Carino’s advertises itself to be “country Italian”. Exactly what that means is a mystery I never resolved while I was there. I walked in rather late, and ended up eating near the bar, with Carino’s bartender being my waitress. She was very good. Bartenders tend to be that, excellent in delivering service.
This Carino’s is next to Discovery Mills, on the northeast corner, and pretty much impossible to miss. When I entered, the restaurant was perhaps half full and the plates of food, what I could see of them, were very large. I’m suspecting that’s what they mean by country Italian: we feed you like you’re a farmer in Italy.
As an appetizer I had a calamari dish. For an entree, I had a salmon dish that day, substituting vegetables for the angel hair pasta that normally would accompany this dish. It was good fish, cooked properly, and tasty. The vegetables were good, the chunks of artichoke very welcome. The dish, because the vegetables were moist, left a lot of liquid in the bottom of the rounded bowl in which the dish was placed. Hey, not as if the plate was designed for veggies, anyway.
I enjoyed myself largely. This was mostly a first impression, so take that in consideration. I’m not telling you how this place performs during rush hour.
Carino’s Italian
1802 North Brown Road
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
(678) 847-6300
October 18, 2012 at 9:30 pm
As a server at carinos i get this question most every day, “What does country italian mean?”
It refers to the hospitality of the Italian countryside, we welcome you as family, and treat you as if you were a guest in our own home. The setting in the Carinos restaurant also reflects the kitchen and dining room of a classic Italian home.
From the open kitchens to the vibrant dining rooms, the festive dishes to the upbeat staff, Carino’s offers an energizing, exuberant space. We promote the classic Italian approach to dining, where friends and family gather around the table to break bread together. Slowing down, taking time away from our busy lives and just enjoying those people who mean the most.
We believe that everyone deserves this kind of experience.
With the expertise of Chef Carino, and later Chef Christopher Peitersen Carino’s developed standout signature dishes that respect authentic Italian traditions while creating unique flavors that express Carino’s vibrancy and passion.
This extended to the dining experience, and the restaurants were envisioned to echo the feel of an Italian home where families gather to enjoy each other over a great meal. The kitchens were opened to guests, creating a subtle rapport between chefs and diners, much like a kitchen in Italy would be the hub of the household. The energy permeating from our open restaurant design helps add to the fun dining experiences.
At Carinos we are all family.
Come join our family!