Iconic Italian-American spot; cinematic dining rm & theatrical service. Tough res., but classic dishes like spicy rigatoni & veal parm make it a splurge-worthy splurge.
Carbone is a highly sought-after Greenwich Village Italian restaurant, known for its cinematic dining room and popular dishes like spicy rigatoni vodka and veal parm.
Carbone offers a glamorous, retro-inspired Italian-American dining experience in Greenwich Village. Known for its "red sauce theater" and meticulously prepared classic dishes, securing a reservation is notoriously difficult but often considered a worthwhile splurge.
Carbone is celebrated for its upscale take on Italian-American classics, with the spicy rigatoni vodka and veal parmesan frequently cited as must-try dishes. However, some diners find the food to be only 'fine' or even disappointing, with mentions of overpriced items and a lack of unique flavors.
"The spicy rigatoni vodka and veal parm are frequently highlighted as standout dishes. The Caesar salad and the lemon cheesecake have also received positive mentions."
Customer opinions on Carbone are sharply divided, with many praising its classic Italian-American dishes and vibrant atmosphere, while others find it overrated, overpriced, and overly hyped, particularly in comparison to other Italian restaurants.
Important Note
Securing a reservation at Carbone is notoriously difficult, often requiring advance planning and quick reflexes. Some diners also find the pricing to be on the higher side.
"This user elaborated on their previous comment about Carbone, mentioning that a lunch of wine, Caesar salad, and spicy rigatoni can be enjoyable despite the price, even if other menu items are not as good."
Neutral"Replying to a comment about Carbone, this user stated that the Caesar salad is the last good thing on the menu."
Negative"This user suggested Carbone for their Caesar salad, noting that it's possible to get a lunch reservation. They also mentioned that people in the subreddit often dislike Carbone."
Positive"Carbone is recommended for Italian American cooking and its 'operatic atmosphere'."
Positive"The author enjoys the complimentary bread, salami, and Parmesan cheese served at Carbone."
Positive"The Angel Hair AOP at Carbone was highlighted as underrated and delicious, despite its simple ingredients."
Positive"During a visit to Carbone last August, the diner found the seating to be very close, to the point where they were concerned about the waiter needing to move the table for them to get up."
Negative"The user noted that Carbone is generally easy to get into for lunch or late reservations, further highlighting the questionable value of the Dorsia service."
Negative"The user claimed to have easily secured a free reservation at Carbone and questioned the rationale behind paying for a service like Dorsia."
Neutral"The user stated that Carbone is readily available on reservation platforms like Resy without needing costly memberships, questioning the value of services like Dorsia."
Neutral"This user identified the chocolates by the entrance of Carbone as Baci Perugina, an Italian brand."
Positive"This user highly recommends Carbone, specifically mentioning the spicy rigatoni vodka and Caesar salad as classics that are hard to beat. They also noted that the chocolate by the entrance is very good."
Positive"Carbone is personally loved for special occasions, and reservations can be made by setting a timer for when the booking window opens."
Positive"Clarifying the previous suggestion, the user mentions that Carbone could be affordable if one only orders a single pasta dish."
Neutral"The user questions if Carbone fits the original poster's criteria of entrees under $40 and not being 'foo foo', due to its reputation and price point."
Neutral"Carbone is recommended for red sauce Italian food and is open until 11:30 pm."
Neutral"States that Carbone 'isn even good food'. This opinion is offered in a general critique of the user's planned itinerary."
Negative"Despite initial skepticism due to mixed reviews, the author loved Carbone, particularly praising the calamari and cherry pepper ribs, though finding the spicy vodka rigatoni overrated."
Negative"This user recommended Norma, Zero Otto Nova, and Lil Frankie's as better Italian options than Carbone."
Positive"This user asked for recommendations of better Italian places than Carbone."
Neutral
