Shop NYC Top

I see a lot of questions here about Carbone so I thought I’d give a review. I’m no food expert, I’m just a regular tourist.

My reservation was at 10. I arrived at 9:50 and was sat at 10:30 because they were running behind. I was a tiny bit annoyed but it wasn’t their fault a table before me was taking too long. Once i sat down, they promptly brought complimentary bread which was delicious. It was a few garlic cheese slices and then a regular slice, both of which were incredible.

The place is way louder than i expected. You’d have to talk pretty loud to hear the person across from you. The ambience is a little campy, looks like something you’d see in The Godfather, not your traditional upscale restaurant look.

The server also gave me two complimentary glasses of wine for the wait and she said she has a soft spot for solo diners, which I was.

I got the spicy rigatoni (obviously.) The food DID live up to the hype. portion was big, rich and the flavors were incredible. I also got the Nutella cake for dessert, just as good.

I paid $125 (including tip) altogether. That got me bread, pasta, two glasses of wine and an old fashioned. Granted the wine and bread were complimentary.

Overall, i’d say worth the hype once. I think it’s a “do once and then you’re good” experience. It’s gaudy and over-the-top. It’s like the Las Vegas of New York restaurants. I’m glad I went, I feel like a part of something. But I also feel i could’ve gone the rest of my life without going and would have been just fine.