Carmine's Restaurant, Albany

Chef and Restaurateur Carmine Spiro has proven his prowess in the industry, with previous eateries that include an Italian restaurant and a Brazilian churrascaria. Though his menus change and shed pages seasonally, his commitment to fresh food and a communal experience remains constant. At Carmine's Restaurant, his staff decorates risottos and fresh pastas with proteins such as gulf shrimp, pork loin, and veal. These dishes are given an extra bit of European oomph with finishing touches of limoncello, smoked mozzarella, and marsala wine. Diners savor each bite within the dining room's bright-red walls and colorful, tiled backsplashes or beneath a green umbrella on the outdoor patio.