Carmella's
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Carmella's an Italian Bistro

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Carmella's offers an authentic Italian bistro experience with Midwest ingredients. It's known for its scratch-made dishes and friendly service, making...

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Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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Carmella's

Carmella's an Italian Bistro

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Carmella's offers an authentic Italian bistro experience with Midwest ingredients. It's known for its scratch-made dishes and friendly service, making it a gem in Appleton.

"World-class cuisine!! Wonderful menu, nice wine list, excellentissimo service!"

TIP

Reservations Recommended

Book ahead for a formal dinner or enjoy casual bar seating.

Server Recommendations

Ask your server for expert advice on signature dishes and wine pairings.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Tuesday 3PM

Cuisine

Italian

Price

$$$

Phone

(920) 882-4044

Address

716 N Casaloma Dr, Appleton, WI 54913, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Italian Creations

Authentic Italian Creations

Experience scratch-made Italian dishes using Midwest ingredients. A true taste of Italy.

Seared Sea Scallops

Seared Sea Scallops

Praise for perfectly cooked scallops with magazine-cover-worthy presentation.

Award-Winning Desserts

Award-Winning Desserts

Indulge in house-made sweet finales like Tiramisu and Cannoli. A perfect end to any meal.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pasta perfection at Carmella’s — Appleton’s little piece of Italy 🇮🇹🍝 #Foodie #italianfood #appleton #wi #fyp
@mya__ramadan
158 likes • 9K views

Reservations Recommended

Book ahead for a formal dinner or enjoy casual bar seating.

Server Recommendations

Ask your server for expert advice on signature dishes and wine pairings.

product reviews 252- Carmella’s in Appleton, Wisconsin. 11/19/2025
@edmundjacobs
673 likes • 15.4K views

Check for Specials

Inquire about daily specials, which may not be on the menu.

Card Surcharge

Be aware of a 4% credit card charge; consider bringing cash.

Tips

from all over the internet

Reservations Recommended

Book ahead for a formal dinner or enjoy casual bar seating.

Server Recommendations

Ask your server for expert advice on signature dishes and wine pairings.

Check for Specials

Inquire about daily specials, which may not be on the menu.

Card Surcharge

Be aware of a 4% credit card charge; consider bringing cash.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Carmella's is praised for its authentic, scratch-made Italian cuisine, with many highlighting exceptional dishes like scallops and veal. Service is frequently lauded as attentive and friendly, creating a warm dining atmosphere. However, some diners note that prices have increased and portions may be shrinking, making it more of a special occasion spot, while a few have experienced less satisfactory service from management.

"I really appreciated the great service while dining at Carmella's. They have a very cozy atmosphere, but the lighting could have been a little brighter as it was hard to study the menu. They have a variety of beers and wines, no liquor. The server was very helpful with pairings.
We tried a variety of flavors, starting with the antipasti salad and ending with a delectable chocolate cake. For our entrées we had a Lobster Risotto special and the Veal Saltimbocca. All of their dishes were very well composed. Great flavor balance and presentation.
I look forward to making another reservation (which are highly recommended, but can only be made by phone during their open dining hours)."

Pikka

"Beautiful dinner at Carmella’s. Excellent service and timed out perfectly. We started with a bread service, Manila clams in a garlic white wine sauce and a lovely beef carpaccio with arugula salad. 10/10. We then split chicken Francese and a housemade ravioli with shrimp. Rounded everything out with some great red wine. Highly recommend!"

Daniela Lehmkuhl

"The meal was unsatisfactory. The spaghetti with meatballs lacked flavor and was not worth the price; a comparable dish could have been prepared at home. My husband's fillet mignon was acceptable, but overall, the dining experience did not justify the expense. The host's condescending demeanor was also disappointing. When offered indoor or outdoor seating, and upon assuring him that full weather protection was sufficient for outdoor dining, his dismissive response was unprofessional. I specifically said, "As long as it's fully covered outside, we'll eat outside." He specifically replied, "That's what I said." As in, lady I just told you it was fully covered outside.

We'll pass on any future outings to this place. Culver's offers better service.

Only positive was our waitress. She was sweet. Loved to smile."

Paula

What People Like

Authentic scratch-made Italian food
Exceptional service from staff
World-class cuisine and presentation

What People Dislike

Rising prices and smaller portions
Inconsistent management interactions
Charge for bread service

Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations are highly recommended for a more formal dining experience, though bar seating is available for a casual option. Reservations can only be made by phone during open dining hours. Reddit

Signature dishes include seared sea scallops, chicken marsala, pappardelle, and Halibut. Many reviewers also rave about their veal dishes. Reddit+1

While not explicitly detailed, many pasta dishes and salads can likely be adapted. It's best to inquire with your server about specific dietary needs. Reddit

The atmosphere is described as a casual bistro, suggesting a relaxed dress code. However, many guests dress up for a more formal dining experience. TikTok

Prices are considered higher than typical for the area, with some guests noting portions have shrunk, making it lean towards an upscale or special occasion dining experience. Reddit

Yes, some recent reviews indicate that there is a charge for the bread service. Reddit

The restaurant is located in a strip mall. Parking is available in the general strip mall lot. Reddit

Carmella's offers a selection of artisanal Italian wines and craft beers, but does not serve liquor. Reddit

Carmella's an Italian Bistro (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide