Carmen's Seafood Restaurant

Save yourself the time, money, and disappointment.

While the service was fine, and the atmosphere was alright, the food was atrocious. Skipped out on the NY strip due to the menu stating they’re not responsible if it’s overcooked (texas roadhouse can cook it to my liking for $19). Got the chicken parm instead, which looked great upon arrival but tasted like canned tomato sauce on a slab of rubber. The crab cakes were standard but didn’t taste like the price. My family went for breakfast and thought it was awful as well.

Last time i was at Carmen’s two years ago, i got the king crab and was unimpressed. I wish i didn’t give it another shot. What was supposed to be a nice date on our last night in sea isle resulted in a severe disappointment, and i have no idea how this place gets the traffic it does.

Food was bad. Piece of metal wire brush was in the children's pasta.

We’ve been coming to Carmen’s for years, but after tonight, we will never be back. I ordered a steak since I don’t like seafood and the fish I had last time was terrible. I asked for it rare, sent it back twice, and was eventually told the steak was “too thick to cook rare” and could only be made medium. When it finally came back, it was ice cold in the middle. Then instead of remaking it, they gave me back the original steak I had already returned.

My uncle ordered a well-done steak, and it came out pink twice. When my aunt brought it up, the owner insinuated that she and my mom were trying to get free meals, even though our bill was over $700.

They took my uncle’s meal off the bill, then asked for his food back, then claimed they didn’t ask. They refused to take my meal off the bill because I had “eaten it”, even though it was my only dinner and they never made it right. As we were leaving, the owner found us in the parking lot, insulted my aunt and mother again, and started an argument instead of trying to resolve anything. She then tried to justify her behavior by saying “people come here all the time trying to get free food,” essentially accusing us of doing the same, which was incredibly offensive. Then, in a final move, she threw $50 from the valet into my mom’s car.

The food was bad. The service was even worse. And the behavior from the owner was completely unprofessional and unacceptable. After years of being loyal customers, we will never return to Carmen’s

The place looks good, as does the view and layout. We waited 1 1/2 hours for our food with our experience on Friday night. My kid waited 1 hour for food. Also, the food is not hot. Very bad experience 🫤

Carmen's is great for families. There is something for everyone!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Had a fantastic dinner at Carmen’s tonight. This time of year, let’s face it with the end of the season in sight for many establishments, can be a lot like playing Russian roulette with your money. I was slightly worried, after agreeing with my parents on our dinner destination (I’ve cooked last two nights), that we would be getting frozen leftovers from the season that was..I’ve never had a bad meal at Carmen’s for the record, but I was skeptical. I was way off. Service was awesome, food was fresh and delicious, and I left super full with leftovers. The crab cakes were awesome and my crab stuffed flounder was perfect! This place is proof you don’t need to be fancy to be incredible. As a bonus , Carmen, the 95 year old owner was hanging out in the dining room.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Fresh seafood at its best! Generous portions and the food was wonderful.

Food: 5

Recommended dishes: Crab Cakes

Really loved breakfast here until this past weekend. We went with a big group and the wait for our food was crazy long, about 2 hours. No one came to tell us the issue in why it was taking so ling. Then 4 people got sausage links, 3 of the people found metal pieces in it. 1 person chipped his tooth on it. The pieces were brought to management and while they did the right thing taking the dishes off the bill, they were not very concerned about the fact they are serving sausage with metal pieces in it. She told us that it was probably from the plant. The most concerning issue is when the waitress asked the manager (owner?) If she should tell the other patrons and to stop serving the sausage, she was told to go in the kitchen. So who knows who else had this issue?

Kid-friendliness: Good for kids.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

Nice view

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

All was GREAT food, service,parking,if you like seafood this is the place to go

All was great but there was a large party and the noise was overwhelming. Should have requested another table.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Broiled Seafood Combo, Stuffed Flounder

The food here is always great! The wait staff is wonderful and attentive. Only issue is most of the staff do not know how to use the highchair. Which is an issue for us since we have a child under 2. Their highchairs are the kind that clip to the table.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Great lunch, left full and happy.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

This restaurant is a wonderful place to take your family or even a date if you are willing to spend the money. The food is spectacular, the service is friendly, respectful and reliable. And the atmosphere is phenomenal. It's BYOB so if you would like a cocktail with dinner be sure to bring it with you.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our breakfast waitress Julianne was AMAZING!!! Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5