Carmine II Caffe

Perched on Santa Monica Blvd just West of Beverly Glen and a 3 minute drive from Century City is a jewel of a restaurant called Carmine II Caffe.

Originally known as Carmine’s, it opened in 1975 and was a celebrity haunt for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and others of notoriety during the days that Hollywood was ruled by the Rat Pack crowd.

Carmine Sr, passed away in 1989 and the restaurant closed until the son, Carmine Jr reopened what was previously a Maitre’D style restaurant with booths and red velvet and turned it into a more upscale relaxed atmosphere while preserving the feel of the Fine Dining Italian family-owned supper restaurant.

The bar is excellent. My Cosmopolitan had 2 gummy lifesavers which made a nice finish. I also ate my date’s vodka-soaked olives from his martini and all I could say was “Bring more vodka-soaked olives!”

This night I had the Rigatoni with a meat sauce while my date had the Baked Ziti; both were excellent. Prior to my main course I had "The Wedge" which was so delicious with a homemade blue cheese dressing. My date ordered a bottle of a 2005 Mt Veeder cabernet sauvignon, which for being so young, was surprisingly smooth and not tannic at all. We savored very drop of this delicious wine which so perfectly complemented our meal.

The wall is filled with photos taken by a particular photographer whose name escapes me. Photos of the Rat Pack, along with that one famous shot of a young Sophia Loren glancing sideways at the exposed cleavage of Jayne Mansfield.

Carmine II’s is a real treat for anyone who misses the glorious days of the Rat Pack. As a child, I visited this restaurant and actually saw Dean Martin there in the bar, in person. For this reason, Carmine II’s holds a very dear place in my heart. Owners Carmine Jr and his wife Kim are wonderful hosts and make the effort to make each and every guest feel welcome, as if part of one big exclusive family.

Neighborhoods: Westwood, West Los Angeles
10463 Santa Monica Blvd
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 441-4706

• Price Range: $$$
• Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
• Parking: Valet
• Attire: Dressy
• Good for Groups: Yes
• Good for Kids: No
• Takes Reservations: Yes
• Waiter Service: Yes
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
• Outdoor Seating: No
• Alcohol: Full Bar