Carbone’s menu prices place it among the top Italian restaurants, where classic dishes come with a premium cost. If you’re planning a visit to this iconic New York spot, you need to know exactly what you’re paying for. The Carbone menu prices reflect the high-end ingredients, the red-sauce ambiance, and the celebrity clientele that make this place famous.
This guide breaks down every cost you can expect. From appetizers to desserts, we cover it all. You’ll also get tips on how to save a little cash if you want to experience the vibe without breaking the bank.
Let’s start with the basics. Carbone is not cheap. But for many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime meal. Knowing the prices upfront helps you plan your budget and order smart.
Appetizers And Antipasti Costs
You start your meal with something small. Carbone’s appetizers are generous portions, often meant for sharing. The prices here set the tone for the rest of the meal.
Classic Antipasti Options
The Caesar salad is a staple. It costs around $24. The carpaccio di manzo, thinly sliced beef, runs about $32. The prosciutto e melone, a simple ham and melon dish, is priced near $28.
- Caesar Salad: $24
- Carpaccio di Manzo: $32
- Prosciutto e Melone: $28
- Insalata di Cesare: $26
Hot Appetizers
The meatball, a single giant meatball in tomato sauce, is $28. The calamari fritti, fried squid, costs $26. The baked clams oreganata are $32 for a half dozen.
These dishes are rich and flavorful. They are meant to be shared between two people. If you are dining alone, one appetizer is plenty.
Carbone Menu Prices For Pasta
This is where Carbone shines. The pasta dishes are the heart of the menu. They are also the most expensive part of your meal. Expect to pay a premium for these handmade noodles.
Signature Pastas
The spicy rigatoni vodka is the most famous dish. It costs $34. The tortellini al ragu, a meat-filled pasta, is $38. The linguine vongole, with clams, runs $36.
- Spicy Rigatoni Vodka: $34
- Tortellini al Ragu: $38
- Linguine Vongole: $36
- Pappardelle Bolognese: $40
Pasta Portions And Sharing
Each pasta dish is sized for one person. But many diners share two pastas between three people. The portions are generous. You can also order a half portion of some pastas, but they are not listed on the menu. Ask your server.
The pasta prices are the same at lunch and dinner. There is no discount for the midday meal. This keeps the Carbone menu prices consistent throughout the day.
Main Courses And Secondi
After pasta, you move to the main course. These are large protein dishes. They are meant to be the centerpiece of your meal. The prices here are the highest on the menu.
Chicken And Veal
The chicken parmesan is a classic. It costs $48. The veal parmesan is $54. The chicken scarpariello, a spicy chicken dish, runs $46.
- Chicken Parmesan: $48
- Veal Parmesan: $54
- Chicken Scarpariello: $46
- Veal Milanese: $52
Seafood And Steaks
The branzino, a whole Mediterranean sea bass, is $58. The lobster fra diavolo, a spicy lobster pasta, is market price. Expect to pay around $75 to $90. The ribeye steak, for two, is $110.
These dishes are large. The steak for two is enough for three people if you also have appetizers and pasta. The seafood dishes are fresh and simply prepared.
Side Dishes And Contorni
Side dishes are not included with your main course. You order them separately. They cost between $14 and $22. They are meant to be shared.
Popular Sides
The creamed spinach is $16. The roasted potatoes are $18. The broccoli rabe, a bitter green, is $14. The truffle fries are $22.
- Creamed Spinach: $16
- Roasted Potatoes: $18
- Broccoli Rabe: $14
- Truffle Fries: $22
One side dish is enough for two people. If you have a larger group, order two or three sides. They are not huge portions, but they are flavorful.
Desserts And Dolci
Dessert at Carbone is a show. The waiters bring a cart with cakes, pies, and fruits. The prices are moderate compared to the rest of the meal.
Classic Desserts
The tiramisu is $18. The cheesecake is $20. The lemon sorbet, served in a frozen lemon shell, is $16. The chocolate cake is $22.
- Tiramisu: $18
- Cheesecake: $20
- Lemon Sorbet: $16
- Chocolate Cake: $22
Dessert Cart Experience
The dessert cart is a highlight. You can see all the options before you choose. The waiters will explain each one. It is a fun way to end the meal. The prices are the same whether you order from the cart or the menu.
Some desserts are large enough for two people. The cheesecake is very rich. Share it if you are not very hungry.
Drinks And Beverages
Drinks add a significant cost to your meal. Cocktails are expensive. Wine is also priced high. Plan for this when you budget.
Cocktails
The signature cocktail is the Spicy Vodka Martini. It costs $22. The Negroni is $20. The Old Fashioned is $24. The wine list starts at $15 per glass.
- Spicy Vodka Martini: $22
- Negroni: $20
- Old Fashioned: $24
- Glass of Wine: $15 – $30
Wine And Champagne
Bottles of wine start at $60. The average bottle is around $100. Champagne starts at $120 per bottle. The sommelier can help you choose a wine that fits your budget.
If you want to save money, stick to cocktails or beer. Beer is around $12 per bottle. It is a cheaper option than wine.
Lunch Vs Dinner Pricing
Carbone serves lunch and dinner. The menu is the same for both. The prices are also the same. There is no lunch special or discount.
However, lunch is often less crowded. You might get better service. The atmosphere is more relaxed. If you want to avoid the dinner rush, go for lunch.
The Carbone menu prices do not change based on the time of day. This is unusual for high-end restaurants. Most places offer a cheaper lunch menu. Carbone does not.
How To Save Money At Carbone
You can enjoy Carbone without spending a fortune. Here are some tips to keep your bill lower.
Share Dishes
Order appetizers and pastas to share. Two people can share one appetizer, one pasta, and one main course. This cuts your bill in half. The portions are large enough for this.
Skip The Extras
Do not order side dishes unless you really want them. The main courses come with some vegetables. The pasta dishes are filling on their own. Skip the truffle fries and save $22.
Drink Smart
Order beer instead of wine. Beer is $12. Wine is $15 per glass. Cocktails are $20 or more. Stick to one drink or share a bottle of wine with your table.
No Dessert
Dessert is nice but not necessary. You can skip it and save $20. If you want something sweet, order the lemon sorbet. It is the cheapest dessert at $16.
Carbone Menu Prices For Special Events
Carbone sometimes offers special menus for holidays. New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day have fixed-price menus. These cost more than the regular menu.
The fixed-price menu is usually around $150 to $200 per person. This includes appetizers, pasta, main course, and dessert. It does not include drinks or tip.
If you are going for a special occasion, call ahead. Ask about the fixed-price menu. It might be a better deal than ordering a la carte.
Comparing Carbone To Other Italian Restaurants
Carbone is expensive compared to most Italian restaurants. But it is not the most expensive in New York. Places like Marea and Le Bernardin cost more.
Here is a quick comparison of prices:
- Carbone: $34 for pasta, $48 for chicken parm
- Marea: $45 for pasta, $60 for fish
- Rosemary’s: $22 for pasta, $32 for chicken
- Lilia: $28 for pasta, $40 for main
Carbone is in the middle of the high-end Italian range. It is not cheap, but it is not the most expensive either. You get a lot of food for the price.
What People Say About The Prices
Reviews of Carbone often mention the prices. Some people say it is worth it. Others say it is too expensive. The general consensus is that the food is good, but the cost is high.
Many diners say the spicy rigatoni vodka is worth the $34. They say it is the best pasta they have ever had. Others say the chicken parmesan is overpriced at $48.
The service is also a factor. The waiters are attentive and professional. They make the experience feel special. This adds to the value for many people.
Carbone Menu Prices In Different Locations
Carbone has locations in New York, Las Vegas, Miami, and Hong Kong. The prices vary by location. The New York location is the most expensive.
In Las Vegas, the prices are slightly lower. The spicy rigatoni vodka is $32 instead of $34. The chicken parmesan is $45. The difference is small but noticeable.
In Miami, the prices are similar to New York. The Hong Kong location is the most expensive due to import costs. If you are on a budget, go to the Las Vegas location.
Tips For First-Time Visitors
If you have never been to Carbone, here is what you need to know.
Make A Reservation
Reservations are essential. They book up weeks in advance. Use Resy or OpenTable to book. Walk-ins are rare. You might wait hours.
Dress Code
Carbone has a dress code. No shorts, flip-flops, or athletic wear. Men should wear a collared shirt and pants. Women can wear dresses or nice pants.
Bring Cash For Tip
Tips are not included in the bill. You should tip 20% to 25%. Bring cash for the tip. It makes the process easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Average Cost Per Person At Carbone?
The average cost per person is around $100 to $150. This includes appetizer, pasta, main course, and one drink. If you order dessert and more drinks, it can be $200 or more.
Are Carbone Menu Prices The Same For Lunch And Dinner?
Yes, the prices are the same. There is no lunch discount. The menu is identical for both meals.
Can I Order Half Portions Of Pasta At Carbone?
Yes, you can ask your server. Half portions are not on the menu, but they are available. The price is about half of the full portion.
Is The Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Worth The Price?
Most people say yes. It is the signature dish. The sauce is creamy and spicy. The pasta is perfectly cooked. It is a must-try for first-time visitors.
Does Carbone Have A Fixed-price Menu?
Yes, for special events like New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day. The fixed-price menu is around $150 to $200 per person. It includes multiple courses.
Final Thoughts On Carbone Menu Prices
Carbone is a splurge. The prices are high, but the experience is memorable. You get classic Italian-American food in a glamorous setting. The service is top-notch.
If you plan ahead, you can manage the cost. Share dishes, skip extras, and drink smart. The Carbone menu prices are fixed, but your bill can vary based on your choices.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just want to try the famous spicy rigatoni, Carbone is worth a visit. Just be prepared to spend. The memories are worth the price for many diners.
Remember to book early. Bring your appetite. And enjoy the red-sauce elegance that only Carbone can offer.