By Amy G. Rothlin
The rumors and whispers of exceptional Italian cuisine have been circulating in San Miguel, and after dining at Da' Carmela, I can confidently declare: believe the hype. This charming ristorante is more than our usual generic Italian eatery fare; it truly feels like authentic Italian home cooking, where a culinary treasure chest opens up brought to life by the passionate Carmela, a Naples-born chef, one might recognize her from the popular Gourmet Food Channel, and the warm hospitality of her precious British life partner Steve.
Carmela and Steve’s culinary odyssey spanning Kuala Lumpur (Asia) and Polanco (México City) has found its more serene lifestyle in San Miguel. The result? A gift to our community. Da’ Carmela’s ambiance strikes me as the perfect balance between rustic charm and casual, inviting intimacy, creating an atmosphere where every meal will feel like a conversation. I promise your taste buds will thank you.
The menu, while concise, is a treasure trove of Italian tradition, complemented by regularly rotating weekly specials such as Fettuccine Prawns and Safron cream, Linguinne Alle Vongole, and Lobina Natialia with wine offered at our visit. Faced with the challenge of choosing, we began with the Carpaccio de Bresaola: Thin, premium slices of cured beef that danced with the earthy notes of black truffle, the crunch of toasted pine nuts, the peppery bite of arugula, sweet cherry tomatoes, rich black olives, and the salty, umami depth of Parmigiano Reggiano. This wasn’t merely an appetizer; it was a buzzword dish with fresh, robust flavors that served as a testament to the quality and thoughtfulness of the ingredients.
Our main courses were equally impressive. We went for the ultimate comfort food, a Vegetarian Lasagna, what a masterpiece of layered flavors and textures, the Pomodoro made the dish gracefully stand out, while the Cannelloni filled with ricotta, spinach, besciamella with taleggio cheese, pomodoro, and Parmigiano was a creamy, comforting delight. Both dishes were perfectly paired by the house Merlot served in a short glass, which was perfect.
As for the sweet side, our great server Jessica recommended the popular Bombette Sorpresa; they are small Philo dough bites with a special filling, Carmela’s secret recipe, I was told, the Bombettes are served with a berry sauce, and topped with powdered sugar, pair it with an espresso for the perfect combination. The attentive and knowledgeable service, exemplified by our delightful waitress, Jessica, further elevated our experience.
What truly sets Da' Carmela apart is its commitment to authenticity. Every dish is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a simple presentation yet prepared with evident passion and skill. The handmade pasta, among other soulful choices, all contribute to an exceptional dining experience.
Head over to Salida a Celaya #3 A (where Thrifty Ice Cream used to be); this place offers a laid-back vibe and an unpretentious dining experience. Their setting has a handful of outdoor tables and an upstairs dining area, so It's wise to arrive early, especially during peak hours, and note their future plans to expand into the adjacent space.
Opening Hours: Wednesday - Thursday: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.mFriday - Saturday: 1:00 p.m – 10:00 p.mand from Sunday: 1:00 p.m– 8 :00 p.m
You can reserve online at: www.dacarmela.com
If you wish to invite the San Miguel Taste Insiders Team to visit your place, please contact Amy: amy.grothlin@gmail.comand follow on Instagram @sanmigueltaste
