Carbone menu with prices transports diners to classic Italian-American fine dining in New York. This guide breaks down every dish, drink, and cost so you can plan your visit without surprises.
Carbone is not just a resturant—it’s an experience. The red leather booths, the Sinatra playing softly, the tableside service. But before you book, you need to know what you’re paying for. Let’s get into the numbers.
Carbone Menu With Prices
The Carbone menu is split into antipasti, pasta, secondi, contorni, and dolci. Prices reflect the high-end ingredients and the theatrical service. Below is the full breakdown as of late 2024.
Antipasti (Starters)
Starters at Carbone set the tone. They are generous, rich, and meant to share.
- Caesar Salad – $24
- Prosciutto e Melone – $32
- Grilled Octopus – $38
- Burrata with Roasted Peppers – $29
- Carpaccio di Manzo – $36
- Spicy Tuna Tartare – $42
Most tables order two antipasti for a party of four. The burrata is a crowd favorite, but the octopus is the showstopper.
Pasta (First Courses)
Pasta is the heart of Carbone. Portions are smaller than American standards, but the flavors are huge. You can order a half or full portion for most dishes.
- Spicy Rigatoni Vodka – $32 (half) / $58 (full)
- Lobster Ravioli – $48 (half) / $82 (full)
- Veal Tortellini in Brodo – $38 (half) / $66 (full)
- Pappardelle Bolognese – $36 (half) / $62 (full)
- Linguine alle Vongole – $42 (half) / $72 (full)
- Cheese Tortellini with Peas – $34 (half) / $58 (full)
The spicy rigatoni vodka is legendary. It’s the dish everyone talks about. Order a full portion if you want leftovers—it reheats suprisingly well.
Secondi (Main Courses)
Main courses are large, protein-heavy, and meant to be the centerpiece. Most come with a simple side, but you can add more.
- Chicken Parmigiana – $48
- Veal Milanese – $56
- Grilled Branzino – $52
- Steak Diane (for two) – $98
- Lamb Chops Scottadita – $64
- Osso Buco – $72
The chicken parm is a classic. It’s crispy, saucy, and feeds two easily. The steak Diane is prepared tableside—worth the show.
Contorni (Sides)
Sides are simple but essential. They range from $12 to $18.
- Sautéed Spinach – $14
- Roasted Potatoes – $16
- Broccoli Rabe – $15
- Mushrooms Marsala – $18
- Truffle Fries – $18
Order one side per two people. The truffle fries are addictive, but the mushrooms Marsala pair best with steak.
Dolci (Desserts)
Desserts are old-school and indulgent. They are served with a flourish.
- Tiramisu – $18
- Cheesecake – $20
- Chocolate Mousse – $22
- Lemon Sorbet – $12
- Affogato – $16
- Zabaglione (for two) – $28
The tiramisu is light and coffee-forward. The cheesecake is dense, almost like a custard. Share one between two people—they are rich.
Beverages
Drinks add up quickly. Cocktails are $22–$28, wine by the glass is $18–$45, and bottles start at $65.
- Classic Negroni – $24
- Old Fashioned – $26
- Martini (vodka or gin) – $24
- Italian Wine by the Glass – $18–$45
- Bottled Water (San Pellegrino) – $12
- Espresso – $6
A cocktail before dinner, a glass of wine with pasta, and an espresso after—expect to spend $50–$80 per person on drinks alone.
How To Save Money At Carbone
Carbone is expensive, but you can manage the bill without feeling cheap. Here are five practical tips.
- Go for lunch. Lunch prices are slightly lower, and the portions are the same. Lunch menus often include a three-course prix fixe for $65 per person.
- Skip the cocktails. Stick to wine by the glass or beer. Cocktails are delicious but add $25+ per drink.
- Share everything. Order two antipasti, two pastas, and one main for four people. You’ll leave full and save $30–$50 per person.
- Avoid specials. Daily specials like whole fish or truffle pasta can be $80–$120. Stick to the regular menu.
- No dessert. The tiramisu is great, but you can grab a cannoli from a bakery on the way home for $4.
Carbone Menu With Prices For Special Occasions
If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or promotion, Carbone goes all out. They often comp a dessert or a glass of champagne. But you still need to budget.
Birthday Dinner Cost
For a party of four celebrating a birthday, expect:
- Two antipasti – $60
- Three pastas (full portions) – $174
- One main course – $52
- Two sides – $30
- Four cocktails – $96
- One bottle of wine – $80
- Dessert (comped or not) – $20
Total: around $512 before tax and tip. That’s about $128 per person. Add 20% tip and 8.875% NYC tax, and you’re looking at $170 per person.
Date Night Cost
A two-person date night is more intimate and cheaper. Here’s a sample:
- One antipasto – $32
- Two half-portions of pasta – $64
- One main course – $56
- One side – $14
- Two cocktails – $48
- One dessert – $18
Total: $232 before tax and tip. Per person, that’s $116. With tax and tip, around $155 per person.
Carbone Menu With Prices For Large Groups
Carbone offers a family-style menu for groups of six or more. It’s called the “Grande Menu” and costs $125 per person. This includes:
- Three antipasti
- Two pastas
- Two main courses
- Two sides
- One dessert
- One bottle of wine per four people
This is actually a good deal. If you ordered all that individually, it would be closer to $180 per person. The Grande Menu also includes a gratuity of 20%, so you don’t have to do math at the end.
Carbone Menu With Prices For Takeout
Carbone offers takeout through their website and third-party apps. Prices are the same as dine-in, but portions may be slightly smaller. Here are the most popular takeout items:
- Spicy Rigatoni Vodka (full) – $58
- Chicken Parmigiana – $48
- Caesar Salad – $24
- Tiramisu – $18
Takeout is a good option if you want the food without the atmosphere. You save on drinks and tip (though you should still tip 15–20% for takeout).
Carbone Menu With Prices Vs Other Italian Restaurants
How does Carbone compare to other high-end Italian spots in NYC? Here’s a quick comparison.
| Restaurant | Average Pasta Price | Average Main Price | Per Person Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbone | $32–$48 | $48–$72 | $150–$200 |
| Casa Lever | $28–$42 | $44–$68 | $130–$180 |
| Marea | $36–$52 | $52–$80 | $170–$220 |
| Rosemary’s | $22–$34 | $34–$52 | $90–$130 |
Carbone sits in the middle. It’s not the most expensive, but it’s not a bargain either. The value comes from the experience—the service, the ambiance, the tableside prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Price Range For Carbone Menu Items?
Antipasti range from $24 to $42. Pastas are $32 to $48 for half portions, $58 to $82 for full. Mains are $48 to $72. Sides are $12 to $18. Desserts are $12 to $28.
Is Carbone Expensive For A Date?
Yes, but manageable. Expect to spend $150–$200 per person including drinks, tax, and tip. Skip cocktails and share dishes to keep it under $130 per person.
Does Carbone Have A Prix Fixe Menu?
Yes, for lunch. The three-course prix fixe is $65 per person and includes an antipasto, pasta, and dessert. It’s the best value at Carbone.
Can I See The Carbone Menu With Prices Online?
Yes, the official Carbone website lists the menu with current prices. Third-party sites like MenuPages also have accurate listings, but always check the restaurant’s site for updates.
What Is The Cheapest Item On The Carbone Menu?
The lemon sorbet at $12 is the cheapest item. Among savory dishes, the sautéed spinach at $14 is the lowest-priced option.
Final Tips For Dining At Carbone
You now have the full picture of the Carbone menu with prices. Here are a few last pointers to make your meal smooth.
- Reservations open 30 days in advance. Book at 10 AM EST on the dot—they sell out in minutes.
- Dress code is smart casual. No shorts, no sneakers. Jackets are not required but look nice.
- Ask for the “Spicy Rigatoni” even if it’s not on the menu. It’s always available.
- If you’re celiac or have allergies, tell the server. They have gluten-free pasta and can modify most dishes.
- Take leftovers. Portions are generous, and the food travels well.
Carbone is a splurge, but for many people, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime meal. Now you know exactly what to order and what it will cost. Go enjoy the red sauce, the Sinatra, and the show.