August 2019. two months after moving from Cara Mia Trattoria's 653 Ninth Ave., Manhattan venue, they occupied for 22 years, Billy, their Maitre'D, pleasantly invited me inside, before I walked passed their new 697 Ninth Ave, premises. Seated at one of their table's pristine white tablecloths with fine dinner-ware, their serene vivacious ambiance includes Italian art and yesteryear's pop culture's black and white photos of famous Italian stars, plus four consecutive-annual Best Restaurant Awards, adorning its walls.
Cara Mia's fine Italian wine, paired well with their succulent homemade Crocchette Di Granchio's warm crab cakes, corn and avocado appetizers and Pratoli Ripieni's stuffed mushrooms with pancetta, mozzarella and red peppers. This best kept NYC Italian dining secret, with fresh healthy $9.95 lunches and pre-fix meals starting at $19.95, includes appetizers, despite my misconception that their pricey dinners start at $30.
Inevitably, divine mysticism enabled Billy to invite me, an ideal diner who'd soon treat family, colleagues or whomever, like a VIP, affordably, like thousands of tourists and locals raving about Cara Mia's jewel venue, six blocks from NYs Port Authority and Times Sq, in Cllinton-Hill/Hell's Kitchen's Manhattan residential/cultural/ commercial zone.
Mr. Besin, Cara Mia's owner's success includes their Maria Pia's West 51st Street, Intermezzo's 623 Ninth Avenue and his downtown Limon Jungle, Gallo Nero and Taqueria restaurants.
By Irma Tyus-Mitchell

Their homemade pasta was very good. Nice location if you are seeing a Broadway show. Space in the restaurant was quite tight and it was loud but the food is quite good.

Cara Mia, in Hell’s Kitchen, prepares delicious homemade Italian dishes served in a friendly, comfortable setting. We visit New York City at least once every year and always make a point to dine at Cara Mia. Our waiter, Eddie, took wonderful care of us making sure we had everything we wanted. It was a little difficult to find the restaurant this year because they have recently moved and Trip Advisor still has their old address. The new address is 693 9th ave. It’s across the street and up a couple of blocks from their old location. A wonderful place for an authentic Italian meal!

What a find- stopped by for lunch — great food, good service and very reasonably priced! You won’t be disappointed!

Was looking for an italian restaurant in the area i was staying and came across Cara Mia small restaurant with good food and excellent service. I had the homemade tortellini and it was very good. My only concern was the dessert menu. Its one of those menus with the pictures of the dessert . Most of them do not look homemade. No cannoli on the menu. The service was very good.