I visited palm bay carrabbas for the first time. I haven't been to a carrabbas in about 5 years. I worked there for a long time like2-3 years. I also remember going there as a kid. Carrabbas needs to get back to their past and away from what they are slowly becoming.The food was better and fresher overall when they became well known. chicken bryan was excellent; the new menu~ ehhhhnn. very poor selection of beer. wonderful atmosphere.
(4)
C A.
I live close to this place & my husband and I love to eat there I had one bad experience with the meat was not cooked well one time but it all has to do with the waitress so if you ever go there ask for Linda she's close to the bar that's where she serves she's the best waitress she's so friendly and nice and courteous and she likes to please her customers.
(5)
Jim M.
How can this place only have 3 stars. It is one of the best restaurants for the price in the area. The Scampi Filet is to die for and I have never had a bad meal there since they opened years ago.
(5)
Ron J.
Just had lunch with a good friend. While it was busy, we were greeted and seated by the Hostes as soon as we walked in. The wait staff was very attentive without being obtrusive. Our drinks were never allowed to be empty, I like that. We also always had fresh bread on the table, another good touch. We both had the grilled salmon with tomato basil sauce and it was very well prepared and flavorful. We also started with an order of fresh mussels and I have to say, I was impressed. They were meaty, not rubbery and very tasty. I highly recommend this as an apitizer. I have eaten here and other Carrabbas' locations and never really thought too highly of this chain. I came here today mostly because my friend lives abroad and liks Carrabba's when he visits, so naturally I brought him here. Today's experience has changed my perception and will definitely come back. If you enjoy more privacy or intimacy, ask to be seated at a booth. The tables in the dining room are placed close to each other.
(4)
Gonzo Gordonzo S.
We love Carrabas, one of our favorite Italian chains! Any of their Bryan dishes are awesome!
(4)
Dale M.
I do not understand why people like this place. It is not 'Italian' food as I know it. Just not a fan at all. It may be me but I hate the food there. I like real Italian food like you get it in the North End of Boston so you might want to get a better review from someone else.
(1)
Chris C.
Our party of three visited Saturday for lunch. In this location, the grille is to the right, and the dining room to the left. There are plenty of tables and booths, but in our opinion, the tables may be a mite more comfortable, and have more room for the dishes, etc. Two of us had the chicken Marsala, and it was absolutely out of this world. Fresh, perfectly cooked, and delicious. Whoever the cooks were this day knew how to cook. My charming lunch companions had mashed potatoes and zucchini. Outstanding. I had spinach . Nothing at all like the canned goop Popeye scarfs. This spinach was in "leafy" form, seasoned , fresh and tasty. We all had the garlic mashed potatoes; also a delight. Fresh , hot bread, too. The waitress was very professional and attentive, yet non-intrusive. We raved about this meal for quite some time. I guess you have to know what to order in Carrabba's (for example, the "zucchini fritte" appetizer. Worth a visit.
(4)
Pamela V.
Favorite chain restaurant....EVER. My husband and I frequent this location at least monthly, their service is friendly and expedited...we are obsessed with the mozzarella sticks (made on-site) and of course the happy hour wine! I had never heard of Carrabba's until we moved to the East Coast but this place trumps Olive Garden every time. De-lish.
(5)
Finlay O.
This is a nice place for dinner, no doubt about that. However, their ever increasing prices are getting to be a real turn-off. Way too steep for the area. I'm sure they are forgetting that it is the local trade that keeps them in business all year long. You try living here and eating there.
(3)
Mauricio B.
Good food and great service. Their chicken Marsala is excellent.
(4)
Beckster B.
I liked their Lasagna and the salad with wine was good too!
(4)
Steve M.
Went there for a lunch with 9 other co-workers. Haven't been there for lunch in months. While the food was tasty and the service good, the value is poor. For $10 I received the smallest portion of Chicken Parmesan and spaghetti I have ever seen. Salad is not included. Come on, at least fill up the big plate with spaghetti! What, it costs another quarter to do this? I will not return for lunch. Sister Darden restaurant Olive Garden is a much better deal for lunch.
(2)
Scott F.
Best Italian food in Palm Bay! Mr C's steak sandwich is always a great lunch!
Went on a busy Fri night pre reserved table online. Waited in bar and was impressed with appetizer selection and that it was half off due to happy hour. Was seated promptly. Had steaks and pasta. Cooked perfectly. Will go again.
(5)
Gary F.
Too expensive for low quality Italian food. Noisy. Portions are cheesy. Will never return.
(1)
Howard S.
Of course it's a chain, but the food was good, the waitstaff was prompt and courteous with our drinks never being empty. The atmosphere is family friendly and the price is right for a chain that serves Italian food.
(4)
Ron M.
Great food my wife and daughter really enjoyed them selves.
(5)
Andre N.
Stopped in for lunch and the calamari was excellent! Pizza and chicken bryan was great! Don't forget to ask for Traci!!! She's the best ;)
I have NO IDEA why everytime I come here everything is so salty. Don't get me wrong, I like salt but they really lay it on thick. Service is normally good too.
(3)
Rob R.
Perfect food all the time. Thank you. I love sitting at pasta bar watching them cook. The place runs like a well oiled Machine.
(5)
Rich A.
Tried the one up on the North End of Wickham Road. Except for the salt, this is the blandest "Italian" food I've ever tasted.
(1)
Lorraine N.
I have always loved Carrabbas and have visited several in North Carolina and Virginia so when I moved to Palm Bay I was excited to find out that there was one so close to my home. The first time I visited I ordered my favorite dish, the manicotti. The waiter came with my order and when I took the first bite it was fishy and chewy. I complained to the waiter and he offered to make a fresh one. The manager came out and apologized and informed me that he was sorry but the cook had made a mistake and grabbed the seafood cannelloni instead of the manicotti. Thank goodness that I wasn't allergic. The manager compensated me by not charging me for the manicotti. I gave them another shot this evening and once again was disappointed. This time the manicotti was served to me swimming in water and the cheese on top was slightly burnt...... It looked gross. The manager once again came out and apologized and they offered to compensate me but I did not re-order and had coffee instead with a complimentary dessert. I will NOT be returning to this Carrabbas!!!!!
(1)
Steve K.
Don't know why I even bother with their carryout. Placed order on-line @ 5pm, parked in curbside carryout spot @ 5:10 was asked to park at staples next door. Went into bar where they forgot I existed for an hour despite my asking for status. Brought me cold food and acted like it was normal. Joe Pesci had it right "They f*** you in the drive-thru..."
(1)
Tom C.
Even thought it's a chain, the Vero Beach one consistently has great service (a rarity in this town). Worth a return visit.
(4)
Daphne L.
I came here for lunch with my mom on a Sunday around 3pm. They were very accomdating to our schedule. We ended up stretching the time between appetizers and entrees while waiting for my stepdad to arrive. I got the amore Monday deal which had a few options to choose from for entrees. I got the shrimp and scallop pasta. And I also got to choose an appetizer or dessert. I decided to try the bruschetta caprese. We also ordered calamari and fried Zuchinni as well. The Zuchinni appetizer is my favorite. The strips just melt in your mouth. The calamari is also very good. The garlic aioli sauce that comes with the Zuchinni is good on both. The bruschetta caprese was delicious too. The caprese came in a jar layered with all the ingredients of caprese. It was good presentation and tasted great too. The pasta dishes we got were okay but I really enjoy their appetizers.
(4)
simon d.
Once again, a fantastic meal. The place is a little loud but the quality of the food and great service makes up for it
(5)
Ottovio M.
I come from and all Italian family from New Jersey and I am very critical about Italian food especially here in Florida. I absolutely hate chain restaurants and corporate food companies usually but I have to say that Carrabba's is by far the best franchise/chain restaurant around. Always top quality food authentic and great atmosphere.
(5)
Jodi Z.
We had to wait extra long for our entrees. Apparently there was a mix-up with our plates. The manager came and explained this to us and told us that our entrees were comped. That was a very welcome surprise. The bread, appetizer, salad, wine and entrees were all delicious and I recommend people come here for good food and great service. I'll be back.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner, Dessert Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
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.
Robert S.
I visited palm bay carrabbas for the first time. I haven't been to a carrabbas in about 5 years. I worked there for a long time like2-3 years. I also remember going there as a kid. Carrabbas needs to get back to their past and away from what they are slowly becoming.The food was better and fresher overall when they became well known. chicken bryan was excellent; the new menu~ ehhhhnn. very poor selection of beer. wonderful atmosphere.
(4)C A.
I live close to this place & my husband and I love to eat there I had one bad experience with the meat was not cooked well one time but it all has to do with the waitress so if you ever go there ask for Linda she's close to the bar that's where she serves she's the best waitress she's so friendly and nice and courteous and she likes to please her customers.
(5)Jim M.
How can this place only have 3 stars. It is one of the best restaurants for the price in the area. The Scampi Filet is to die for and I have never had a bad meal there since they opened years ago.
(5)Ron J.
Just had lunch with a good friend. While it was busy, we were greeted and seated by the Hostes as soon as we walked in. The wait staff was very attentive without being obtrusive. Our drinks were never allowed to be empty, I like that. We also always had fresh bread on the table, another good touch. We both had the grilled salmon with tomato basil sauce and it was very well prepared and flavorful. We also started with an order of fresh mussels and I have to say, I was impressed. They were meaty, not rubbery and very tasty. I highly recommend this as an apitizer. I have eaten here and other Carrabbas' locations and never really thought too highly of this chain. I came here today mostly because my friend lives abroad and liks Carrabba's when he visits, so naturally I brought him here. Today's experience has changed my perception and will definitely come back. If you enjoy more privacy or intimacy, ask to be seated at a booth. The tables in the dining room are placed close to each other.
(4)Gonzo Gordonzo S.
We love Carrabas, one of our favorite Italian chains! Any of their Bryan dishes are awesome!
(4)Dale M.
I do not understand why people like this place. It is not 'Italian' food as I know it. Just not a fan at all. It may be me but I hate the food there. I like real Italian food like you get it in the North End of Boston so you might want to get a better review from someone else.
(1)Chris C.
Our party of three visited Saturday for lunch. In this location, the grille is to the right, and the dining room to the left. There are plenty of tables and booths, but in our opinion, the tables may be a mite more comfortable, and have more room for the dishes, etc. Two of us had the chicken Marsala, and it was absolutely out of this world. Fresh, perfectly cooked, and delicious. Whoever the cooks were this day knew how to cook. My charming lunch companions had mashed potatoes and zucchini. Outstanding. I had spinach . Nothing at all like the canned goop Popeye scarfs. This spinach was in "leafy" form, seasoned , fresh and tasty. We all had the garlic mashed potatoes; also a delight. Fresh , hot bread, too. The waitress was very professional and attentive, yet non-intrusive. We raved about this meal for quite some time. I guess you have to know what to order in Carrabba's (for example, the "zucchini fritte" appetizer. Worth a visit.
(4)Pamela V.
Favorite chain restaurant....EVER. My husband and I frequent this location at least monthly, their service is friendly and expedited...we are obsessed with the mozzarella sticks (made on-site) and of course the happy hour wine! I had never heard of Carrabba's until we moved to the East Coast but this place trumps Olive Garden every time. De-lish.
(5)Finlay O.
This is a nice place for dinner, no doubt about that. However, their ever increasing prices are getting to be a real turn-off. Way too steep for the area. I'm sure they are forgetting that it is the local trade that keeps them in business all year long. You try living here and eating there.
(3)Mauricio B.
Good food and great service. Their chicken Marsala is excellent.
(4)Beckster B.
I liked their Lasagna and the salad with wine was good too!
(4)Steve M.
Went there for a lunch with 9 other co-workers. Haven't been there for lunch in months. While the food was tasty and the service good, the value is poor. For $10 I received the smallest portion of Chicken Parmesan and spaghetti I have ever seen. Salad is not included. Come on, at least fill up the big plate with spaghetti! What, it costs another quarter to do this? I will not return for lunch. Sister Darden restaurant Olive Garden is a much better deal for lunch.
(2)Scott F.
Best Italian food in Palm Bay! Mr C's steak sandwich is always a great lunch!
(5)Whitney P.
In lieu of any other options in this horrible area of Florida, here we found ourselves at Carrabba's. I'm no fan of chain restaurants, but if you ever find yourself in the butt crack of hell that I call Florida, especially this area, I saw with confidence that this is as good as it gets. If you ever find yourself in the Space Coast, stick with chains. Trust me on this one. I've come from the future. The future being big cities outside of this Peninsula of hell, which I call Florida. Florida is behind the times in so many ways and this area is sooooo out of the loop. Chain restaurants here are like an oasis in the desert. They offer some sort of corporate comfort whereas a free falling restaurant here with no corporate backing is like a cesspool of alcoholic seniors wanting to relive their spring break periods and white trash/red necks drinking domestics out of koozies. Trust me if you find yourself here, cook at home, or chain restaurant the hell out of this area, and save yourself from the torment of the over priced River Rocks, Pineda Inn, etc. dumps. This is a safe zone, not a 5 star but let's get real, it's garbage Florida, what do you really expect, it's like going to Berlin after the wall was destroyed and people were catching up after communism. Oh the new Flock of Seagulls CD, I'm going to buy it right here in the open in front of everyone! I'm guessing if you're from Florida you have no idea what I'm talking about so go back into your ignorant head space and have another Bud Light. Why I didn't give this place a 3 star rating is because my fiancé left his wallet behind and when he called the restaurant they said there was no wallet left. So he drove back to restaurant to check for himself. When he arrived they were very rude to him and wouldn't let him check at the table we were seated at because there was a couple already seated at our table. He explained that he himself and two others have already done a full check at the table for his wallet and it was 100% not there. The manager was SO rude, so my fiancé brushed past the manager, went to our table and kindly ask the couple if they minded if he look for his missing wallet. The couple didn't mind at all and low and behold, his wallet was right there on the floor underneath the table. I won't give this place a 1 star since there's nothing else in this area, and because our waitress was SUPER nice and did a great job and we enjoyed our meal, but the manager's attitude was what put the nail in the coffin for us.
(2)BeachBummerNan E.
Went on a busy Fri night pre reserved table online. Waited in bar and was impressed with appetizer selection and that it was half off due to happy hour. Was seated promptly. Had steaks and pasta. Cooked perfectly. Will go again.
(5)Gary F.
Too expensive for low quality Italian food. Noisy. Portions are cheesy. Will never return.
(1)Howard S.
Of course it's a chain, but the food was good, the waitstaff was prompt and courteous with our drinks never being empty. The atmosphere is family friendly and the price is right for a chain that serves Italian food.
(4)Ron M.
Great food my wife and daughter really enjoyed them selves.
(5)Andre N.
Stopped in for lunch and the calamari was excellent! Pizza and chicken bryan was great! Don't forget to ask for Traci!!! She's the best ;)
(5)Richard H.
We will not go back to this restaurant. We had two problems with this place. First, I ordered a martini, and the glass came half-full, and it was a small martini glass. I was just going to let it go, but the other people at my table said that I should send it back, so when the waitress came, we sent it back. The thing was, we were seated in the bar area, right next to the bar, so we could hear the waitress and the bartender speaking. Instead of simply making another drink, the bartender got defensive, and argued with the waitress. Then he said he was just going to add some more ice and shake it up some more and bring it back. I turned around and simply told him I didn't want it anymore, but they brought me the watered down, shaken up drink, anyway, and I sent that one back too. The attitude of the bartender was just wrong and kind of insulting. Then, one of the other people at my table ordered the veal piccata. Two tiny slices of veal were on the plate. Roughly the size of a large cracker, each, and the entrée was not cheap. We didn't even bother complaining about it. But we couldn't understand how our waiter could bring us that entrée with a straight face. This place has serious management problems, and it is a big rip off. We will never go to this place again.
(1)David T.
I have NO IDEA why everytime I come here everything is so salty. Don't get me wrong, I like salt but they really lay it on thick. Service is normally good too.
(3)Rob R.
Perfect food all the time. Thank you. I love sitting at pasta bar watching them cook. The place runs like a well oiled Machine.
(5)Rich A.
Tried the one up on the North End of Wickham Road. Except for the salt, this is the blandest "Italian" food I've ever tasted.
(1)Lorraine N.
I have always loved Carrabbas and have visited several in North Carolina and Virginia so when I moved to Palm Bay I was excited to find out that there was one so close to my home. The first time I visited I ordered my favorite dish, the manicotti. The waiter came with my order and when I took the first bite it was fishy and chewy. I complained to the waiter and he offered to make a fresh one. The manager came out and apologized and informed me that he was sorry but the cook had made a mistake and grabbed the seafood cannelloni instead of the manicotti. Thank goodness that I wasn't allergic. The manager compensated me by not charging me for the manicotti. I gave them another shot this evening and once again was disappointed. This time the manicotti was served to me swimming in water and the cheese on top was slightly burnt...... It looked gross. The manager once again came out and apologized and they offered to compensate me but I did not re-order and had coffee instead with a complimentary dessert. I will NOT be returning to this Carrabbas!!!!!
(1)Steve K.
Don't know why I even bother with their carryout. Placed order on-line @ 5pm, parked in curbside carryout spot @ 5:10 was asked to park at staples next door. Went into bar where they forgot I existed for an hour despite my asking for status. Brought me cold food and acted like it was normal. Joe Pesci had it right "They f*** you in the drive-thru..."
(1)Tom C.
Even thought it's a chain, the Vero Beach one consistently has great service (a rarity in this town). Worth a return visit.
(4)Daphne L.
I came here for lunch with my mom on a Sunday around 3pm. They were very accomdating to our schedule. We ended up stretching the time between appetizers and entrees while waiting for my stepdad to arrive. I got the amore Monday deal which had a few options to choose from for entrees. I got the shrimp and scallop pasta. And I also got to choose an appetizer or dessert. I decided to try the bruschetta caprese. We also ordered calamari and fried Zuchinni as well. The Zuchinni appetizer is my favorite. The strips just melt in your mouth. The calamari is also very good. The garlic aioli sauce that comes with the Zuchinni is good on both. The bruschetta caprese was delicious too. The caprese came in a jar layered with all the ingredients of caprese. It was good presentation and tasted great too. The pasta dishes we got were okay but I really enjoy their appetizers.
(4)simon d.
Once again, a fantastic meal. The place is a little loud but the quality of the food and great service makes up for it
(5)Ottovio M.
I come from and all Italian family from New Jersey and I am very critical about Italian food especially here in Florida. I absolutely hate chain restaurants and corporate food companies usually but I have to say that Carrabba's is by far the best franchise/chain restaurant around. Always top quality food authentic and great atmosphere.
(5)Jodi Z.
We had to wait extra long for our entrees. Apparently there was a mix-up with our plates. The manager came and explained this to us and told us that our entrees were comped. That was a very welcome surprise. The bread, appetizer, salad, wine and entrees were all delicious and I recommend people come here for good food and great service. I'll be back.
(4)