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Welcome to Carmela's Bistro & Wine Bar

At Carmela's Bistro & Wine Bar, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, we aim to offer an intimate dining experience that perfectly balances comfort and elegance. Our New American cuisine emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, with a special focus on vegetarian options and signature dishes like the duck confit and filet Oscar. Guests can indulge in our extensive wine selection, featuring favorites like MollyDooker, alongside delectable desserts. The inviting atmosphere and attentive service create an ideal setting for romantic dinners and celebratory gatherings alike. Join us at Carmela's, where every bite and sip tells a story of culinary passion and warmth.

Carmela's Bistro & Wine Bar: Reviews & Ratings

Amy P.
Amy P.

We were actually waiting for a table elsewhere and came over here and so glad we did! We just had wine (they had my fav MollyDooker!) and the Foccacia Bread Service and that was amazing! We will be back! The character is intimate and comfortable and we enjoyed it so much!

Nathan P.
Nathan P.

Exactly what we needed to cap off our anniversary date. It was mellow, the desserts were tremendous and the wine was good (for my novice palate) for the price. Each dessert would have been enough for us to share, but we wanted to try both so we took half of each home. If I had a small complaint, the music was just a smidge too loud. Also, I'm not a wine person, in general, so the list was a bit overwhelming and the waitress didn't seem to know enough to recommend something that would pair well with dessert. But that's partially on me for not knowing more...

Grace T.
Grace T.

Shared parking lot eith a couple of other places. We were seated immediately. The place was busy. They tended to us immediately we ordered a bottle or pinot gringio. It took awhile to come. Possibly because they were very busy. We heard that they had a patty of 16 and a lot of stuff was pushed back We then ordered calamari as appetisers. Batter was delicious but I felt that the calamari pieces were very small in lots of batter. It was fresh and tasted good. Then we ordered our mains. My husband and my mom in law both ordered Oscar's favourite- this came with asparagus, steak and a crabcake. I ordered a duck comfit which came with roasted brussel sprouts, spinach and gnocchi. Our food took pretty long to come. But we had decent conversation at our table and we didn't really notice it. My mom on law ordered medium and she thought her steak was perfect. My hubby ordered medium rare but thought his steak was just ok, still a little bit overcooked for him. He didn't care for his crabcake. There was pepper mixed in there and the smell was pretty strong for him and I. My duck confit was absolutely delicious. It came with two duck thighs instead of one. The brussel sprouts were a little overdone. I'm a brussel sprout crazed person. I didn't mind but would have preferred it crunchy instead of mushy. Our nice server convinced us of dessert- and we ordered better than sex chocolate cake to share. It came beautifully presented in a wine glass and garnished with a strawberry. It's pretty good. But would have been better if the chocolate cake was warm. All in all, it was a decent night. Thank you for a good time.

Todd J.
Todd J.

Enjoyed a nice dinner with my wife and mother. My mother and I had the Oscar's favorite and my wife had the duck confit. We started with the fried callimari. And finished with the BTS cake. The food was pretty good, next time I'll vote for a different dessert. The dining room provided a nice classy atmosphere and our waitress was very pleasant. Issues, my steak was a little over cooked and my wife said her Brussel sprouts where over cooked.

Beth s.
Beth s.

I've been here a few times now. Service is friendly and atmosphere is comfortable. I highly recommend the filet Oscar and the ahi tuna appetizer.

Debbie I.
Debbie I.

This is my second time attempting to go here and I'm glad it worked out! The first time I arrived after the lunchtime closing. We were greeted by a less than welcoming server, but fortunately, she wasn't ours and was just in a toot to get off her shift. It's unfortunate that staff like this don't understand they're a business' brand ambassador. We own small businesses and aren't going to knock the business for her rudeness. Our server, Emmy, was beyond wonderful and sweet and accommodating! The wine list was very nice (we're in the wine business and know a good list!) with a great array of choices! My husband got the tasting and it was served in a fun frame with the glasses nestled on it that drew attention from other tables. Excellent show of product! I enjoyed a nice French Rosé, a giant and delish "side" beet salad, and a ham/gruyere croissant. A little taste of France in the heartland! He had the burger & truffle fries and liked it. The fries were a bit stronger truffle flavored than he prefers, but not too overwhelming. Even though it was closing time , Em still brought the dessert menu and talked us into a decadent chocolate deal in a wine glass. Plenty to take home even! It's a great place. Definitely check it out if you like wine. One strike for the cranky welcome. One strike for a faint scent of "Fabuloso." (I'm extremely sensitive to this cleaning agent and it shouldn't be used at a wine bar. My suggestion!) But I'm still going with 5 stars for overall coolness!

Location

Carmela's Bistro & Wine Bar is a delightful destination for food lovers and wine enthusiasts in Lincoln, NE. Nestled at 4141 Pioneer Woods Dr, this charming bistro effortlessly combines a cozy atmosphere with an extensive menu that showcases the best of New American cuisine.

Stepping into Carmela's, you are welcomed by an intimate and comfortable setting, perfect for romantic dinners or casual gatherings with friends. The bistro is known for its moderate noise level, making it conducive for conversation while still offering a lively ambiance. With outdoor seating available, you can enjoy your meal al fresco on warm evenings.

  • Reservations: It takes reservations, ensuring you can secure your spot for a special evening.
  • Culinary Highlights: The menu features many vegetarian options alongside hearty meat dishes. Signature offerings like the duck confit and filet Oscar have earned rave reviews for their bold flavors and careful presentation.
  • Desserts: Guests seem to delight in the Better Than Sex Chocolate Cake which arrives beautifully presented, though opinions vary on the temperature of the cake.
  • Wine Selection: With a full bar and an extensive wine list, even novice wine drinkers will find something appealing. Each visit promises the exploration of unique varieties, including favorites like MollyDooker.

The attentive service weaves seamlessly into the dining experience. Patrons like Amy P. express joy at discovering Carmela's while waiting for another table. She praised the Foccacia Bread Service as "amazing." Similarly, Nathan P. described his anniversary celebration there as mellow, giving kudos to both the desserts and quality of wine, notwithstanding a slight hiccup with the music volume.

Carmela's Bistro also caters to families, with offerings suitable for kids and outdoor space for bike parking. The availability of free Wi-Fi is an added bonus for those wishing to linger with a glass of wine after their meal.

While there have been mentions of long wait times for food at peak hours, guests have shared that the comfortable atmosphere and engaging conversation make the experience worthwhile. The high-quality dishes served in a classy dining room with friendly service create a lovely overall experience.

In conclusion, whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a delicious meal, Carmela's Bistro & Wine Bar stands out with its inviting ambiance, delectable cuisine, and an impressive selection of wine. Don't miss your chance to enjoy this culinary gem in Lincoln!