ALL GOOD STEAKS COME IN THREES: Rare, Medium, Well

If you’re craving a chic and intimate spot to celebrate a milestone — whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a reason to treat yourself this holiday season—Carmelo’s is where you’ll want to be. 

A stylish spin-off of Melo’s Steakhouse, Carmelo’s brings that luxe steakhouse vibe with a modern twist. Walk in, and you’re immediately hit with a vibe that’s all about elegance, especially with gold chain link lighting fixtures adding a dash of glam.

Once you’re inside, head to the cozy nook by the entrance, complete with a small digital fireplace and plush seats — perfect for a chill pre-meal moment. Grab a coffee table book about Carmelo Santiago and dive into his story, then make your way to the intimate dining area, where you can enjoy top-tier steakhouse dishes in a private, family-style atmosphere.

Carmelo’s Steakhouse first opened in Greenbelt in 2014, blending a steakhouse and dessert shop into one place, run by the late Carmelo “Melo” Santiago and his daughter, Chef Cristina Santiago. Known for pioneering premium Wagyu steaks in the ‘80s, Melo’s legacy lives on through Cristina, who now elevates the dining experience with her California Culinary Academy training, taking fine dining to the next level.

As a first-timer at Carmelo’s, the experience was nothing short of impressive. This writer started with the Mushroom Vol Au Vent, a flaky, buttery pastry that melted in my mouth, filled with savory mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce. It was the perfect bite to set the tone for the meal. 

Next, I tried Carmelo’s Pate — smooth and delicately seasoned, served with crispy bread that balanced the richness of the pate. Both starters were a fantastic preview of what was to come.

For the main course, I dubbed it the holy trinity. I started with the Roast Beef, which was so tender it practically melted in my mouth, seasoned to perfection. 

The Roast Turkey was another highlight — juicy, tender and roasted just right. Lastly, the Paella Valenciana, each grain of rice was cooked perfectly, bursting with vibrant, well-balanced seafood flavors that made every bite a delight.

To wrap up this indulgent meal, I sipped on their seasonal Nutcracker drink. Warm, festive and full of holiday spice, it felt like a cozy hug in a cup — definitely the perfect drink to complement the delicious spread while soaking in the inviting atmosphere.