. They are very, very good. I think if she could have, FDC would have licked the plate. As it was, she was scraping the sides with her fork. My wedge was very good, lots of bleu cheese, the wedge itself was inverted with the wide side up, which, OK, I am not picky. Here's a lovely touch that I hardly ever see. When our appetizer plates are cleared, so are our utensils, replaced with clean ones for our main course. Hallelujah! Such a small touch, but so thoughtful of the diner while ensuring the dish is not tainted with the flavors of the appetizers. Then the entrees arrive. I am floored. What I am served are three large hot sausages on what looks to be pasta tossed with veggies and mixed with a butter cream sauce and tons of parmesan cheese. It looks beautiful, like it was a plated menu item, not at all like something just 'thrown together'. It is, in a word, delicious. FDC was also blown away by her crab cake - fresh, mostly meat, very little filler, and all kinds of delicious. The staff shared with me that they will accommodate dietary issues and food preferences wherever possible. I am told the chef, John, has some fantastic vegetarian dishes up his sleeve. If the 'off the cuff' hot sausage and pasta dish is indicative of what's up there, I am SO game. I would recommend adding at least one pasta and one chicken menu item, (or at least discreet signage notifying patrons of their options) so that those who are not as, well, vocal as I am don't write this place off, as they would be missing something truly special if they did. I would also advise those lovers of AMEX that this is the only card they do not take. Carmines, Act II welcome back to Narberth. I hope you stay a long, long time because your dining experience was sorely needed here!
(5)Sharee G.
The creole food here is very comforting, rich and flavorful. The highlights were the ribs over fondue mashed potato and the Shrimp and Grits as well as the sweet potato soup. The have a tasting menu and literally everything on it except the dessert was out of this world. There was steak with crawfish and shrimp and grit as well as this amazing sweet potato soup. The only major let down was the Jambalaya and I love jambalaya but theirs was surprisingly weak, it needs more spices. My niece ordered this and was disappointing, she tried to send it back and they refused and they kept it on the bill, even though she ordered something else and paid for it. I found that a bit tacky because any good place with decent customer service will not fight you when you send something back, they take it and remove it from your bill. Apart from that experience we were very happy because our waiter was great and most of the food was top notch. Oh and the dip that comes with the bread was the best dip I have ever had and I'm a major foodie, I eat at some of the best places in Philadelphia. I know food and I know service.
(4)Rob J.
Solid meal. The menu included lots of interesting choices. I Had the shrimp and crawfish étouffée. Very good flavor. Started off with peach soup. Service was fine.
(4)Jake M.
WOW!!!!!!!!! Had dinner tonight at 8. EVERYTHING from the server, to the ambiance to the food was stellar. We'd been to the restaurant in Phoenixville many times, but this was our first time in Narberth. We had the crab cheesecake and shrimp and grits appetizers. Both perfect. Wedge salad to split, perfect. I had the short ribs and my wife had the filet over truffle fries, both were outstanding. Pecan pie a la mode and coffee to finish, great finishers. I can't say enough about how enjoyable this night was....great music, super cute digs and an outstanding chef made for a great night out. And it was BYOB, so the bill for all came in under 100 bucks! Best meal out we've had in years.m
(5)Jill S.
Easter brunch was outstanding!! We got to try everything on the menu. Service was excellent, food was incredible and the mimosas were flowing!! We will definitely be back for dinner!
(5)Steve T.
Flavor people. You know you want it...you know you need it. And Carmines delivers. This byob Creole gem in Narberth continues a long tradition of great Main Line Loosiania fare (a contradiction of terms, but work with me here) for those who need a change. Andouille sausage makes an appearance in many of the dishes, and the gumbo was no exception. Served with big chunks of the stuff in a tasty brown sauce, my only regret was this gluten free kick I'm on that prevented me from lapping up what was left with my bread. I also enjoyed one of the numerous specials, in this case the filet served over lobster mashed potatoes. Delish. The lady enjoyed the soft-shell crab appetizer which she considered first rate (and she is in fact a pro on this subject, having been raised on this crustacean delicacy) and the halibut special, served with a watermelon and habanero salsa. Wow. Seriously, if you want to get outside your comfort zone and wake up those taste buds, give this place a shot. They don't take reservations, and parking can be tight on the streets, so come a little early. Bring a nice chilled sauv blanc and let chef John Mims do the rest.
(5)David P.
How is it that Narberth was lucky enough to get John Mims to open up here? This restaurant could be successful anywhere. The best BYO on the Main Line, and in the top 10 for the Philly area in my opinion. The menu changes a lot. Consequently, he has a loyal following and the place is usually packed. Seafood focused with Creole flavors, but more like influences than traditional. The tasting menus are a great option and will dazzle your mouth with flavors. Try the she-crab soup, the short ribs or the blackened fish of the day. Only downside is the limited parking in the area.
(5)Carol L.
Great for a change of pace. The food was interesting, different and everything was tasty. The owner was present and stopped by to chat. No problems with the device either. The place was a bit cramped but the noise level was not bad. Parking was tough. This is a byob.
(4)Steve B.
I use to go to his Original restaurant in Havertown. This place is great too. Service was quick food was tasty and spicy. The calamari was good, but a little too heavy. The ahi tuna was perfect, however the rice was cold. All in all a very nice meal. Not crowded when we arrived but got almost full by the time we were through.
(4)Howard U.
Very good. Had the she crab soup and crab cakes. I enjoyed this place. Got there early and service was great. Place does full up though so is prefer to go before it filled up. Got to try the liver mouse appetizer and this seared tuna entree. Byob. Everything I had was well seasoned and tasty. Nice neighborhood restaurant. Recommend.
(4)Michael S.
Outstanding , diverse Creole menu. Great ambiance. A little noisy on weekends. BYOB
(5)Jan K.
Went there last night. The place seems perpetually packed, so there is always a wait. White it's still crisp Autumn weather, they will gladly uncork your wine, give you a couple of glasses and let you chill on the porch. Wait for a deuce was only about 30 minutes (there was a Birthday party of about 9-10 still waiting out there after we'd gone.) Food was REALLY spot on NO-style Creole ..Sort of an updated Antoines/Arnauds - classic rich cream-based sauces with a hint of fire (obviously a lot of white pepper along with the Cayenne.) Along with the classic shrimp/crawfish/redfish, there was spectacular striped bass (with a hint of Wasabi) and popular retro-comfort foods like short rib and pork shoulder. Service was friendly and efficient, and food served PIPING hot (cooked to order.) Hard to tell where grits end and risotto begins, but you will not leave hungry. There were two tasting menus (Chef's and "Trip to New Orleans") each around 28-30 bucks for a 3-4 course meal with soup to dessert.) Well worth the time and the price, but this is not a place for weight-watchers. The chef gives no quarter when in comes to butter and cream in the modern take on VERY traditional Creole (not Cajun) cuisine.
(5)Tre F.
Recently went to this place on a friends suggestion. Apparently the owner had a place in the Collegeville area and my friend was a real fan of the place. It's a small intimate place. They won me over from the second I walked in the door. They offered us some complimentary house mojito that was awesome. It was really really good and you can't beat the price of it ;-). Oh yeah, the food is really awesome. Well seasoned. It's not exactly New Orleans, but it's the best I have had outside of the French Quarter. We all ordered various dishes and passed them around the table. Every bite i took was amazing. One dish that really stood out was the dessert. This white chocolate bread pudding was epic. I have been back for just that dessert. The staff is very pleasant; awesome service.
(4)Pam A.
This is our favorite place to just pop into in Narberth. We are always warmly greeted by John & his wife. The food is consistently top notch, and when there are a few misses (the wild boar night was a bummer), its just a rarity. I keep going back to the crab claws with gouda, oh my..The cajun pasta is a solid go to - tons of food, but when John throws veal on the menu - I say jump! Its loud, its small, its friendly, and the food is like nothing else nearby. A gem..
(4)Denise H.
My mom, my grandmother and I visited Carmine's to celebrate a birthday. We have Louisiana roots and love cajun food. Carmine's did not disappoint. I left already thinking about how soon it would be until I could come back. Service was friendly and can't beat the BYOB. Thank you for a wonderful night!
(5)Reid F.
This little BYO in a Narberth neighborhood makes some of the best food North of New Orleans. Five stars isn't enough for their gumbo, jambalaya, and amazing use of the best spices. Joni and I are likely to return whenever we visit the area.
(5)Red C.
We loved the original Carmine's in Bryn Mawr and were thrilled to find Act II in Narberth. But much to our disappointment, Carmine's Act II did not live upto any expectations. Twice in a row we've been disappointed with the food. Not to mention chef Carmine's attitude towards his staff creates an air of tension in the restaurant - not something you want when you're trying to enjoy a romantic evening with your date. The food was overcooked - the coconut shrimp was terrible! The jalapeño jelly that accompanies the coconut shrimp tasted like duck sauce. Let's put it this way, the jambalaya was no differrnet than what you would get out of an uncle bens box. Overall a very disappointing representation of Cajun Creole. Sad to see an old favorite restaurant go down hill.
(1)Jay B.
I've been here twice and both times the food was amazing. Wish it was still in phoenixville.
(5)Rich S.
Great food and awesome people. This town has been missing New Orleans styled food. Lovely to be able to get some good gumbo.
(5)Paul M.
Awful. Probably the worst representation of Cajun food I have ever attempted to eat, Service was solid but that did not make up for a poor meal
(1)Whiterock R.
Overwhelms the senses in a bad way. food was very very salty. Dessert and service was not great either. Took me a while to figure out why it was so popular. It is BYOB and everybody comes with a lot of alcohol and were having a good time. Don't go there for the food.
(1)Burroughs M.
This place is amazing. Wonderful food and service. Owner and staff are friendly and attentive. Highly recommended.
(5)Racqueal H.
This restaurant is now one of my top favorites. Everything was delicious. My favorite dishes are the shrimp and grits and also the braised short ribs w/ fondue mash. Everything was full of flavor. The service was also excellent. Definitely don't leave without trying a dessert, I highly recommend the white chocolate bread pudding. Enjoy!!
(5)Mykell I.
Why can't I give Carmine's 10 stars? Feels like we struck food gold, what a pleasant discovery... This restaurant IS truly NoLo of the North! From the service to the complementary Bloody Mary's to the meals themselves. All of these added up to an amazing Sunday brunch. Forgot we were in the burbs after this experience. Best BYOB in the area. Can't wait to come back next week with more friends.
(5)Jordan K.
This place is AMAZING! This is one of those off the beaten path places that takes a lot of pride in their cooking. The Etouffee and gumbo are incredible.
(5)Alizia F.
Outstanding meal!!!! Every component on each dish was something special. We were talking about our meal for the rest of the night and when we woke up in the morning. Flawless and oh so satisying! Thanks to chef John and his very attentive staff for the delightful experience.
(5)Eric S.
Although Carmine's is somewhat noisy, and a little pricey, the food was superb and the service equally good. That is a rare combination indeed, and a neighbourhood gem as well. Bring good wine to match the food and enjoy a special evening out.
(5)Joe C.
John Mims back in Narberth and I'm back in heaven. We have followed John around for years, but Carmine's in Narberth was always our favorite location. We are thrilled he has returned. The Chef's Tasting Menu this week is something we are still talking about. Everything on the regular menu sounds so delicious that it's tough to make just a few selections. Having the tasting menu is the way we'll go. Very affordable and just absolutely fabulous. Thank you John and Welcome Back!
(5)Jeff A.
Our group of ten enjoyed a truly top notch dining experience at Carmine's last night. It was a final hurrah with dear friends who are moving away and the restaurant left little room for improvement. From the moment we walked in our table was made welcome, our bottles opened, and the glasses filled. Our server happened to be the same one we had for Mother's Day brunch. And as it turns out, she has the best inside information on the menu one could hope for because she's married to Owner/Chef John Mims. And once again, she did not disappoint, steering wifey toward a Chef Special menu that included an outstanding cold soup. Let me tell you, if Daddy Mims is a master of anything, it's his soups. We have now tried three different soups and all have been sumptuous. The hot (Creole?) soup I tried was like a thicker version of an oxtail in color with a hint of a spicy kick that came with the Taste of New Orleans Menu. If you are a fan of the Bayou, this Taste of New Orleans special menu delivers! Especially the main course of a drier take on shrimp etouffee served with pork shoulder over melt-in-your-mouth mashed sweet potatoes. I should explain what I mean by drier. Rather than shrimp swimming with the rice in the rich sauce, the shrimp were placed on top of the rice with the sauce drizzled on top. In my opinion, the etoufee by itself was good but not in the traditional sense one might expect around the French Quarter. Coupled with that pork shoulder, however, the entree was a smashing success. The flavors of my dessert were excellent, but went a wee heavy on the raisins for my taste. I've had heavenly white chocolate bread pudding in New Orleans at the Jazz Fest, and so it's almost unfair to compare any other version to the memoy of that sweet delight. Would it be fair to compare any other kiss to one's great first kiss? A final word on the food: friends ordered and passed around some appetizers including crab legs caked with garlic and andoullie sausage with sweet sauteed onions. Both left me wanting to steal off into the night with the plates all to myself. In a town better known for the 'Triangle' on Haverford Ave consisting of three wonderful pubs, Carmine's adds that flavorful, spicy ethnicity too often missing on the Main Line. Here's hoping Act II plays a long run in the neighborhood.
(5)Susan S.
We were delighted to stumble upon Carmines. The food was spicy with lots of flavor. We loved the spring rolls, she crab soup and pork. Will definitely go back. The service was excellent and the owner very friendly. Nice decor with an open kitchen.
(5)John T.
If you want an authentic Cajun-Creole BYOB place then look no further and go to Carmine's Act II.This restaurant didn't get "Philly Magazine's Best Of" for nothing.The menu is varied for both seafood & meat lovers and the portions are plentiful.I enjoy sitting at the bar-counter to watch chef-owner John Mims perform his culinary skills,it's like watching Emeril Lagassi in person! Bring your appetite and enjoy the finest cuisine this size of the " The Big Easy". Sent from my iPhone
(5)Michael E.
An excellent dining experience from start to finish, the flavors are incredible. We had the calamari to start, the red drum fish, and the shrimp and crawfish étouffée. Everything was truly awesome. The service was top notch, and the head chef/owner came over to say hi and to see how everything was. His wife was our waitress. We felt well taken care of and had one of the best meals we've ever eaten!
(5)Michael K.
Yelpers and foodies, let me tell you a story. I had a favorite restaurant, once upon a time, in Phoenixville, it was called Daddy Mims. I got a gift certificate for my girlfriend for Christmas, and we called to make a reservation a few weeks back, and I was told they were closed, and a new restaurant called Carmines Creole Act II just opened in Narberth. It was far from where I live, but we had this gift cert to use. We figured since we loved Mims, we'll give it a shot tonight. Mims Fans, this review is for you! It's EXACTLY the same as Mims, only a little cheaper!!! The name Carmines made me think Italian, but its not, and the decorations aren't very cajun/creole either. It's a little small, but cozy, and they don't take resavations. Tables are set up for 2 and 4. It's still BYOB, they still have Tour of New Orleans ($28 as opposed to $35 at Mims) and Chef's Tasting (we both got this one $30 as opposed to $40). All we could talk about during our meal was how f'ing good the food was. The sweet potato/sausage bisque was out of this world, crispy sea bass w/ cheddar grits and spicy remoulade kicked ass, as did the short ribs w/ smoked bacon mashed potatoes, the bread, the spicy olive spread, the ice cream waffle, the sticky bun bread pudding, the service, everything!!!!! Cons: The small bathroom, and the corkage fee but that's ok! LOVED IT. Apprehensive going in, but left full, completely satisfied, and totally stoked that our favorite restaurant it still alive and kickin...just need to travel a little further to get there. Enjoy!!! -Mike
(5)Donna L.
Loved everything we had!!! So another date night for hubby and I and we wanted to try Carmine's as it is right in the neighborhood. We arrived at 6:00pm and were immediately seated. They don't take reservations on Saturdays and we were happy we arrived early as it soon became full. But that was fine and not too noisy or distracting. We began by sharing a bowl of the she crab soup which I'm still craving even after the last spoonful. Hubby then had the crayfish egg rolls which were lightly fried, crispy, spicy and served with a delicious dipping sauce. I then had the crab claws which were so incredibly good I would kill for the recipe for the sauce...yes, really. They were perfectly cooked with two big pieces of bread soaking up the wonderful broth...sorry my mouth just watered on my phone...moving on to entrees...hubby got the special blackened fish which was delicious and I had the filet with crab over top with a cheesy potato gratin. It was so yummy - and I'm a steak snob - so really, it was amazing. I was completely stuffed but hubby went for the bourbon pecan pie with ice cream and it was so good I shoved as much as I could in. Look, I've been to New Orleans and while this is a little outside legit Cajun food - it is still amazing!!! I'm looking forward to cozying up there again on a cold winter night with a nice bottle of red wine and some seriously awesome food!!
(5)Heidi G.
For those who loved this restaurant you will be happy to know that it is returning to Narberth! balacynwyd.patch.com/art…
(4)C.B. B.
Being from the South has its drawbacks, but there is one distinct advantage: you get to know the cuisine of New Orleans quite well, from gumbo to jambalaya to coffee with chicory. So, when I heard that there was an excellent Cajun restaurant on the Main Line, I had to give it a try. Unfortunately, however, Carmines was not overwhelming. I started with the "Best-of-Philly" oysters, which almost lived up to the hype. The only downfall was an overly generous helping of remoulade sauce, which threatened to drown out the flavor of the oysters. Still, I was optimistic when my entree arrived--a jambalaya with Andouille, chicken, and shrimp. But it failed to impress. The Andouille seemed like it had just been plucked from the fridge at Acme down the street, while the chicken, though plentiful, was chewy. The shrimp were fine, but, again, there was so much rice that it was slog to get through. I won't say it was a *bad* meal, but, for $23, it should have been better. In short, I'd go back, but only on someone else's dime.
(3)Trudi K.
We ate at Carmine's tonight. Wow, they have it all right!! The food was excellent. The service was perfect. A great place to enjoy good conversation with friends. We can't wait to go back.
(5)Barbara P.
Beyond disappointing- untrained clueless servers, anything but crispy oysters- very mushy-definitely can not recommend the Grilled Brazlian Butterfish
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