CARMEN Restaurant was rated top 5 Italian restaurants to go to in Boston by Zagat...

While wondering through my Zagat book thursday evening i decided to pick an upscale top five Italian restaurant on the North End that was recommended by Zagat, Carmen's. 

I went with my new dining buddy and Boston roomie, Courtney. Clearly, Carmen's being a top five Italian pick... we were eager to dine on Friday and had very high expectations. 

Our reservation was for 8:30 pm and we showed up fifteen minutes later and it was CROWDED. (they only can fit 32 guests)/.. so there was nothing we can do except order the cheapest bottle of Pinot Grigio (only $30) that was on the menu. It was so refreshing after our sprint in four inch heels trying to find the restaurant around the North Square. 

The wine satisfied our dehydration but we were starved especially since the time was ascending toward 9 pm. We asked for bread which was not even sub par. (Panera Bread baguettes are so much better). Anyways we finally sat down by 915 pm.

Carmen's being recognized with highly professional servers was not what my dining guest and i experienced. We had to wait about 15 minutes before someone came to our table!  i finally  asked the hostess if we even had a server that evening.

We ordered and our food came out within ten minutes (things were getting better). Court to no ones amazement (if you knew her) ordered the Scallop Risotto dish and i ordered the only entree i can eat on the menu (being a veggie and all) the Haddock Francese. 

It was disgusting. It was rubber. I was displeased with the fish but loved the Spinach. Unfortunately, i had to ask for the fish to be cooked more. I got the fish back and it was still not right. (but, maybe it was me, and a reminder to NEVER order Haddock again) Carmen in a sense ruined any potential future i would ever have again with Haddock. 

The sores on my feet from my heels last-night were definitely not worth the dinner at Carmen's. 

Unmemorable. 

Lesson: Do not always trust Zagat's top five choices for restaurants...

Danielle Marie