“It’s delicious. It’s fun. But let’s not pretend it’s revolutionary. It’s Olive Garden… for people who arrive by yacht instead of Camry.”
H3
All 978 rated mentions, most helpful first
“It’s delicious. It’s fun. But let’s not pretend it’s revolutionary. It’s Olive Garden… for people who arrive by yacht instead of Camry.”
H3
“The appetizers and pasta were amazing. Great ingredients, well cooked, no complaints. The pork chops and veggies sides, however, were mediocre.”
H3
“they are famous for a reason and we thought their staple dishes were outstanding. Except the meatballs, they had a strong sausage flavour and the meat was more chunky and not as grounded up as we typically prefer.”
H3
“Went to Carbone and hated it. So pretentious, got a steak that was riddled with fat and they were so offended I asked for another steak that the chef came out to “talk” with me.”
H3
“It's not mind blowing but it's a surprisingly good imo. They essentially serve excellent examples of basic Italian favorites.”
H3
“Fatty meatball. Coarse grind. Yes - good things. But too salty. And trust me, I like salt. But kind of showed lack of care.”
H3
“Carbone during Covid was the worst. Lost their star shortly after if I remember. Ordered a bottle of wine and some appetizer. Out group of 3 drank almost the entire bottle before anyone took our main order - over 45 minutes after the wine showed up.”
H3
“The food really isn’t special - it’s well made Italian red sauce dishes. Carbone imo isn’t about the food as much as the prestige and reputation. I’d never go there to have an outstanding meal.”
H3
“I went there with a connected friend earlier this year and it was HORRIBLE. The menu, ambiance, service, etc was all the same but the food was garbage. Overcooked pasta and bland flavors (even the once "spicy" rigatoni).”
H3
“Carbones service is amazing when you’re eating there.”
H3
“TLDR: a table isn't worth it, but an event is.”
H3
“Carbone is overhyped but also a very cool atmosphere and solid food - only you and your husband can determine whether it fits in with your priorities for this visit to NYC but if you do go ahead with it and eat shellfish, I highly recommend getting the lobster fra diavolo.”
H3
“$95 for veal parm is crazy but can’t deny that it’s a huge portion and delicious. Pastas are also good and service is impeccable. Sorry haters it’s an actually good restaurant lol”
H3
“It’s a solid American-Italian restaurant.”
H3
“Plus gimmicky or not rigatoni alla vodka is popular for a reason it’s simple and delicious dish. Sure you can make it just as well at home but that doesn’t mean it’s not tasty there too.”
H3
“the food is good and the service is excellent”
H3
“Would not waste a penny there again. Unbelievably overpriced and a total scene( that’s all it is). Dinner for two was $900 and it tasted mostly like the same food I ate growing up on Long Island.”
H3
“Carbone blows, has fallen off hard, people lie to themselves about “liking the food” have been 5-6 times over the years , recently as well using the 600$ dining credit, ambiance and service was nice but outside of the baked clams and the spicy rigatoni most of the food was not tasty.”
H3
“The food was alright, nothing to write home about.”
H3
“Get the baked clams as an app, they were great. Fade the veal parm. It’s very good, but grossly overpriced. Carbone makes one of the best espresso martinis I’ve ever had.”
H3
“If you’re going there to eat, it is a good restaurant.”
H3
“Agreed the appetizers are amazing but the rigatoni tasted like a dish I could make using grocery store items and the veal parm was extraordinarily over salted. I’d go back though to try other things”
H3
“THE pasta everyone talks about was pretty bland, and had a sort of reheated texture to the sauce. The steak had about half the flavor I would expect at that price and the texture was pretty tough, despite being medium rare.”
H3
“Probably the most overrated restaurant in all on NYC.”
H2
“The vodka rigatoni is indeed fantastic, and the Caesar salad and carpaccio were both two of the best versions of those dishes I've had.”
H2
“Pristine food, service, and experience throughout, never rushed at all.”
H2
“The food is good. The service is good.”
H2
“Worth trying. Not the absolute best but still very good”
H2
“Overall good. Service was great.”
H2
“The food quality and level of service they run from it always amazed me.”
H2
“I took several years off and went back recently (twice, to be sure it wasn't just an off night) and it was TERRIBLE- like, catered food in a hot-tray terrible.”
H2
“It’s overpriced. You aren’t missing anything.”
H2
“Went last week and was kinda a dud. Food was fine but at a certain point I’d rather just go to Parm and get the spicy rigatoni for like 25% the price and 100% less the headache”
H2
“they are so mediocre and overpriced.”
H2
“Eggplant Parm from Carbone - a classic, though a little heavy on the tomato for me.”
H2
“yes it’s a worthwhile experience, at least once. Not the best food pound for pound, but the combination of atmosphere, decor, music, vibes, carbs, drinks and desserts - honestly, what’s not to like.”
H2
“I think the criticism with Carbone isn’t that it’s bad food. People criticize it for being overly hyped and overpriced for what it is”
H2
“Rezdora and Carbone are overrated.”
H2
“Carbone and Semma were average - the only really tasty thing we had at Carbone was the carpaccio. The pastas were fine but not mind blowing, and the tiramisu was objectively bad.”
H2
“I’ve been to Carbone 3 times, each time at different locations. I personally really do enjoy the food, but they have definitely capitalized on their popularity when it comes to prices and getting a reservation.”
H2
“I have been to both and the one at Carbone was way better imo”
H2
“Massively overrated.”
H2
“That being said, everything we ordered was excellent and the spicy rigatoni really is THAT good, in my humble opinion.”
H2
“many famous restaurants bordering exclusive clubs more than places to dine (Rao's, Four Charles, Carbone, etc.)”
H2
“That said some of these places are just overhyped - you can get the same meal at Parm as at Carbone (same owners) for half the price.”
H2
“Must admit, I’ve never been a fan. Food is mediocre and completely basic; space is cramped.”
H2
“the spicy vodka rigatoni from carbone is unexplainably excellent.”
H2
“Carbone bread was the best part of the meal”
H2
“Spicy Rigatoni at Carbone (although I only cook it myself now)”
H2
“Carbone also has the snootiest bouncer at the door, will totally look down on you if you don’t look like you belong there.”
H2