Carmela’s - Richmond

The pasta was exquisite! The food was delicious, the service was fantastic, and the atmosphere was wonderful. Sadly, they have announced that they will be closing their doors.

The food was fantastic, and the pizzas were among the best we've had in a while. However, I took away two stars due to the excessively long wait for our meal. It was frustrating to see several other customers being served and leaving while we continued to wait, even though we had been seated before them. It seemed like they might be regulars, but even regulars should understand what being short-staffed means. We went there on our last night in Richmond, and the experience ultimately felt disappointing. Had I known the wait would be so lengthy, I certainly would have chosen another restaurant, especially since we were dining with kids who, fortunately, were patient. It's a great place if you have the entire night to wait for a really good pizza, but otherwise, I would recommend looking for another option.

The meatballs were fantastic, and the margherita pizza was outstanding. The bartender provided excellent recommendations and was very knowledgeable. I'm definitely coming back!

We've been on the hunt for best pizza in Richmond, and Carmela's is certainly in the running. Nothing beats a classic Margherita, which when done well, is the mark of a solid pizza joint. The pizza is wood-fired with a crust that holds its form; the mozzarella is fresh and melty; and the sauce has just a hint of sweetness- the way I like it! We came for the pizza but we stayed for the cozy, romantic atmosphere. Only downside is tricky downtown parking. We will be back very soon for another date night and will also take my Italian family here!

The pizzas are incredible; I usually order the Classico or Margherita, while my girlfriend opts for the prosciutto and arugula. In my opinion, they serve the best pizza in Richmond. The crust is thin and cooked to perfection, making it quite light compared to other pizzas, which is perfect for dining out or before heading out for the evening. The location is ideal, with the square hosting various events and plenty of bars nearby to continue your night after dinner. It's also within walking distance from several trails along the river and canal, making it a lovely spot to unwind after a day by the water. I highly recommend Carmela's to anyone. When friends visit from out of town and are exploring downtown, this is one of the first places we suggest!