Review of Carmine's Italian Restaurant

We went as part of a group, celebrating a team win while staying at the Topicanna. I called ahead of time to confirm GF pasta was an option and that it wasn’t shared water. I explained my daughter has celiac and would be dining with her team. No problem they said. She doesn’t like to stand out or have her celiac be noticed among other people.

When we checked in, I spoke to a manager, he said no problem she can just order a small kids portion of GF pasta with red sauce. She is 12.

She goes off with the team to eat and I get a call from the coach, waiter says they all have to order GF because it’s family style. The other kids and adults don’t want GF pasta. Embarrassing for my kid, I have to go to the table and speak with the waiter who sends me to a different manager who says nope, she can’t order off the kid menu everyone has to share the entree. “Sharing” is a cross contamination nightmare for us.

I finally emphasize how ridiculous it is they won’t let my kid have a small GF pasta and they agree but she was embarrassed in front of her friends. They ordered the chicken parm and another entree and enjoyed, it was such a simple solution I don’t understand why the pushback. We never indicated we didn’t want to pay for the pasta or anything.

Food was good but the lack of flexibility killed it for me. Embarrassing a 12 year old over the fact she can’t share food was unnecessary.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Reservations recommended