Best Spicy Rigatoni Vodka in New York: Carbone | NYC

Carbone NYC is classic, old-school Italian – you can’t leave here without trying the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka.

Yes, it’s true, scoring a reservation at Carbone is nearly impossible, but book ahead of time or settle to dine here at an off-peak hour.

The experience and food are well worth it.

I headed to Carbone with two close friends who were just as curious to try this classic, old school red sauce joint famous for their Spicy Rigatoni Vodka pasta. You simply can’t leave Carbone without trying it, it’s the best dish on the menu, possibly even the best dish of your life.

One of the best Italian restaurants I’ve ever been to. Book ahead and come in hangry!

Wine

Complimentary Starters
Tomato Focaccia Bread & Garlic Bread (top-left): The tomato focaccia bread was soft and delicious. The garlic bread was super buttery, seriously can’t go wrong with that.
Pickeled Cauliflower (top-right): Tangy, just okay for me.
Spicy Salami (bottom): Good.

Antipasti
Zucchini Flowers: Absolutely incredible crab fitters sitting over a bed of creamy horseradish sauce which had a zing. Off to the side were beautiful zucchini ribbons. A favorite!

Macaroni
Spicy Rigatoni Vodka: We ordered 3 “half orders” of the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka because we each wanted one. The Spicy Rigatoni was outstanding and definitely had a slight kick. Prepared in a creamy vodka sauce, this may possibly be the best pasta dish of your life. A favorite!

Meatballs: The meatballs are not on the menu, however your waiter will mention them to you. One order consists of three meatballs made with pork, beef and veal. Just keep in mind, the meatballs are seriously huge. I was able to detect some star anise in there. Although I really enjoyed the meatballs, I didn’t find them to be as tender as I would have liked, perhaps I was expecting too much.

Complimentary Dessert
Italian Rainbow Cookie Cake: Delicious rainbow cookie. So moist! A favorite. 

Coffee & Dessert
Coffee: Bold. Hot. Excellent.
Carrot Cake: Absolute perfection! Delicious and moist carrot cake with a side of ginger ice-cream which was not at all overwhelming. Possibly the best carrot cake I’ve had. A favorite!

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Carbone
COST: $$$-$$$$
CUISINE: Italian
FAVORITES: Tomato Focaccia Bread | Zucchini Flowers | Spicy Rigatoni Vodka | Italian Rainbow Cookie Cake | Coffee | Carrot Cake
VERDICT: 4.75 / 5
Carbone NYC is an incredible Italian restaurant located in the Greenwich Village. Although getting a reservation here is tough, you should plan ahead months in advance. If all else fails, I recommend dining here at an odd hour. Once you settle in, grab a glass of wine and enjoy the complimentary appetizers, the focaccia bread is my favorite. And then of course, make sure you order a Spicy Rigatoni Vodka and Carrot Cake if nothing else. The service here is impeccable, the servers are dressed in suits so definitely appear dressy. Overall, phenomenal food, will definitely be back.
Food: Outstanding | Drinks: Excellent | Décor: Classy/Lively | Service: Excellent/Professional | Value: Pricy

LOCATION
181 Thompson Street, New York, NY
(greenwich village)

Have you been to Carbone? If so, what was your experience like? Where did you have the best pasta?

Carbone, NYC