Carmine's on Penn

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Carmine's on Penn Review

It's hard to pick out this house from the ones that surround it in this cozy neighborhood, but the steady crowds streaming in and out of its art-lined dining rooms are a sure sign that this isn't a private residence. They come for the family-style servings—entrée prices are for four-serving portions—of outstanding Italian fare. Tomatoes, garlic, basil, and good-quality olive oil make up the basis of many of the meals, and the sauces are superb: puttanesca, Bolognese, boscaiolo (a rich mushroom sauce). The menu is written out on chalkboards, and there's a private back room for big groups.