Carmela’s at the Loft

21771 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg
(434) 237-2522

Recent Reviews

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Chris Robey

Amazing place to eat

Tina Mattingly

The best experience i have ever had in a dining! You feel welcome and warm the moment you walk in. There isn't enough room for me to express how delicious the food, the beautiful interior, and the determination of the staff to make sure your time there will be a wonderful memory and will bring a smile and a longing to return! The food critics should be flocking to this destination dining experience. Worthy of a Michilen star!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Emily Scott

I rarely ever leave reviews—especially negative ones—but after our experience at Carmela’s tonight, I feel compelled to share. We made a reservation in advance for our party of ten (six adults and four children) and arrived promptly at 7:00 p.m. While we were seated right away, that’s where any sense of efficiency ended.

It took over 20 minutes before anyone came to our table, nearly 30 minutes before drinks arrived, and we never received the rolls that were supposed to be served. From there, we waited an additional hour for our meals to come out. By the time the food finally arrived, we had been sitting for more than an hour and a half.

The service was exceptionally poor—especially disappointing given that the restaurant was not busy. Unfortunately, this was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had in a very long time. If you’re hoping for attentive service or timely food, I would strongly recommend choosing another restaurant.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

Deborah Armstrong

Overpriced for the quality of the food. Will never come back. If I want to spend that much for dinner will go to Isabella's if I want Italian

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 3

Antonio Perez

Nice place with good food. Had the pleasure of meeting the owner Ralph. Nice guy! I'll return for sure when I'm back in town.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jacob Rowland

Great food and service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Brooke Wine

We had the most incredible experience here, and I can’t recommend this restaurant enough! Due to a scheduling mix-up, they technically didn’t have to open for us, but the owner looked at us and said, “We are people of our word, and this wasn’t your fault.” That alone tells you the integrity and kindness of this place. We were so thankful, and from the moment we walked in, Ashley took care of us like family.

The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the kind of place you instantly feel at home in. And the food…oh, the food. Truly unforgettable. My husband and I both agreed it was the best steak we have ever had in our lives. Perfectly cooked, seasoned to perfection, and so tender it melted in your mouth. The stuffed mushroom appetizer set the tone with its rich, savory flavor, and even our picky eater gave the Alfredo a 10/10!

And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, dessert arrived. The cheesecake was decadent, the cannoli was crisp and filled with the perfect creamy sweetness, and the salted caramel gelato was bursting with flavor. Each bite was perfection.

This is not just another restaurant, it’s a place where people keep their word, treat you with kindness, and serve food that you’ll be talking about long after your visit. We are already looking forward to coming back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

David Engelmann

Everything about our experience at Carmela’s at the Loft was absolutely amazing. The food was outstanding—every bite full of flavor and clearly made with care. The cheesecake was fantastic, the kind you remember long after the last bite. The staff was truly second to none: friendly, attentive, and welcoming from start to finish. The owner was incredibly nice and made us feel right at home. We will definitely be back, and we can’t recommend this restaurant highly enough!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delilah

An exceptional culinary experience from the first smile to the last bite! May I suggest a surf & turf dish with Grilled Chicken & Salmon and your new Maple Reduction Glaze smothering both of them?!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nick S

This is truly one of those places that you want to keep all to yourself. The atmosphere is so inviting, clean, cheerful. the food; I can't say enough about the size, quality and appearance. The Loft is absolutely a gem, hidden in our community, one to definitely try

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Dalton \u0026 Zena King

I have been here multiple times and every time was a kind and friendly atmosphere. The food is delicious and authentic. If you are looking for amazing food, it's here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nicholas Zubrinitz

Carmela’s is hands down one of my favorite local spots. The food is legit Italian. It’s always fresh and full of flavor. The drinks are made to perfection. Brunch and dinner are both great, and the staff are super friendly. I love that it’s not a chain; it feels personal, and even the owner walks around checking in on tables. You can tell they actually care. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Adam\u0026Tiffany Barker

We LOVE it here! Wonderful food, beautiful atmosphere, and the owner and staff are absolutely amazing! Don’t believe some of the fake reviews some have posted on here. It’s one of our favorite places!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

William Harley

A true Italian gem – Carmela’s at the Loft deserves every star

I’ve had the pleasure of dining at Carmela’s at the Loft, and I can confidently say the experience was outstanding. The food is truly authentic, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff is professional, kind, and attentive. You can taste the heart of Italy in every dish, and feel the love and dedication behind every detail.

Recently, I’ve noticed a number of negative reviews coming from people who have clearly never set foot in the restaurant. Many are reacting to a single situation they didn’t witness firsthand — spreading assumptions instead of facts. It’s upsetting to see a hardworking, family-run business being unfairly targeted by those with no real experience there.

Let me be clear: I’ve eaten at Carmela’s, I was treated with respect, the service was excellent, and the food was exceptional. I’ll absolutely return. I encourage others to visit for themselves and form their own honest opinion. Don’t let online negativity drown out the truth about a truly wonderful place.

In a time when false narratives can spread so easily, it’s important to speak up and support the good. Thank you, Carmela’s at the Loft, for making me feel like family and for offering such a heartfelt Italian dining experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lilly Jacobs

If you’re looking for a truly special dining experience, look no further than this family-owned Italian treasure. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted like old friends—warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about what they do.

The ambiance is cozy and charming, with little touches that make you feel like you’ve been transported straight to Italy. You can tell this place is run with heart—every detail, from the wine selection to the handwritten specials, felt personal.

Now the food… chef’s kiss. Every dish was bursting with flavor and made with love. The pasta is homemade and cooked to perfection—don’t miss the [insert signature dish, like “lobster ravioli” or “chicken parmigiana”]! And the tiramisu? Hands down the best I’ve had outside of Rome.

It’s rare to find a restaurant where the service, food, and atmosphere all exceed expectations, but this place nails it. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving comforting, top-tier Italian cuisine, this spot deserves to be at the top of your list.

We can’t wait to come back—and bring everyone we know.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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