I will be in the theatre district and looking for a good italian restaurant with reasonable prices, not too fancy and good for pre-teens. I heard good and bad things about Carmine's. What do you all think?

Where?

Not to be rude, but must we simply assume that you're talking about New York City because, as we all know, NO other city in the United States has a theatre district?!

And as long as I'm ranting sarcastically: Do you know any town with more than ten Italian restaurants where one ISN'T named Carmine's?!

I personally dislike Carmine's. the portions are so large as to be disgusting - in one Caesar salad the anchovies were so big they looked like bait. And the quality of the cooking is very basic - not bad just basic. I prefer Trattoria del Arte for Italian - but this would not be good for small kids. So, it depends how old they are and how well they enjoy spending time eating in restaurants.

What do you consider a "reasonable price"? There are several good ones on the theater district, with prices ranging from $22 on up, up and up?

Trattoria Trecolori is unpretentious and has good food at reasonable prices and human sizes--on W 45th bet 6th and 7th I think.

I've never been to Carmine's, but I've never heard a description from anyone who did eat there that mainly wasn't "you wouldn't believe the size of the portions". If that is all there is to impress, then I wouldn't be impressed. I'm much more into quality than quantity, but from reactions Carmine's is definitely more about quantity than quality. Becco on 46th is nice and reasonable. They offer a nightly special including three varied pastas of the day brought to your table and served. Preteens should love it, unless they are strictly thinking spagetti with redsauce and meatballs type places. If that's the case, then Carmine's just might fit the bill fine.

By the way, although I knew where you're talking about, I'll agree with the others that it would be much better to include a city in your title.

I like Cascina on 9th av and 46th St. Their food is very good, prices reasonable, and they have a brick oven for individual size pizzas. They have 10% discount if you show them you theater tickets. They also offer a pre-theater prix fixe in addition to the regular menu.

I'd second Trattoria del Arte -- it's one of our 11-year-old's favorite places to eat when we're up that way. The service is friendly and prompt. We're never the only family there. He actually eats the ravioli stuffed with spinach!

Sorry, I was in a hurry when a posted my question. We are going to see 42nd Street at the Ford Center in NYC.

Trattoria d'ell Arte and Becco are both good choices that will not break the bank.

I thought Carmine's was great. Yes - the portion sizes are enormous, but they do encourage you to share. Share a starter, share a main course...the waiters have no problem with that. It's a lovely place, with great service and a really nice atmosphere! I give it the thumbs up anyway.

Carmine's has good food, and is more convenient for a large group that would like to share. Even with a reservation, we still had to wait.
Tratoria Trecolore is more intimate with tables for two or four. The food was very good, and I intend to dine there again.

We enjoy pre-show meals at Trattoria dell'Arte (near Carnegie Hall) and Fiorello's (across the street from Lincoln Center).

I like Carmine's, but I think people should be warned that they serve their meals family style, which means large portions. In other words, one order is big enough for 3 people. The main problem with Carmine's is that it's always crowded, usually an hour wait, and from what I hear you cannot make a reservation unless you have a party of 8 or more. There are also no menus, your choices are on the walls. (This was the case at the uptown location, anyway.)

I actually like their food, although the wait can be a pain. We had a half hour wait even at the uptown location, which is not as popular as the theatre district location.

Whatever you do don't order the titantic dessert!! While it was incredible, the thing was HUGE!! This should not be ordered unless you have at least 6-8 people with you!

There is a Carmine's on Main Ave. in downtown Fargo. Cabaret is playing (not the movie) at the theater which is only a few blocks away. Don't worry about those NY prices. Tickets are $17, and dinner is around $30. If you don't mind the cold weather and want to save a few hundred dollars check it out. BTW I thought Fargo was the only city with a theatre district and a Carmine's. Who knew?

Heck, come to think of it if you talk nice to my mother-in-law she will put you up for the night as long as your kids behave. After the theatre she just might fix you up a spagetti and meatball supper. She's not Italian but she's built like one with a mouth to match. Opps! Sorry to bring my personal Problem into it.

I didn't like carmines either. Must be me but they put vegetables in every kind of pasta they had. I am not a veggie lover and it was just ick to me. We went with a large group that shared but I didn't eat. Not a place for the picky like me.

carmine's food isn't as bad as one might think. more objectionable is the zoo-like atmosphere. why not instead head for the smaller, and tastier basilica (9th ave at about 47th) or cara mia (9th ave at 44th?)--both are on the east side of the street.