Carbone’s red-sauce glamour comes with a price tag that demands a peek at the menu before you book that special occasion table. You need a clear breakdown of the Carbone Menu with Prices to plan your evening without any financial surprises.
This guide covers the full dining experience, from the famous tableside rigatoni to the priciest steaks. We will walk you through what each course costs, what is worth the splurge, and how to navigate the menu like a regular.
Carbone Menu With Prices: The Full Breakdown
Carbone is not just a meal; it is a performance. The service is theatrical, the drinks are stiff, and the food is heavy on butter and garlic. Because the menu changes slightly with the seasons, we have based these figures on the standard current offerings and recent diner reports.
Here is the honest truth: you will spend more than you expect. The appetizers are large, the pastas are rich, and the service staff will encourage you to order “one more thing.” Let’s look at the numbers.
Appetizers And Antipasti Costs
The starters set the tone for the entire meal. They are generous portions, often designed for sharing, but they come with premium pricing.
- Spicy Tuna: Usually around $34. This is a solid portion of raw fish, not a small tasting.
- Burrata: Priced near $29. It arrives with heirloom tomatoes and a heavy pour of olive oil.
- Caesar Salad: Prepared tableside, this classic runs about $24. The theatrical preparation is part of the cost.
- Meatballs: A single large meatball in tomato sauce costs roughly $19. It is good, but not the best value on the menu.
- Octopus: Often priced at $36. It is tender and grilled, but you can find better elsewhere.
If you want to save money here, skip the appetizers entirely. The bread basket is complimentary and excellent. Save your cash for the pasta courses, which are the real reason you are visiting.
Pasta And Risotto Pricing
This is the heart of the Carbone experience. The portions look small when they arrive, but they are incredibly dense and filling. You do not need a pasta per person if you are ordering multiple courses.
- Rigatoni Vodka: This is the signature dish. It costs $39. It is spicy, creamy, and worth every penny. This is non-negotiable for your table.
- Lobster Ravioli: Priced at $55. This is a decadent option with a rich, buttery sauce.
- Veal Parmigiana: Technically a main, but often shared. It runs around $49 and is massive.
- Spaghetti and Meatballs: A classic option at $42. The sauce is bright and the meatballs are fluffy.
Most tables order two pastas for a party of four. The Rigatoni is a must-order, but the second choice depends on your mood. The staff will often split the pasta into separate bowls for you, which is a nice touch.
Main Courses And Secondi Prices
If you are still hungry after the pasta, the main courses are substantial. They are priced for the high-end steakhouse market, not casual dining.
- Chicken Scarpariello: This is a great value at $44. It comes with sausage, potatoes, and a vinegary pepper sauce.
- Filet Mignon: Expect to pay around $68. It is cooked perfectly over the wood fire.
- Ribeye: Priced near $95. This is a massive cut, meant for two people to share.
- Branzino: Usually $58. The fish is deboned tableside and served with a light lemon sauce.
I have to be honest, the sides are expensive. A plate of broccoli or spinach will run you about $18. The potatoes are closer to $22. They are large enough to share, so do not order one per person.
Desserts And Coffee
Do not skip dessert. The pastry chef does an excellent job, and the portions are huge. You can easily split one dessert between two or three people.
- Cheesecake: Priced at $19. It is creamy and light, a perfect end to a heavy meal.
- Tiramisu: Around $18. This is served in a large bowl and is very boozy.
- Lemon Sorbet: Usually $14. It is served in a frozen lemon shell and helps cut through the richness.
- Coffee: A standard espresso runs about $6. The cappuccino is $8.
They also offer a cheese cart, but the prices are not listed. If you ask, the server will tell you the cost, but it is often $30 or more per selection. Stick to the desserts.
Drinks, Wine, And Cocktails
The bar program is serious. The cocktails are strong and well-balanced, but they are not cheap. You need to budget for drinks if you plan on having more than water.
- Classic Cocktails: Expect to pay between $22 and $26 for a martini or a negroni.
- Wine by the Glass: Starts at $18 and goes up to $45 for premium selections.
- Bottles of Wine: The list is extensive. You can find bottles for $80, but most diners spend between $120 and $300.
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Fresh juices and sodas run about $9.
If you are on a budget, stick to the wine list. The sommelier is helpful and can find you a decent bottle for under $100. The cocktails are good, but they are not the focus of the meal.
How To Order To Control Your Bill
You can eat at Carbone without breaking the bank, but it requires discipline. The menu is designed to make you order more. Here is a strategy that works well for two people.
First, skip the appetizers. The bread basket is unlimited and very good. Second, order one pasta dish and one main course. Split both of them. This gives you the full experience without the massive food cost.
Here is a sample budget for two people who want the full experience without going overboard:
- Start with cocktails: Budget $50 for two drinks.
- Order the Rigatoni: $39 to share.
- Order the Chicken Scarpariello: $44 to share.
- Get one side of potatoes: $22.
- Share one dessert: $19.
- Coffee for two: $16.
This brings your subtotal to roughly $190 before tax and tip. With tax and a 20% tip, you are looking at around $260 total. That is a reasonable price for a special occasion at a top-tier restaurant.
If you want the full “Carbone experience” with the famous tableside service, you will need to spend more. The waiters will push the specials, which are often more expensive than the printed menu items. Politely decline if you are watching your wallet.
Reservation And Dress Code Costs
There are no additional fees for reservations, but there is a strict cancellation policy. If you book through a service like Resy, you may have to put down a credit card. If you cancel within 24 hours, you could be charged a fee of $50 to $100 per person.
The dress code is “upscale casual.” For men, this means a collared shirt and nice shoes. You do not need a jacket, but you should not wear sneakers. If you show up in gym clothes, they will likely turn you away, and you will lose your deposit.
Is The Food Worth The High Prices?
This is the question everyone asks. The answer is yes and no. The quality of the ingredients is top-notch. The Rigatoni Vodka is genuinely the best version of that dish you will ever have. The service is also impeccable. You are paying for the atmosphere, the white tablecloths, and the attention to detail.
However, you are also paying for the name. Carbone is a global brand, and the prices reflect that. You are paying for the “see and be seen” crowd. If you are looking for a quiet, intimate Italian meal, you can find better value elsewhere in the city.
Go to Carbone for the spectacle. Go for the celebrity sightings. Go for the Instagram-worthy food. Just do not go expecting a bargain. You are paying for a performance, and the food is part of the stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the common questions diners have about the costs and the menu structure at this iconic restaurant.
What is the average cost per person at Carbone?
Most diners spend between $150 and $250 per person, including drinks, tax, and tip. If you order the expensive steaks and multiple cocktails, you can easily exceed $300 per person. If you stick to water and share dishes, you can get closer to $120.
Do you have to order the Rigatoni?
No, but you should. It is the signature dish for a reason. Even if you are full, order it to share. It is creamy, spicy, and perfectly textured. Skipping it feels like a missed opportunity.
Are there vegetarian options on the menu?
Yes, but they are limited. The menu has a few vegetable sides and a cheese-based pasta option. The staff is accommodating and can modify dishes, but this is not a vegetarian-friendly restaurant by design.
Can you request a specific table or booth?
You can request a booth when you make the reservation, but it is not guaranteed. The prime booths are often reserved for VIPs and regulars. If you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary, mention it when booking.
Is the menu the same for lunch and dinner?
The lunch menu is slightly smaller and has a few lower-priced options. The dinner menu is the full experience. If you want to save money, try to get a lunch reservation, which is often easier to secure anyway.
Carbone is an experience, and the menu prices reflect the high demand and premium positioning. Go in with a clear budget, share your dishes, and you will have a memorable meal. The pasta is worth the hype, and the people-watching is free.