The family behind one of Seattle’s most iconic Italian restaurants is preparing to open a new location in the heart of downtown this fall.
Carmine’s 5th Ave. will be the third restaurant from the team behind Il Terrazzo Carmine, joining its Pioneer Square flagship and Carmine’s Bellevue.
The new restaurant will occupy 7,500 square feet on the first floor of the U.S. Bank Center, with high ceilings, three levels of space and both indoor and outdoor seating. A private dining room and full bar are also planned, according to a press release.
“Since Il Terrazzo Carmine first opened in 1984, we are proud to be one of Seattle’s most iconic and beloved establishments,” the Smeraldo family said in a statement. “Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Seattle, USBC is a prime location for our expansion. This new restaurant is an exciting opportunity to bring quality Italian cuisine and true hospitality to more customers in the Seattle area, while also continuing to serve customers at our existing restaurants, Il Terrazzo Carmine in Pioneer Square and Carmine’s Bellevue.”
Carmine’s lunch menu leans lighter while still offering rich Italian flavors. Dishes like prosciutto with melon, Tuscan bean soup and grilled steak salad provide a balanced mix of freshness and heartiness.
The dinner menu blends traditional Italian cuisine with Northwest flair. Starters include calamari affogati in a tomato-garlic broth and burrata served with seasonal vegetables. The pasta offerings range from hearty rigatoni Bolognese with veal, pork and beef ragu to seafood-focused capellini di mare with prawns, mussels and clams.
Entrées include veal scaloppine with lemon and capers, New York steak in green peppercorn sauce and cioppino Napoletano, a rustic seafood stew.
The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
While an exact opening date has yet to be announced, Carmine’s 5th Ave. is planning an October debut.
What Now Seattle reached out to the owners, however, they have not yet responded. This article may be updated.
