Carmine Sr.'s Journey

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After working at the world-famous Fulton Fish Market in 1950s New York, Carmine was ready to make the world his own. He planned to do just that when he moved to Los Angeles and secured a job in the building that would eventually become his own. At the time, it was the Crown House Restaurant and he was the bartender. 

After a few years of learning the trade, his close friends, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin, asked if he would be the maitre d’ of their new premier Italian restaurant in Hollywood called Villa Capri. Just as Villa Capri quickly became a favorite of the stars, with regulars including James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Jimmy Durante; so did Carmine Sr. He went on to open and manage Mirabelle in Hollywood and Puccini’s in Beverly Hills until in 1969, he found out that his old stomping grounds, The Crown House Restaurant, was for sale. At that point, it was then known as Casa de Oro. It wasn’t as easy as signing a contract, he didn’t want to become a competition to his friends in the Rat Pack and had to ask Frank Sinatra for his blessing to open his own place. As it was only 200 yards from where Frank’s restaurant sat, Frank agreed but only under the condition that it kept the name Casa de Oro for at least two years. 

In 1972, he finally changed the name to Carmine’s and overnight it became the celeb destination, serving hundreds of patrons a night in its tuxedo-clad, red-boothed dining room. It never lost its original charm, still having poker nights on Wednesday nights with Sammy Davis Jr. and company until Carmine Sr’s passing in 1981. 

It was then that his wife, Gloria, and their 16-year-old son Carmine Jr., took over. They continued the legacy for another decade before closing for a short time. Gloria was considering selling the building when Carmine Jr. met Kim Pappeterra while managing another restaurant.  She had been entrenched in the Hollywood scene and knew that all Carmine’s needed was a fresh look but the same amazing recipes. She and Carmine Jr. became instant friends and business partners, restoring and revamping the restaurant to become the best-kept secret in LA. Today, Carmine's remains a beloved institution, consistently packed with patrons eager to experience its warm hospitality and delicious, authentic cuisine. The restaurant's enduring popularity is a testament to the vision and passion of Carmine Sr., whose legacy lives on in every plate served.