Carmela's Lakeway

I came to Carmela's on a whim after really underwhelming sushi for lunch. Nothing beats sadness, on your birthday nonetheless, than comfort food. Comforted, I was!! This very minimalistic designed Italian restaurant is mildly lit, kind of demure, unassuming. Located in a strip mall in Lakeway, you are definitely not prepared for delicious powerhouse that their menu is, at least from outward appearances. I know I wasn't.I consulted the Bible (Yelp!)- and found this treasure trove of Italian cuisine, Boy am I grateful to God!I ordered the Caprese salad to start, which was perfectly portioned with thick juicy beef steaks, generously sized basil leaves and the perfect drizzle of balsamic. It's hard to mess up something so simple, but believe me honey, I have seen it done!Ashley, my server, and new bestie by the time I left, helped me work my indecision into decision and even read my mind, changing the regular spaghetti to Alfredo, in my Italian trio. I wanted a bit of everything and a bit of everything is what I got!The tomatoe sauce, the spice blends, the perfect panko on the chicken cutlet, literally EVERYTHING was fire!10/10 would recommend! Thank you turning my birthday frown upside down! And Ashley, you are INCENDIARY!! A true star!

Terrific experience! Staff is very friendly. The food is delicious with generous portions. Cozy setting and nice ambiance

So good. Everything we had was yummy, sour dough with oil, spaghetti, trio, chicken parm. How I wish this place was closer to my house!

Food is always good and plentiful. Service is always pleasant and attentive. Restaurant is located in an older shopping center and the interior is a bit tired. Do not let this deter you if you want good Italian food.

At least it's better than Mandola's (not that that's saying much). Mediocre food, but good service.

Great food, great service, and great atmosphere. We started with the Mussels, then I had a wedge salad. Best wedge I've had in a long time! I had the Lasagna and Elaine had the Lasagna Trio. Paired with a nice Italian wine, made for a wonderful evening. I highly recommend for Italian Cuisine in Lakeway, Texas.

We love Carmella's and are so thankful that we have an awesome Italian restaurant so close to our hood! Their cocktails, bread, mozzarella sticks, salad, lasagna, fish, Alfredo.... Everything is delicious! I highly recommend and their service is great

Cold lasagna! The sauce and ingredients did not come together. The waitress was very understanding offering to take it off our bill, and make it over for no charge. We decided to wait around as I was having surgery the next morning. MUCH TO OUR SURPRISE, when we got the bill the Manager decided to charge us for the lasagna after we were told it would be NO CHARGE. I can only imagine how the waitress felt after she received a nice tip for service, only to stabbed in the back over the cost of pasta. I won't return!

This was my second time coming to Carmela's since moving to Lakeway. I just went in to pick up a Chicken Parm to go order.I standed near the hostess stand for 10min before I received any help. The chicken and pasta had a very strong seafood taste which made it inedible. The to go Tupperware was also over halfway filled with liquid. We had to throw away the whole thing and cook something at home. Waste of time and money unfortunately. Overall, not good.

I have dined at Carmela's now several times since my first review, and I must say that they never, ever disappoint.Everything I have eaten there so far has been superb, fresh and flavorful. Even when they are very busy, the service is outstanding and you don't feel like you're putting anyone out if you have a special request or need additional items. The wine list also is very good.I love the atmosphere there as well. It is warm, welcoming, and beautiful. Josephine always stops by to say hello and make sure everything is perfect for us. She does that with everyone as well. If you haven't been there, go soon. You will be pleased and will be coming back again and again.