Good food, solid service. I've been to Carabba's in other parts of the country and have to applaud them for their consistency. I had the Pollo Sorrento and it was excellent - chicken still moist, just a bit of cheese and al dente broccoli. Also had a side order of angel hair pasta - perfectly done with marinara sauce. Service was quick and attentive. Never had to look for the server - she was always around and seemed to know when we needed something.
(4)
Sarah S.
My two son's, my daughter-in-law, my 15 month old grandchild and myself decided to stop at Carraba's for lunch today. Our server was Tina. While taking our order, Tina took the adult orders and then just walked away. We did not have a chance to order for my grandchild. I went to the hostess and asked if it was possible to order for my grandchild as the server just walked away. She stated yes, but was slow in responding and seemed to think it was funny. While we were waiting for our food, two of the cooks got into a shouting match that we could clearly hear in the dining area. They were cursing at each other very loudly and this went on for some time. The words were not at all child appropriate. The F-bomb was dropped as well as other choice curse words. In the past I have been very happy with Carrabba's, but today I was sorry that I chose this restaurant to bring my family to eat. As an Office Manager for a local firm, I will consider changing our venue for our future business meetings. We have utilized Carrabba's for business lunches as well as our Christmas parties for the last 4 years. No apologies were offered for the poor service or the cursing cooks. Very sad that this restaurant tolerates such behavior from their staff.
(1)
Justin D.
Meal was good, all five members of our party enjoyed their meals. My steak was over done but edible. I mentioned this to manager when asked and I stated I already ate most of it cause I was hungry. She still comped the meal. There's uploaded photos to show steak sure wasn't medium. Other meals were Mahi-Mahi, chicken parmigiana, calamari, and a chicken ceasare. Side items included two orders of shrimp and some Italian sausages. Everything was delicious and the service was good. Long Island iced tea was not good, but forgot to mention a name brand or top shelf liquor which they do not offer when asked about a follow up drink. The daiquiris were delicious, we had a couple each.
(4)
Dylan G.
Bravo Vitoria amazing service. She is great ever time. Remembers what we like.. Great job.
(5)
Emily A.
Great atmosphere, smells Italian from the moment the doors open. Gluten free friendly and knowledgeable, dedicated menu that made me feel at ease. Small plates or sizes perfect without overindulging.
(5)
June R.
We came here tonight looking forward to a yummy dinner and good service. We got neither. I ordered the salmon special which was dry, tasteless, and I ate less than half of it. The broccoli that came with it tasted like it has been sitting in dishwater. Yuk! Our server was inattentive and lacking in good server skills. The only thing half way good was the bread. I also ordered the sausage lentil soup because I like Lentil soup. It was exceptionally spicy and it masked any lentil flavor. I sent it back. I had a Ceaser salad instead. It was fair at best. The server just cleared off our table and didn't even ask if everything was ok. Disappointed!
(1)
Jodi W.
.outside seed. .Love this restaurant. Delicious food,nice atmosphere and good seervice.dexcellent restaurant
(5)
Ernie M.
The Shrimp and Scallops Spiedino is one of the best plates of any chain restaurant. We were there on a Monday and found they have a special deal on Mondays. For $15 you can get the Spiedino ( usually about $20) and with that you can get an appetizer and soup/salad. With the Spiedino I got a Bacon/Onion flat bread and a house salad. WHAT A DEAL. I "doggy bagged' most of the flat bread for lunch the next day. My wife also got a deal on the Chicken Bryan for $12 and took a flat bread appetizer of spinach/goat cheese home. We were only there on a Monday by coincidence, but when possible will go back on a Monday for the deals. Heather was our server and did a great job on a table of eight.
(3)
Gary K.
What do we look for in a great place to eat, consistency. This is the place. Bread with meal "the best" Salads cold plate fresh goods. They will mix and match ,do special requests. We sat at the kitchen counter ,watched the meals going out and got some ideas of new things to try and had some nice exchanges with the cooks and wait staff, made it a little more fun.!!. Chicken Bryan with goat cheese Awesome. Mahi-Mahi with 2 scallops over wood grill ,,, flavor !!!! plus awesome !!! Great job Guys
(4)
J D.
Great food. Even greater service by Diane. Want to sit without waiting? Sit on the stools facing the kitchen. You'll see teamwork at its best. And if the chefs are going to be in the same spot for a bit, we found them friendly and willing to answer questions. All in all, we had a very good time and are abandoning the Olive Garden for in favor of Carrabba's.
(4)
Jamie J.
Let me be clear. Food is very good. Especially their lobster ravioli. HOWEVER, I was not aware they have a Take-out Section of the restaurant around the corner. I did not want to eat in alone one night but had a taste for the lobster ravioli. I walked in and asked if a take out order was possible. I immediately felt like I used the wrong entrance (that this was for paying guests, not take outs!) The hostesses assured me it was possible and all I'd have to do is go to the main door and pick up a menu. At which time I may take it home and call my order in. If I didn't want to do that I could go to my car and call it in, then use the option of sitting in my car and waiting for it or possibly get a drink at the bar. I believe they finally saw the shocked look on my face and then offered that I may walk to the back area of the restaurant by the EXIT sign and someone there could probably help me. So there I walked, pass the kitchen window where the staff were picking up their orders. I apologized for being in their way and they pointed me to a small cubby hole where a lovely person took my order. She was nice enough to point out that if I looked out the door window I could see parking spaces for the take out orders. I had no idea there was a place near the back of the restaurant for take outs. I walked to the front of the restaurant and drove my car to the back. Its a nice area but geez, make me feel like dirt! Again, food was delicious (however, the sliced bread could have been wrapped and not just thrown into a brown bag) and salad was just greens with some julienne carrots on top but ravioli was good. I'll go back but never alone again !!! I've been to many other Carrabba's in many States and have never been treated this way.
(2)
Adrienne J.
We go to the Carrabba's in our home town in Latham,NY and it is very good. But the one down here has just let the quality of its food preparation slide to mediocre and really worse. We went a few nights ago, and had to send back the burned calamari appetizer, it was really nearly vaporized and should not have been served. We try never to take the food preparation out on the waitstaff, it is so hard on them. So since we had already sent back the appetizer, we were kind of stuck with the dinner. Absolutely everything they served was overcooked. Pizza? Burned. The Bryan combination? Rare steak delivered medium, almost well done. The little piece of chicken breast dried out, obviously not cooked to order, and burned at the edges. Nearly inedible. But the broccoli was good. We are hearing the same story from friends. The company needs to replace some people at this location, because everybody here talks food, and once it gets around that the food preparation is now so bad, slowly but surely nobody goes there. The truth is that whoever is actually preparing the food can't cook. Bad management.
(1)
Cindy R.
Went here with family for the first time Sunday afternoon. First of all, the staff was very respectful to our grandparents and also very accommodating. We ordered the bruschette as an appetizer and it was delicious. I personally ordered the Mezzaluna dish and it was the perfect amount of food (although after the bread and olive oil, the bruschette, and the soup that came with my meal, I feel like I totally pigged out--in hindsight, it was worth it!) Our waiter was very attentive and he took really good care of us. We enjoyed our time there and would definitely go back!
(5)
Giggi M.
This is my husband and my go to restaurant. We love to sit at the bar by the grill and watch the cooks work their magic as it is a show. It seems like a smooth flow of teamwork and it just all comes together in the end. We have never had a bad meal there. I am a very picky eater and my husband is a very good cook, so we eat at home most of the time and seldom eat out. When we do, we want fresh ingredients, we don't use cans at home, so why pay for canned in a restaurant i.e. veggies. The salads also are very good and fresh. The staff has always been friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Try it if you haven't been.
(5)
Gerry S.
Went there last night. Usually Carrabbas is very good but this time everything we ordered was overcooked and drenched in salt. Their signature bread was wonderful but the herb dip was also overly salty for some reason. We'll go again because maybe this was a fluke night . . . . but if it's the same, we're done with Carrabbas.
(2)
Frank M.
Pretty good meal tonight. I had Chicken Bryant and it was tasty and plentiful but a little pricey for chicken. Wife had a meatless flatbread and enjoyed it. Service was good. Environment was VERY NOISY. Very hard to carry on a conversation.
Great place to dine! The soups rock and the steak is Awesome! Fettuccine Alfredo can be a tad dry, though, but they will gladly give you extra sauce for it if you ask.
(4)
Paul G.
Maybe our favorite restaurant in or near The Villages. "In season" it can be crowded with a wait for a table. But even then, the food is worth it. Their soups, particularly the lentil bean and Mama's chicken, are fantastic. Their mussels are one of our favorites, a meal for two all by themselves. The entrees are creative and always freshly prepared. Try their John Cole's ice cream sundae dessert. They often have attractively-priced specials, particularly off-season or on slow nights. For a chain, it feels like a private restaurant. Try it...you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Deb S.
Went there for dinner last night. There was a 45 minute wait but they handed us a beeper and told us to come back when it sounded. Having shopping opportunities next door made the wait very easy. We were then seated right away and told that Happy Hour was about to end but we still had 2 minutes to get our order to the bar. We made it and enjoyed good drinks. We saw a lot of tables around us that had been seated previously and did not have their dinners yet. Server explained that the kitchen was backed up but that the food was coming out great. When the food arrived it was fantastic, Pizza, lobster ravioli, and 3 other dishes I forgot the name of were all perfectly prepared and good portion sizes. Wait staff was attentive and we were actually served by many different members. All of them were very pleasant. We were heading down the street for our favorite dessert so we didn't try anything here. Bread and olive oil dip - -splendid cold salad plate - very good although I'm not a fan of their parmigiana dressing just a personal preference with me - others enjoyed it drinks - mixed drinks good - tasted alcohol but not too much. Dinner - superb - pizza with meatball, pepperoni and carmalized onions - delish spoke with floor manager afterwards to compliment staff and food - acknowledged longer wait than usual but overall very pleasant dining experience.
(4)
Melanie N.
For a chain, near the villages, 5 stars. Great service. Yummy food. Ravioli dish was amazing. Desserts were big and delicious.
(5)
Jay E.
The food is always good, the service always excellent, and the prices are reasonable. Love the happy hour with two for one drinks. If you are feeling Italian then go to Carrabba's.
(4)
Rosemary L.
Creepy bread. Good goat cheese. Not impressed. I would rather go to Olive Garden for my overpriced-italian-chain-food needs.
(2)
Tom A.
Went here for a early dinner and the service wasn't the best. It took over 5 minuets for our server to approach the table. The food we ordered was good but the service totally ruined the experience. Next time I'm in the mood for Carrabba's I will visit the location a few towns away. 2 Stars for the horrible service.
(2)
Nancy P.
Went to Carrabba's on Mother's Day. We chose to sit at the counter right by the kitchen. We never enjoyed our dining experience more! Great food, great service, friendly staff. Very entertaining. Sit at the counter whenever you can.
(5)
Tom O.
Yes, it is a chain, but it is excellent. We sat at the Chef's Bar last night and it was a great experience. We got a free appetizer and a wonderful show. The chefs give you tips about what is best and even tastes. It was our anniversary, so we got a free desert, too! Service was very good. This is one of the best restaurants of the villages.
(5)
Rachel P.
In the last month, I have eaten at the Tallahassee Carrabba's and the Lady Lake Carrabba's in The Villages. The Tallahassee experience was downright awful. The food was gross and the service was lackluster. We liked the arancini appetizer but were totally turned off by our entrees. We were also certain they were rationing the bread. What has happened to the garlic mashed potatoes? These are the greasiest piles of glop - the consistency of these grey piles of goop is unappetizing and the flavor is nonexistent. In the corporate family that spawned Carrabba's, Bonefish Grill seems to be continually upping its game. Outback Steakhouse holds its own. But Carrabba's seems to be on a downhill slide. The salad and bread are decent. The entrees are just not worth the tariff. At The Villages location my nephew's alfredo sauce was like cheesy milk. Not sure which chain is worse at this point, Olive Garden or Carrabba's. At Carrabba's the price point adds insult to injury. Dinner and drinks for three ran upwards of $80 on last week's outing.
(2)
Mark E.
Please understand that im not disgruntled. This is simply my experience and I felt that hair in food on purpose was worth the comments. For starters, my waitress actually walked away while I was ordering to help other customers. Not once not twice but three times. Right in the middle of ordering. It is also worth mentioning there were and I counted 5 other people in the whole restaurant eating. After finally eating, and getting full :) I was given the desert menu. I noticed an ice cream with pecans in it and thought id take it home to enjoy later. So after ordering it I overheard the cook a dark skinned gentlemen say at the bar and I quote ( WHO ORDERS DESERT TO GO WHAT AN IDIOT ) needless to say I didn't feel much like having it anymore so I asked to have it removed from my bill And explained I herd what was said. The waitress said that's how the 2 of them joke and walked any ignoring my request. I received my ice cream and left. Just wanting to get ot of there I went across the street to Sam's club to shop and had already eaten half the ice cream and noticed placed neatly in the middle between the 2 scoops was a big black hair. I will not return
(1)
Lilia J.
Worst experience at any carrabba's yet. Been to Carrabba's in 4 different states, all with the excellence I had come to appreciate at this chain. However, this #650 on US 441 in the villages is by far the worst. Poor and slow service, food cold and unevenly cooked, Calmari fried hard and overly salt & peppered making it unedible even for the garbage disposals! Carrabba's should remove their name from this restaurant before it ruins and tarnishes their well known reputation!!
(1)
Pamela J.
A chain establishment would normally never ever get a 4 from me. But I have got to say, Carrabba's is great each and every time I go. Their wine list is extensive and always has an option to my liking. Plus, they offer the quartino size, like a glass and a half, which is my ideal portion size of wine. The appetizers, pizzas and entrees are great. They took the time to put the goat cheese bruschetta appetizer spread in a lovely little jar. The last time I saw that presentation was at the upscale State Road restaurant on Martha's Vineyard. Fresh, warm bread with a nice olive oil and herb dip is always lovely and welcome. The margherita pizza was absolutely delicious with a thin crust. Now it wasn't an Eataly pizza but it was pretty darn close. I am loving the Mahi entree that is new to their menu. In fact, I keep craving it and return to order again and again. My beau got the fried ravioli dish which was good but much too heavy. Oh, on the pasta options, the Tic Tac - or some similar named dish - is excellent. It's angel hair pasta with a light, fresh tomato and basil sauce. Desserts are ok - more sugary than necessary. The trio is a nice way to sample more than one for only $9. The chocolate cream pie was a stand out. TIramisu not so much. It had too much of a liquor taste.
(4)
Bruce K.
Yep, its a chain but it's still a really good chain with excellent food. Also, it was pouring buckets (It's Florida. Ain't it always raining?) and when I drove past I found a parking space that was near the door. Because of the rain, there was a 20 minute wait for a table as people weren't leaving. Plenty of room in the bar, so I found a seat there. 5 to 7 PM is happy hour with half price draft beers (even Peroni!) and some dinner specials that included appetizers. So I had the sausage and ricotta flatbread to start (half went into the box to take home), followed by a Caesar salad (great croutons) and for main, the veal marsala with pasta on the side (also had some to take home). Service at the bar was prompt, friendly and attentive. The food was quite good. Tasty, plenty of it and not priced *too* excessive. I'd eat here again.
(4)
Ratcha W.
At wonderful senior community area in Lake county FL " Villages " having variety of restaurants for youngsters to take advantage. We are recommended . The staffers here are wonderful and works hard .
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Fred E.
Good food, solid service. I've been to Carabba's in other parts of the country and have to applaud them for their consistency. I had the Pollo Sorrento and it was excellent - chicken still moist, just a bit of cheese and al dente broccoli. Also had a side order of angel hair pasta - perfectly done with marinara sauce. Service was quick and attentive. Never had to look for the server - she was always around and seemed to know when we needed something.
(4)Sarah S.
My two son's, my daughter-in-law, my 15 month old grandchild and myself decided to stop at Carraba's for lunch today. Our server was Tina. While taking our order, Tina took the adult orders and then just walked away. We did not have a chance to order for my grandchild. I went to the hostess and asked if it was possible to order for my grandchild as the server just walked away. She stated yes, but was slow in responding and seemed to think it was funny. While we were waiting for our food, two of the cooks got into a shouting match that we could clearly hear in the dining area. They were cursing at each other very loudly and this went on for some time. The words were not at all child appropriate. The F-bomb was dropped as well as other choice curse words. In the past I have been very happy with Carrabba's, but today I was sorry that I chose this restaurant to bring my family to eat. As an Office Manager for a local firm, I will consider changing our venue for our future business meetings. We have utilized Carrabba's for business lunches as well as our Christmas parties for the last 4 years. No apologies were offered for the poor service or the cursing cooks. Very sad that this restaurant tolerates such behavior from their staff.
(1)Justin D.
Meal was good, all five members of our party enjoyed their meals. My steak was over done but edible. I mentioned this to manager when asked and I stated I already ate most of it cause I was hungry. She still comped the meal. There's uploaded photos to show steak sure wasn't medium. Other meals were Mahi-Mahi, chicken parmigiana, calamari, and a chicken ceasare. Side items included two orders of shrimp and some Italian sausages. Everything was delicious and the service was good. Long Island iced tea was not good, but forgot to mention a name brand or top shelf liquor which they do not offer when asked about a follow up drink. The daiquiris were delicious, we had a couple each.
(4)Dylan G.
Bravo Vitoria amazing service. She is great ever time. Remembers what we like.. Great job.
(5)Emily A.
Great atmosphere, smells Italian from the moment the doors open. Gluten free friendly and knowledgeable, dedicated menu that made me feel at ease. Small plates or sizes perfect without overindulging.
(5)June R.
We came here tonight looking forward to a yummy dinner and good service. We got neither. I ordered the salmon special which was dry, tasteless, and I ate less than half of it. The broccoli that came with it tasted like it has been sitting in dishwater. Yuk! Our server was inattentive and lacking in good server skills. The only thing half way good was the bread. I also ordered the sausage lentil soup because I like Lentil soup. It was exceptionally spicy and it masked any lentil flavor. I sent it back. I had a Ceaser salad instead. It was fair at best. The server just cleared off our table and didn't even ask if everything was ok. Disappointed!
(1)Jodi W.
.outside seed. .Love this restaurant. Delicious food,nice atmosphere and good seervice.dexcellent restaurant
(5)Ernie M.
The Shrimp and Scallops Spiedino is one of the best plates of any chain restaurant. We were there on a Monday and found they have a special deal on Mondays. For $15 you can get the Spiedino ( usually about $20) and with that you can get an appetizer and soup/salad. With the Spiedino I got a Bacon/Onion flat bread and a house salad. WHAT A DEAL. I "doggy bagged' most of the flat bread for lunch the next day. My wife also got a deal on the Chicken Bryan for $12 and took a flat bread appetizer of spinach/goat cheese home. We were only there on a Monday by coincidence, but when possible will go back on a Monday for the deals. Heather was our server and did a great job on a table of eight.
(3)Gary K.
What do we look for in a great place to eat, consistency. This is the place. Bread with meal "the best" Salads cold plate fresh goods. They will mix and match ,do special requests. We sat at the kitchen counter ,watched the meals going out and got some ideas of new things to try and had some nice exchanges with the cooks and wait staff, made it a little more fun.!!. Chicken Bryan with goat cheese Awesome. Mahi-Mahi with 2 scallops over wood grill ,,, flavor !!!! plus awesome !!! Great job Guys
(4)J D.
Great food. Even greater service by Diane. Want to sit without waiting? Sit on the stools facing the kitchen. You'll see teamwork at its best. And if the chefs are going to be in the same spot for a bit, we found them friendly and willing to answer questions. All in all, we had a very good time and are abandoning the Olive Garden for in favor of Carrabba's.
(4)Jamie J.
Let me be clear. Food is very good. Especially their lobster ravioli. HOWEVER, I was not aware they have a Take-out Section of the restaurant around the corner. I did not want to eat in alone one night but had a taste for the lobster ravioli. I walked in and asked if a take out order was possible. I immediately felt like I used the wrong entrance (that this was for paying guests, not take outs!) The hostesses assured me it was possible and all I'd have to do is go to the main door and pick up a menu. At which time I may take it home and call my order in. If I didn't want to do that I could go to my car and call it in, then use the option of sitting in my car and waiting for it or possibly get a drink at the bar. I believe they finally saw the shocked look on my face and then offered that I may walk to the back area of the restaurant by the EXIT sign and someone there could probably help me. So there I walked, pass the kitchen window where the staff were picking up their orders. I apologized for being in their way and they pointed me to a small cubby hole where a lovely person took my order. She was nice enough to point out that if I looked out the door window I could see parking spaces for the take out orders. I had no idea there was a place near the back of the restaurant for take outs. I walked to the front of the restaurant and drove my car to the back. Its a nice area but geez, make me feel like dirt! Again, food was delicious (however, the sliced bread could have been wrapped and not just thrown into a brown bag) and salad was just greens with some julienne carrots on top but ravioli was good. I'll go back but never alone again !!! I've been to many other Carrabba's in many States and have never been treated this way.
(2)Adrienne J.
We go to the Carrabba's in our home town in Latham,NY and it is very good. But the one down here has just let the quality of its food preparation slide to mediocre and really worse. We went a few nights ago, and had to send back the burned calamari appetizer, it was really nearly vaporized and should not have been served. We try never to take the food preparation out on the waitstaff, it is so hard on them. So since we had already sent back the appetizer, we were kind of stuck with the dinner. Absolutely everything they served was overcooked. Pizza? Burned. The Bryan combination? Rare steak delivered medium, almost well done. The little piece of chicken breast dried out, obviously not cooked to order, and burned at the edges. Nearly inedible. But the broccoli was good. We are hearing the same story from friends. The company needs to replace some people at this location, because everybody here talks food, and once it gets around that the food preparation is now so bad, slowly but surely nobody goes there. The truth is that whoever is actually preparing the food can't cook. Bad management.
(1)Cindy R.
Went here with family for the first time Sunday afternoon. First of all, the staff was very respectful to our grandparents and also very accommodating. We ordered the bruschette as an appetizer and it was delicious. I personally ordered the Mezzaluna dish and it was the perfect amount of food (although after the bread and olive oil, the bruschette, and the soup that came with my meal, I feel like I totally pigged out--in hindsight, it was worth it!) Our waiter was very attentive and he took really good care of us. We enjoyed our time there and would definitely go back!
(5)Giggi M.
This is my husband and my go to restaurant. We love to sit at the bar by the grill and watch the cooks work their magic as it is a show. It seems like a smooth flow of teamwork and it just all comes together in the end. We have never had a bad meal there. I am a very picky eater and my husband is a very good cook, so we eat at home most of the time and seldom eat out. When we do, we want fresh ingredients, we don't use cans at home, so why pay for canned in a restaurant i.e. veggies. The salads also are very good and fresh. The staff has always been friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Try it if you haven't been.
(5)Gerry S.
Went there last night. Usually Carrabbas is very good but this time everything we ordered was overcooked and drenched in salt. Their signature bread was wonderful but the herb dip was also overly salty for some reason. We'll go again because maybe this was a fluke night . . . . but if it's the same, we're done with Carrabbas.
(2)Frank M.
Pretty good meal tonight. I had Chicken Bryant and it was tasty and plentiful but a little pricey for chicken. Wife had a meatless flatbread and enjoyed it. Service was good. Environment was VERY NOISY. Very hard to carry on a conversation.
(4)John I.
Carrabba's is perhaps the best, most consistent restaurant in the Villages, Florida. The service is excellent and the restaurant layout is pleasing. However, I would recommend a table versus a booth as the booths are quite uncomfortable as they have wooden backs. Now on to the food: COZZE IN BIANCO - Mussels steamed in white wine, basil, lemon butter and Pernod. This was a wonderful starter with a large serving of fresh mussels. They were cooked to perfection and plump. However, I found the lemon butter sauce a bit too much and would have preferred a bit more spice to the overall mix of seasonings. A bit bland perhaps. Salads - I ordered a wonderful Caesar salad served in a large portion with fresh dressing, cheese and lettuce. I really enjoyed it. Soup - The hearty vegetable Minestrone soup is to die for. This is one of their most popular items and I would highly recommend it. Seasoned to perfection with very fresh ingredients blended into a perfect soup. Magnificent. CHICKEN BRYAN. A wonderful wood oven grilled chicken with goat cheese, sundried tomatoes and a basil lemon butter sauce. The dish was cooked perfectly with layered seasoning and fresh ingredients. Highly recommended. MEZZALUNA. A popular pasta dish consisting of half moon ravioli stuffed with chicken, ricotta and spinach in tomato cream sauce. This is a great dish for people who don't want something too sauced, seasoned or salted. It was still very flavorful. CHICKEN PARMESAN. Although a tasty dish, the presentation could be a bit better and be sure to order the full order as the chickens are on the smaller size. That being said this wonderfully tasted sautéed chicken breast is coated with Italian breadcrumbs, topped with pomodoro and melted mozzarella,served with a variety of sides. I chose the mashed potatoes and found them adequate. The wine menu is extensive and I would recommend (if you enjoy a drink or two) to arrive during the happy hour. Although it can get quite noisy during this time, you will have great drink specials. I enjoyed the Malbec, Pascual Toso Reserve, Argentina. The Spice King gives Carrabba's the Royal Ascent!
(5)Luxxa Q.
Great place to dine! The soups rock and the steak is Awesome! Fettuccine Alfredo can be a tad dry, though, but they will gladly give you extra sauce for it if you ask.
(4)Paul G.
Maybe our favorite restaurant in or near The Villages. "In season" it can be crowded with a wait for a table. But even then, the food is worth it. Their soups, particularly the lentil bean and Mama's chicken, are fantastic. Their mussels are one of our favorites, a meal for two all by themselves. The entrees are creative and always freshly prepared. Try their John Cole's ice cream sundae dessert. They often have attractively-priced specials, particularly off-season or on slow nights. For a chain, it feels like a private restaurant. Try it...you won't be disappointed.
(5)Deb S.
Went there for dinner last night. There was a 45 minute wait but they handed us a beeper and told us to come back when it sounded. Having shopping opportunities next door made the wait very easy. We were then seated right away and told that Happy Hour was about to end but we still had 2 minutes to get our order to the bar. We made it and enjoyed good drinks. We saw a lot of tables around us that had been seated previously and did not have their dinners yet. Server explained that the kitchen was backed up but that the food was coming out great. When the food arrived it was fantastic, Pizza, lobster ravioli, and 3 other dishes I forgot the name of were all perfectly prepared and good portion sizes. Wait staff was attentive and we were actually served by many different members. All of them were very pleasant. We were heading down the street for our favorite dessert so we didn't try anything here. Bread and olive oil dip - -splendid cold salad plate - very good although I'm not a fan of their parmigiana dressing just a personal preference with me - others enjoyed it drinks - mixed drinks good - tasted alcohol but not too much. Dinner - superb - pizza with meatball, pepperoni and carmalized onions - delish spoke with floor manager afterwards to compliment staff and food - acknowledged longer wait than usual but overall very pleasant dining experience.
(4)Melanie N.
For a chain, near the villages, 5 stars. Great service. Yummy food. Ravioli dish was amazing. Desserts were big and delicious.
(5)Jay E.
The food is always good, the service always excellent, and the prices are reasonable. Love the happy hour with two for one drinks. If you are feeling Italian then go to Carrabba's.
(4)Rosemary L.
Creepy bread. Good goat cheese. Not impressed. I would rather go to Olive Garden for my overpriced-italian-chain-food needs.
(2)Tom A.
Went here for a early dinner and the service wasn't the best. It took over 5 minuets for our server to approach the table. The food we ordered was good but the service totally ruined the experience. Next time I'm in the mood for Carrabba's I will visit the location a few towns away. 2 Stars for the horrible service.
(2)Nancy P.
Went to Carrabba's on Mother's Day. We chose to sit at the counter right by the kitchen. We never enjoyed our dining experience more! Great food, great service, friendly staff. Very entertaining. Sit at the counter whenever you can.
(5)Tom O.
Yes, it is a chain, but it is excellent. We sat at the Chef's Bar last night and it was a great experience. We got a free appetizer and a wonderful show. The chefs give you tips about what is best and even tastes. It was our anniversary, so we got a free desert, too! Service was very good. This is one of the best restaurants of the villages.
(5)Rachel P.
In the last month, I have eaten at the Tallahassee Carrabba's and the Lady Lake Carrabba's in The Villages. The Tallahassee experience was downright awful. The food was gross and the service was lackluster. We liked the arancini appetizer but were totally turned off by our entrees. We were also certain they were rationing the bread. What has happened to the garlic mashed potatoes? These are the greasiest piles of glop - the consistency of these grey piles of goop is unappetizing and the flavor is nonexistent. In the corporate family that spawned Carrabba's, Bonefish Grill seems to be continually upping its game. Outback Steakhouse holds its own. But Carrabba's seems to be on a downhill slide. The salad and bread are decent. The entrees are just not worth the tariff. At The Villages location my nephew's alfredo sauce was like cheesy milk. Not sure which chain is worse at this point, Olive Garden or Carrabba's. At Carrabba's the price point adds insult to injury. Dinner and drinks for three ran upwards of $80 on last week's outing.
(2)Mark E.
Please understand that im not disgruntled. This is simply my experience and I felt that hair in food on purpose was worth the comments. For starters, my waitress actually walked away while I was ordering to help other customers. Not once not twice but three times. Right in the middle of ordering. It is also worth mentioning there were and I counted 5 other people in the whole restaurant eating. After finally eating, and getting full :) I was given the desert menu. I noticed an ice cream with pecans in it and thought id take it home to enjoy later. So after ordering it I overheard the cook a dark skinned gentlemen say at the bar and I quote ( WHO ORDERS DESERT TO GO WHAT AN IDIOT ) needless to say I didn't feel much like having it anymore so I asked to have it removed from my bill And explained I herd what was said. The waitress said that's how the 2 of them joke and walked any ignoring my request. I received my ice cream and left. Just wanting to get ot of there I went across the street to Sam's club to shop and had already eaten half the ice cream and noticed placed neatly in the middle between the 2 scoops was a big black hair. I will not return
(1)Lilia J.
Worst experience at any carrabba's yet. Been to Carrabba's in 4 different states, all with the excellence I had come to appreciate at this chain. However, this #650 on US 441 in the villages is by far the worst. Poor and slow service, food cold and unevenly cooked, Calmari fried hard and overly salt & peppered making it unedible even for the garbage disposals! Carrabba's should remove their name from this restaurant before it ruins and tarnishes their well known reputation!!
(1)Pamela J.
A chain establishment would normally never ever get a 4 from me. But I have got to say, Carrabba's is great each and every time I go. Their wine list is extensive and always has an option to my liking. Plus, they offer the quartino size, like a glass and a half, which is my ideal portion size of wine. The appetizers, pizzas and entrees are great. They took the time to put the goat cheese bruschetta appetizer spread in a lovely little jar. The last time I saw that presentation was at the upscale State Road restaurant on Martha's Vineyard. Fresh, warm bread with a nice olive oil and herb dip is always lovely and welcome. The margherita pizza was absolutely delicious with a thin crust. Now it wasn't an Eataly pizza but it was pretty darn close. I am loving the Mahi entree that is new to their menu. In fact, I keep craving it and return to order again and again. My beau got the fried ravioli dish which was good but much too heavy. Oh, on the pasta options, the Tic Tac - or some similar named dish - is excellent. It's angel hair pasta with a light, fresh tomato and basil sauce. Desserts are ok - more sugary than necessary. The trio is a nice way to sample more than one for only $9. The chocolate cream pie was a stand out. TIramisu not so much. It had too much of a liquor taste.
(4)Bruce K.
Yep, its a chain but it's still a really good chain with excellent food. Also, it was pouring buckets (It's Florida. Ain't it always raining?) and when I drove past I found a parking space that was near the door. Because of the rain, there was a 20 minute wait for a table as people weren't leaving. Plenty of room in the bar, so I found a seat there. 5 to 7 PM is happy hour with half price draft beers (even Peroni!) and some dinner specials that included appetizers. So I had the sausage and ricotta flatbread to start (half went into the box to take home), followed by a Caesar salad (great croutons) and for main, the veal marsala with pasta on the side (also had some to take home). Service at the bar was prompt, friendly and attentive. The food was quite good. Tasty, plenty of it and not priced *too* excessive. I'd eat here again.
(4)Ratcha W.
At wonderful senior community area in Lake county FL " Villages " having variety of restaurants for youngsters to take advantage. We are recommended . The staffers here are wonderful and works hard .
(4)