Carbone: glitzy Italian-American. Upscale, retro vibe. Spicy rigatoni, Caesar salad, veal parm are must-tries. Tough res, but worth it for many.
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.
Discover Carbone, a glitzy Italian restaurant that's a nostalgic ode to red sauce relics. With its moody ambiance, tableside preparations, and upscale Italian-American classics, it's a pricey but satisfying experience.
Carbone is a highly acclaimed Italian-American restaurant in NYC, celebrated for its upscale dining experience, retro ambiance, and classic dishes. Patrons often rave about its signature spicy rigatoni vodka, Caesar salad, and complimentary starters. While reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, many find the glamorous, theatrical atmosphere and meticulously prepared food to be a worthwhile splurge, making it a coveted NYC dining destination.
Carbone is celebrated for its Italian-American cuisine, with the spicy rigatoni vodka, Caesar salad, and veal parm frequently highlighted as standout dishes [1, 2, 3]. Some patrons also recommend the eggplant appetizer and lobster ravioli. However, a few diners found certain dishes like the meatballs or pork chops to be disappointing, and the Caesar salad has received mixed reviews with some finding it a letdown [4, 5]. The complimentary garlic bread, salami, and mozzarella are often praised [6, 7].
"Highly recommended dishes include the spicy rigatoni vodka, Caesar salad, veal parm, and the eggplant appetizer. The complimentary garlic bread, salami, and mozzarella are also frequently praised."
Customer sentiment is largely positive, with many praising the excellent food, particularly the spicy rigatoni and Caesar salad, as well as the upscale, retro ambiance and theatrical service. However, a notable portion of diners find the restaurant overpriced, overhyped, and difficult to get a reservation at.
Important Note
Securing a reservation at Carbone is notoriously difficult, with tables often booked far in advance and requiring quick reflexes or personal connections to obtain [1, 2]. Some diners have also noted that the seating can be uncomfortably close.
"The baked clams are recommended as a great appetizer, but the veal parm is considered very good yet overpriced. The espresso martini is highlighted as one of the best the commenter has ever had."
Neutral"The lobster ravioli was the favorite dish and deemed worth the cost, while the meatballs are advised to be skipped."
Neutral"A general piece of advice suggesting the user should order whatever looks good to them."
Neutral"The eggplant appetizer is recommended, and while the rigatoni is a must-try for first-timers, the commenter found it underwhelming."
Neutral"The commenter agrees that Carbone is good, distinguishing it from Torrisi. They also mention that the restaurant group has had misses with other establishments, citing poor service and cocktail knowledge at a Boston location."
Neutral"A lighthearted comment suggesting the user might need a place to rest after eating."
Neutral"The spicy rigatoni is what Carbone is known for, but the commenter believes the veal parm stands out more."
Positive"The commenter recommends the eggplant and zucchini scapece, tortellini, spicy rigatoni, and veal parm."
Positive"The commenter and their husband shared a caesar salad, spicy rigatoni, and an entree, finding the veal parm and pork entrees to be worthwhile."
Positive"The commenter expresses a liking for the carpaccio."
Positive"The commenter jokingly advises to order dishes with an 'A' health rating and avoid those with a 'B' rating."
Neutral"A very brief mention of the restaurant name."
Neutral"This commenter argues that Carbone is indeed overpriced, even when compared to other expensive establishments like Il Mulino or Roscioli in the same neighborhood."
Negative"The carrot cake is suggested as something not to overlook. They also mention that everything is shareable, so it's best to under-order, and emphasize indulging in the complimentary garlic bread."
Positive"The commenter found the Caesar salad to be a significant letdown during their visit."
Negative"The lemon cheesecake is highly recommended and described as being very good."
Positive"A reference to the show The Sopranos, referencing a character named Frankie Carbone."
Neutral"The commenter recommends trying the tableside Caesar, Carpaccio Piemontese, and Spicy Rigatoni for sharing. They note that additional items are served, so ordering these three will still leave room for dessert."
Positive"The commenter states they've only dined at Carbone due to clients and finds the food to be mediocre given the high prices."
Negative"The commenter states there isn't one outstanding dish, but the bread and salumi appetizer are good. They recommend the baked clams and either the rigatoni or tortellini."
Positive
