I don't know why I tried the place again... I felt like Italian food and so I ordered something I thought would be hard to screw up... it said it came with marinara but now that I look at the menu after getting it I had a choice of marinara or Alfredo and they chose Alfredo for me... so that's on me... I did get about three dollars worth of seafood for the $21, so I won't have to go to a fast food place on the way to work... they came out to my car to do the transaction because of Covid and then never brought my food out until I called again... I will not make the mistake of going there again... if you're going to charge $21 for a dish put some seafood in it... and the medium 25 to 29 shrimp for $10.99 bag isn't exactly the shrimp I'm looking for at a restaurant... I did get eight super small mussels... I wonder why it took them 15 minutes to make this disappointment in the kitchen? The French bread that came with it wasn't bad but it would've been nice if they had given me some butter... read more

I ate here yesterday for the first time. They had some Italian music playing and the atmosphere was nice. The service here was good. They have fresh baked bread and olive oil with garlic brought to your table to start and they continue to bring it out as you need it. Very cool. I had their fettuccine with seafood. It included calamari rings, muscles and shrimp. Very Tasty. Getting a four star because prices are high. read more

I've eaten here three times in the past two months due to business trips. I like this place's ambiance as it's a sports bar combined with an Italian Restaurant, and they co-exist very well. The noise and crowd at the bar does not affect the dining experience in the restaurant area. This is not an authentic Italian restaurant, but if this was the only reason to eat at an Italian restaurant than even Olive Garden wouldn't be in business. Still, this doesn't mean it's a bad dining experience at all. We've always been seated promptly, service has always been solid, and the food is tasty and of generous portions. How can you not like it? I can't comment on their alcohol selection as I didn't order any alcoholic beverages. Yet, they must be doing something right as they've been busy with customers every time I've had dinner there. I recommend this place. Prices are fair, and it's easy to find as well. read more

Ordered Chicken Bowie Festival and had it sent back. Got a menu again and decided to try the pizza because apparently this Italian themed restaurant could not prepare a decent cheese sauce to go with a dish. Pizza arrived and it was totally burnt, so at this point I started to feel bad...Maybe I was being extremely picky, right? Well, no. According to the collective business idea that the customer is never wrong, my point is very valid. And if that isn't enough to convince you then I suggest you take a moment to read the rest of the reviews below mine. However, I did also order a panini and bone-in buffalo wings and was not disappointed. Maybe the gold isn't in the dishes but perhaps it is in the appetizers, seeing as this restaurant doubles as a sports bar. In conclusion, this place is perfect if you fancy a burnt pizza or watered down pasta. Will completely ruin your appetite. When you leave you will regret even going here in the first place. Find another place, quick! Denny's might be able to compare. (Cross the street go south) read more

Stopped in at 7:50 pm; hours on the website & door state you close at 10:00 pm, bar at midnight. We were told "we are closing right now because of the Super Bowl." Mind you, the Super Bowl game has been over for awhile , no sign on the door stating they are closing early, nothing on the website or facebook page. There are still people eating in the restaurant and people drinking in the bar. If there was another location closer than Los Angeles, we'd never return. Now, we're headed down the street to the rival chain Italian restaurant: O.G. read more

Here is an update to "Johnny" I am assuming he is the owner for his reply. This used to be one of my favorite spots when I was in the Valley for over 6 years, used to come here every other day, minimum 2-3 times a week for food and events and seminars. Just so dissapointing. Johnny I understand maybe the pandemic ridiclousness ruined it for you and put you in the hole, but if you don't vote and keep voting Democratic this is what happens, your place has become dirty and gross. What Server brings the wrong food or incorrectly cooked and Frozen Tiramisu and then when asked to fix it says, and I quote "Well you have to let me take it from the desk and check to give you a refund!" Trust me nobody wanted to finish a Frozen Tiramisu, her excuse "Sorry we ran out and we had to take it out of the freezer!" Side note it was meant to be shared amongst 4-10 people because not all of us wanted a piece so we took a bite and half was gone and we all said. What the heck? Frozen? Serving 20-22 people max in the whole place took 25 minutes to get water or a refill, 25+ min no checking up on how the table was doing. You need to close the place down for a week, paint the disgusting bathrooms and walls, clean up the floors and change the tables. A handyman could do it if you can't afford it thanks to the Government lies and then take 50% Percent of your items off your menu, work on the ones that sell and make them the best. Also tell your Bartenders to not charge full price on a drink when you have a deal! No reason double charge when you have a 2 for 1 or overcharging for a 22oz when 2 specials in a Bottle (12oz=24oz) are cheaper. Its principle and taking care of your clientele who still chooses your place to come in and spend their hard earned money. Just so disappointed. Sad what happened to this place. read more

Meh. I've experienced better. people are always talking about this place but its too much $$$ for this economy! i had better! read more

Arrived with toddler. Asked for booster end up getting one myself when server failed to return timely. Ask about $5 calamari promo. Manager refused to honor deal even after showing corporate website page doesn't have restrictions details. He claimed he was a regional manager and that's the policy is one need to order and dine in bar. Asked for a business card and he was general manager Louie Valenzuela. Half way through the meal, I noticed a fly was landing on finished dishes repeatedly. Really unsanitary. read more

I've benn going to Johnnys Carinos since they opened. I have never been let down. I always get the Chicken Milano. Although I have noticed that the chicken on the chicken milanos have gotten smaller as well as the portion. But, i dont really mind it. Staff has always been nice. read more

Probably the worst visit to a restaurant in the imperial valley. Their water tasted pretty bad, maybe a change of water filters is needed. Their watery spaghetti and their fancy "margarita" were trash. FYI please don't make jokes regarding politics, no one is there to discuss the matters on the wall. Overall a negative one out of ten. Also, in order to get happy hour pricing, make sure you sit in the bar area. P.S. their Mozzarella sticks were bomb! read more

This review is solely based on placing a to-go order over the phone. I will preface this review by stating that knowledgeable and friendly customer service is more important to me than the taste of the food. If you have good service, but your food is mediocre, I will bump up the stars. Like dating a guy whose personality makes up for his looks. On with the review... Being in El Centro on business for just one night, alone, I decided to stick to a restaurant close by my hotel and get take out. The menu online looked decent so I decided to order the Crispy Pepperoni Burger (listed as coming with parmesan fries) and tiramisu for dessert. When I called to place the order, I was placed on hold for close to 10 minutes. Then, the girl that finally answered was not equipped to take an order. I indicated the burger I wanted and the tiramisu. I heard mumblings in the background and then the girl said into the phone "the [burger]?" "Yes, and the tiramisu" More mumbling in the background. "How do you want that cooked?" "Medium is fine." Medium? Yes, medium. More mumbling. Do you want fries or chips? "The menu says it comes with parmesan fries, can I get those?" You want parmesan fries? Yes. More mumbling. Then I was put on hold again for a minute or so. When she comes back she says, "So you want the [burger] cooked medium with parmesan fries?" Yes, AND TIRAMISU!! "You want tiramisu?" YES! More mumbling. "Do you want the big one or the mini one?" I ask, is the "big one" meant for one person or more? "It's just a bigger size." The "big one" is fine. She then repeated everything again and I confirmed that's what I wanted. I had to give her my phone number twice. Then she told me it would be 20 minutes. I said Ok. Then she hung up on me without so much as a thank you or a good bye. In fact, I heard a dial tone before I could say "thank you" and "goodbye" to her. I understand that she was probably in training and was being prompted to ask certain questions, but the fact that I had to repeat everything, sometimes even more than twice, and then was hung up on was really obnoxious and rude. If your employees are not familiar with the menu enough to handle a simple two item phone order, straight off the menu with no substitutions or special requests, then you need to put them in a back room and have them play act order taking until they get it right. I am only giving this experience two stars because I will assume that I was this person's first order, ever, and that she will get better with practice. If the food is good, I'll visit again on my next trip out here and see if I'm right. read more

I had the chicken marsala and it wasn't good. It was sweet and that's not how it's supposed to be. It's supposed to be a red wine type sauce. This was a nasty ass creamish sauce. Our waitress was slow. It wasn't that busy either. read more

The Spicy Romano is worth trying. Everything else I've had is pretty average.

How is it that the last couple (about 6 times) of times I've come here the waitresses say "The bread is in the oven." Isn't it suppose to be complimentary for you to eat while you wait for your food? . What kind of customer service is this? How is it that the competitor neighbors never run out of bread? And then you wonder why there is no business? read more

It's a little pricy but overall it's a nice place to eat. The ambiance is great and the staff was courteous. Good place to take a date or celebrate a birthday. read more

Pleasant service. Great rustic atmosphere. Definitely the best in the valley for Italian. Limited wine selection.

We went on a Monday night as the family platters are 50% off. We each ordered a family platter and shared them. The portions were very large and tasted good. We got the lemon rosemary chicken, 16 layer lasagna, and spicy romano chicken. My favorite, hands down, was the spicy romano. I would totally go back just for that. We all ordered drinks and they were pretty strong. The server failed to ask my friend if she wanted her drink blended or on the rocks so she was stuck with whatever the server decided to order. We did get mixed information from different servers. One said they had a drink available while the other one said that they didn't. That's never good. We had to ask for a refill on the bread even though the server came back to the table a few times with the basket empty. So an okay on the food and the service. read more

Perhaps the third circle of hell in Italian dining. I can't say I put the kitchen through its paces, as one glance at the faux-Olive Garden menu and I adopted a defensive ordering posture. Had a cobb salad with extra bacon. My colleagues dishes looked, well, yucky. But I didn't try them, so they might have been transporting for all I know. Beer was icy cold and service good. read more

Had dinner here. The food is ok. It's like any other Johnny Csrino's. I thought the service was a little slow though.

The restaurant is cozy and nice looking. However, their food taste like they pulled it out of the freezer and heated it up. Terrible tasting and bland. It is a bad attempt at an olive garden (which is also lacking). I do not recommend this place! read more

First time here. I thought the food was excellent. I loved the crunchy garlic in the dipping oil (for the bread). I had the spicy chicken pasta and was surprised at how good the sauce was. Service was spotty but cheerful. I would eat here again. read more

At least they had water... I mean flavorless fettuccine with an atrocious Alfredo sauce. Chewy shrimp and an over dressed salad.

Overpriced, food was lukewarm and when asked to reheat, there was no real change in temperature. Service was not impressive.

So sad! This was a fabulous place to meet for Happy Hour and wonderful appetizers and a bit of relaxation. They tore down walls (noise barriers), added about four televisions, revised (read raise prices) the menu and the only way to communicate across the table was to absolutely yell. We ordered Italian Nachos for one last time: we will never be back. I am in mourning for the original ambiance. read more

Decided to stop in tonight for dinner and try this place out. Hostess was very nice and seated me immediately. Sat at my table for over 10 minutes waiting for a server. Got tired of waiting and walked out. Very disappointed. Won't be back. I'll give my business to Olive Garden read more

Simply terrible food. Poorly reheated, poorly cooked. Just overall a terrible place to spend your money. The food is often reheated poorly; and taste like they've been microwaved. The staff members often seem confused of anything anybody asks. I would not recommend this to anyone read more

Haven't been to Johnny Carinos in a few years, decided to go have dinner there last night....wasn't the best. It was hot in there the A/C apparently doesn't work and they use port a coolers, the place could use some TLC, no hostess greeted us because they're short staffed, then they seated 4 of us at at tiny booth which was super uncomfortable, the food was okay, I'll stick with Olive Garden next time. read more

The remodel of the bar area to more of an upbeat sports bar setting and the opening up of the dining area was a good idea. I like the new atmosphere which frankly they had to change with Olive Garden coming which will be sure to take most of the family dinner trade. I will definetely hang out hete. read more

Best spot to have drinks and chill out in the bar area. Cool music and good drinks. ..Marco is the best bartender in the valley. Ask for the Mexican candy shots. read more

Nice atmosphere and great music playing in the background. Came here for lunch and was not disappointed. Had their famous 16 layer lasagne - heavenly! Fresh bread served warm which I really like. Ask for your dressing on the side on salads. Our waitress Maria was friendly and attentive. read more

Food was delicious! Went with my family this past weekend and loved our experience! My server, Karen convinced me to try the Spicy Shrimp and Chicken and it didn't disappoint. If you have never had this dish, you are missing out! I loved it. My wife had the Chicken Bowtie pasta, and she enjoyed it as well. We ordered some nachos to start off, which I also highly recommend. As for dessert, I didn't get a chance to try anything... got full off the bread. They have a wide selection of beer on draft. I tried an IPA, also recommended by my server.Karen was very attentive and friendly, GREAT service. I will definitely come back! especially for my guilty pleasure.... THE BREAD !! read more

I love carinos... just its always pricey. Besides the fact that they're Margaritas are huge and they're food is excellent... just too pricey. read more

Having spent a significant amount of time in El Centro on business, I can speak to the hospitality at Johnny's. During my time in town I was welcomed and treated like a valued guest. Within only a few visits I was greeted by name and treated like a good friend at this restaurant. Specifically, I would like to mention, Marco, a manager and good friend who extended his tremendous hospitality during my stay in El Centro. I highly recommend Marco and his staff to any visitor or local in, "The Valley". Thanks again for the good times. read more

Celebrated my husband's birthday last night at this establishment. Fabulous service! Waitress accommodated our preference in seating area. She was very attentive throughout our meal and surprised my husband with a piece of chocolate lava birthday cake (large scoop of ice cream on the side too...yummy!). Cake had two lit candies. Waitress asked us if we wanted her to take a couple of pics of my husband and I (creating memories for us). Overall, our meals were great (I had the lemon rosemary chicken with angel hair -so, so good!) and service was spectacular!! read more

I use to really like this place before they turned it into a sports bar. Instead of relaxing classical music they now have the loud stuff. Paper napkins instead of cloth, Pre poured garlic oil for bread dipping instead of waiter doing it at the table. menu in plastic, the angel hair and artichoke dish I usually order is still ok. Waiters are now not near as good - it's lost is charm and ambiance The biggest turn off is .,.. you get carded for pete sacks. I am WAYYYYY past legal age so pretty ridiculous and cheap. My neighbor said the same thing when i told her I had gone there for dinner. read more

Great food & the bar area is really cool. Daily Happy Hour Specials like 25 cent Wings on Weds. The Italian Nachos are really good, not what you normally would think when you order nachos. read more

This has been my favorite Italian restaurant since I had the Italian Pot Roast with the red Potatoes. My very favorite dish, ours closed in Kansas, so sad. I look for them where ever I travel. You should try it if you have a chance, the BEST!!! Fantastic Cesar dressing too! read more

Johnny Carino's isn't BAD but it's not usually going to be your first choice. When I think of Italian restaurants, I think of a relaxing, more laid back atmosphere, a friendly and attentive wait staff, and Americanized versions of Italian classics/Italian-inspired American dishes. This place did have 2/3, but the atmosphere wasn't one. I walked in and was greeted by very loud music and a very loud and rambunctious bar side of the house. While I was seated in the opposite side I could still feel the bass of the music in my seat. The walls were practically covered in decor, and mix of excessive decor with loud, bumping music was almost a bit of sensory overload. Maybe it was just the time I came in, but it didn't leave a very good impression. The food itself is pretty standard fare for any American Italian restaurant, and none of it stands out as stellar, just average or serviceable. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive, a definite plus to any restaurant, but it's something to be expected instead of commended. In short, it's an average experience in most every sense of the word. Nothing outstanding, good or bad. read more

I go here a lot, especially on Wednesdays for wine down Wednesday. Half off bottles of wine! And other great deals like $2 beers, 1/2 off pizzas, 45 cent wings on Wednesdays and 25 cents on Thursdays, just to name a few. These are all specials in the bar area, which looks great with the renovations! I always sit in he bar area for those reasons. I loved this place before the renovations but love it even more now! Sometimes the service in the bar area is slow but that's mostly when they are super packed, which is totally understandable to me. But they all pitch in the best they can to make sure you are being taken care of. I highly recommend the bar area here! One of the best places in the Valley for good food and drinks at good prices in a nice environment! read more

Love the food and bread! All staff is friendly and helpfull. I go there very often and never disappoints.