Order Carbonara Takeout or Delivery
Carbonara Photos
Business Info
Carbonara Popular Dishes
CARBONARA ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like Carbonara
Recommended Reviews - Carbonara
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos - Carbonara
Carbonara was put on my radar by a close New York friend who said we should check out this Italian restaurant for its viral vodka sauce chicken parm. We had the pleasure of being served by Cody who really knew the menu in and out and was really helpful in making our dining experience outstanding. We started with mussels in white wine which were terrific, they were clean tasting with a rich and delicious sauce. We had the "viral vodka chicken parm" for our entree. They serve a plate table-side with a naked crispy chicken cutlet and your pasta and then they pour à la vodka sauce with melted cheese over the chicken. It's really a terrific presentation and the dish is nicely presented. The chicken cutlet was thick and juicy, the crust was crispy and the sauce was thick and delicious. If you want to be part of the hype then give it a try for yourself.
Second time visiting carbonara and really enjoyed it. I especially like the outside seating option. Food is good quality overall. All the pasta dishes I've tried so far have been good, the only one I disliked was the table side pasta dish with the cheese wheel. I didn't think the taste was good on that and would not recommend that dish. The best dish was the chicken parmigiana which was perfectly crispy with a tasty vodka sauce. Dessert options were good too, we had the table side tiramisu which was really nice alongside the lemon cake. Would come back again!
After a demanding work week, the last thing I felt like doing was going out. Sensing I needed a lift in spirits, my date suggested we try, once again, to get into Carbonara. He joked that the fourth try would be the charm, and even though I didn't believe we'd actually get seats, I went along with the idea. The restaurant was bustling when we arrived. Walking in was a treat in itself. I loved seeing the fresh pasta being made and watching beautiful plates of food being whisked past us to eager diners. Then, to my surprise, we found two seats at the bar! Once we settled in, I began to relax and enjoy the smooth sounds of a singer performing classic Frank Sinatra standards. It created the perfect atmosphere. The drinks were excellent, and refreshingly not tiny. Our bread basket arrived soon after, and the focaccia I had with olive tapenade was chewy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. My date ordered the spicy rigatoni alla vodka with chicken, which was delicious. But I have to say, I out-ordered him with my chicken parmigiana alla vodka. The preparation was impressive: the chicken had a beautifully crispy sear, the mozzarella was melted separately, and then the molten cheese was poured over the chicken tableside. Watching it happen made the dish feel even more special--and it tasted incredible. My only disappointment is that I wanted to try the meatballs and the Bucatini Carbonara but both had pork in them. It would be nice if the restaurant offered pork-free versions of those dishes. The food was amazing, the vibe was lively, and the whole evening turned my mood completely around. I skipped dessert only because I had happily eaten so much of my dinner. Five stars all the way! A wonderful experience and absolutely worth the wait.
Carbonara is not just a restaurant to eat excellent food but an experience. We were able to snag a last minute reservation as we wanted to try the Bucatini Carbonara Table Side as that is a dish the are know for. Started with the Meatball Parmigiana Egg Rolls which were good but the best app was the Baked Clams. Our table ordered the Carbonara, Bolognese and Ziti Primavera. Each dish is made with fresh pasta which steps this place apart. During the meal the Manager Ethan ensured we were enjoying ourselves and if we needed anything else. We throughly enjoyed the dishes and moved onto a dessert of Cannoli's & Cookies & Cream Gelato. The restaurant is very modern and from our entry through dessert we were treated like family. Highly recommend make reservations in advance as Carbonara is very busy.
I was a bit skeptical going to Carbonara because it has been all over Instagram, but it was actually incredible. To start the dinner they offer you a piece of prosciutto before walking to your table. They give you free bread for the table that was so good, I had to stop eating it so I'd have space for the meal. I went with a group, so we shared a bunch of items. I loved the chicken parmigiana, which they topped with cheese at the table. The spicy rigatoni was one of the best that I've had, it had a good kick while also having good flavor. The Caesar salad had chunks of Parmesan and pancetta, definitely an elevated Caesar salad. The service was great, and the food came out quickly. Highly recommend making a reservation early because they book out. I will be back!
There are winter nights when stepping outside feels like a negotiation with the wind. And then there are nights when you land at Carbonara snag an outdoor table, and realize you have outwitted the season. The heat lamps were working overtime, wrapping the patio in a soft halo of warmth. The service was impeccable. I truly wish I could remember our server's name because he deserves a standing ovation. His enthusiasm while describing the specials was not rehearsed or rushed. It was thoughtful, almost storytelling. You could tell he believed in every dish he mentioned. He was juggling a lot of tables, yet somehow made each one feel like the only one. And the support staff moved with speed and grace, refilling, clearing, checking in. The whole team functioned like a well tuned orchestra. You can absolutely tell this place cares about service. Now the food. Stunning. The crab ravioli was rich and delicate at once, almost like a luxurious crab cake tucked into silk. The clams were briny and bright, the kind that demand extra bread so nothing goes to waste. ANNNND they had a delicious mocktail menu!!! I loved the espresso martini sans booze. But the true spectacle was the carbonara. It arrived with a massive cheese wheel that was set aflame, a brief, theatrical burst of firelight that turned heads across the patio. Then the pasta was swirled directly inside, soaking up all that molten, nutty goodness. It was dinner and a show, and the flavor absolutely delivered on the drama. Warm patio, flawless service, unforgettable pasta. Winter can keep trying. We will be back.
I will endeavor to give this review a fair and unbiased opinion. 4000 plus reviews may dispute me but I know my food/restaurants thoroughly on top of cooking Italian food from scratch at home including my sauces. Having been to both Italy and traveled all over the US, I have experienced dining at both incredible and terrible Italian eateries. My wife is also from New York City and we are there frequently with at least one Italian dinner on the itinerary so both of us are well versed with the cuisine. Recently on a trip to Mexico City I stumbled across an Italian restaurant which matched the quality of what I have had in Europe which is a rarity so the mark or expectation for me is always high. When I see a restaurant with 4.8 stars, my immediate reaction is okay let's see what this is all about and this was my wife's birthday dinner to compound the expectation. We arrived at the restaurant and expected a brief wait which was no problem because I anticipated it owing to its popularity on social media and Google. After being seated, the customary water found its way to our table. This is where things started to go downhill because it took almost 15 minutes for a server to show up at our table and I usually decide my tip right at the outset of how long the initial service takes. Now I won't fault the server because he was incredibly nice but service was definitely lagging from the beginning. Appetizer - we ordered the burrata to share and I wanted to try the octopus. A burrata salad is part of every Italian meal I cook so I was judging and my verdict is that it was boring. Burrata cheese is supposed to be rich in flavor paired with the right tomatoes and balsamic glaze and olive oil and this simply didn't hit the mark. The octopus however was well prepared although it was a case of Ursula drowning in red sauce and bell peppers. Less is more but nonetheless the main star was good. The bread was just meh cold and where was my olive oil and vinegar? Entrees - eggplant Parmesan for my wife, baked ziti for the kids and I went for the king of the sea linguine cardinale which if I am not mistaken, was one of the most expensive dishes on the menu. Eggplant Parmesan according to my wife was soggy and the breading was lost in the thickness of the cheese and she ended up barely eating it. Ziti the kids enjoyed but it doesn't take a lot to please two toddlers especially when it's pasta and tomato sauce gravy à la Paulie Walnuts Gaultieri (for the Sopranos fans). The king of the sea linguine cardinale featuring some of the cast of The Little Mermaid was disappointing for being such a pricy dish. The dish lacked salt, pasta was a little watery and aside from the lobster and shrimp being decent (I wasn't aware there was a shortage of shellfish considering I counted 3 shrimp and 4 small lobster pieces), the scallops and mussels were substandard. I grew up on the shores of the Indian Ocean and have been eating seafood since I was 5 so I can't be fooled on seafood quality. The dish certainly isn't worth $49. Again, the server was incredibly nice but brought the incorrect bottled water and when I am paying extra for a bottle, I don't expect a careless mistake. It also took ages for us to get the crushed red pepper and salt and drinks. The meal was $193 plus tip and in my opinion it wasn't worth it. I've dined at eateries in DC and paid a fraction of the price for better food. My wife put it perfectly - Carbonara is a dart board without a bullseye to make a mark and inspire one to return which we won't unfortunately.
This place is a 10 out of 10 -- but definitely book a reservation ahead of time! Everything we had was so good. We started with the espresso martini flight (s'mores, pistachio, and tiramisu). The s'mores was our least favorite, but the pistachio and tiramisu were delicious. For appetizers, we got the calamari. I personally would've liked it a little crispier, but my date thought it was great. Of course, we had to order the chicken parm -- and wow. They pour the alla vodka sauce tableside straight from the pan, which makes the whole experience even better. It was truly amazing. I ordered the King of the Sea linguine. It had huge chunks of lobster, which was impressive. The shrimp wasn't super flavorful on its own, but it was good dipped in the sauce. For dessert, we tried the cheesecake crème brûlée. It was alright -- I was really hoping to crack into that crème brûlée top myself! Shoutout to our server, Cepheus. We were very indecisive, and he was extremely helpful, giving great insight and personal recommendations that really helped us choose. Also -- the portions may look small in pictures, but they are actually huge! We will definitely be back!
It was a very nice place to have meals. The parking could be a small issue but we were lucky to find one spot. Dishes were great. We were very excited when we saw our pasta burning inside the huge round cheese! But I wish it had more flavor, salt and black pepper. It really was plain and the pasta was a bit over cooked. Other dishes like salad, calamari and fish were good. We especially liked the calamari. It was with some paprika and was tasty! Inside decoration was very nice, comfortable seats. Our server was friendly too.
I've been wanting to try this restaurant for a couple of years, and after a few twists and turns, we finally made it--and it was absolutely worth the wait. We attempted to come back in January, but my birthday reservation was accidentally booked for the wrong weekend, so we had to pivot and make other plans. Fast forward to now, and the long-anticipated visit exceeded every expectation. The parking lot was full, so we parked in a nearby garage and took a quick three-minute walk to the restaurant. As soon as we arrived for our 2 p.m. reservation, we were warmly greeted and promptly seated. The restaurant was buzzing with happy diners, and everywhere you looked there were beautiful plates of pasta making their way through the room. Our server, Julia, was fantastic--attentive, knowledgeable, and happy to explain the menu and offer recommendations since it was our first visit. We started with the mozzarella in carrozza, and wow. This was hands down the BEST fried mozzarella I've ever had. Each piece was massive, perfectly fried, and the vodka sauce took it to another level. For my entrée, I went back and forth between the viral chicken parmigiana alla vodka and the tableside bucatini carbonara, but the chicken parmigiana won--and it did not disappoint. It was absolutely delicious, packed with flavor, and looked just as good as it tasted. My boyfriend ordered the spicy rigatoni alla vodka and cleaned his plate completely. We finished with the pistachio ricotta dusted cake for dessert. It was light yet rich, and the perfect palate cleanser after all that vodka sauce goodness. Overall, 10/10 experience. Social media did not deceive us--amazing food, amazing service, and a meal we'll be thinking about for a long time. We will definitely be back.
Yummy, yummy!!! Saw this place on Tik Tok and made a reservation for myself and my date to experience! Service was top tier! Warmers upon entry which is so nice with this extremely cold weather! Pasta is all homemade and your plate comes out piping hot and fresh! Sooooo good!! We had a pleather of options! Apps consisted of arancini balls and the bacon wrapped shrimp oreganata! Both were good, especially those shrimp! We of course grabbed the chicken parm and I had the king of the sea linguine cardinale which was packed with fresh seafood! Scallops, mussels, shrimp and lobster! The sauce was so good and not too heavy, which is what I was looking for! Definitely plotting to revisit when back in the area! Thank you, Carbonara!!
Pretty pricey spot for an inauthentic carbonara. It's more of a show kind of dish where you bring family and friends visiting from out of town, or try and impress your date. The patio seating in nice weather (and the outdoor bar seating) is definitely a plus. I just wish their carbonara was legit! If I do return I'll be trying another dish, maybe the chicken parm. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Zarin, thank you for taking the time to share your experience with…
My husband booked a reservation for my birthday and I'm glad he did. We had a wonderful server (Potter) who was attentive and made good recommendations. Everything we had was good but the standouts for us were the meatballs (Something about the blend of meat and spices), the crème brûlée cheesecake and my cocktail (spritz straordinario). For awareness, the space inside is relatively small and it's fairly noisy. There was a singer who sang Frank Sinatra standards which was a nice touch. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Julia, Happy belated birthday! We’re so glad you chose to celebrate…
If you're looking for an unassuming Italian restaurant, with nice ambiance and attentive service, this is your spot. The food is consistently well prepared. The chicken parmesan and pasta carbonara are both Instagram-worthy dishes. Additionally, the drinks are hand-crafted and beautifully presented. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Diane, thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear you…
5 months ago
Our anniversary celebration continued as we made our way to Washington, D.C. from Williamsburg, Va. This restaurant was the perfect place to continue marking over 40 years of marriage. As soon as we walked in, the ambiance was great. We were seated quite quickly and our waiter was very helpful and attentive. And most importantly, the food was just delicious. The free bread appetizer with sauce and toppings was very good. I ordered the tagliatelle lobster n shrimp and it proved to be a good choice. We were also treated to a Champagne toast for our anniversary! This place is perfect for a couples night. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Lucille, thank you so much for choosing Carbonara to continue…
2 months ago
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Justin, thank you so much for the review!…
Really great first time experience. I'm met some family here and appetizers was delicious, wine was delicious and the steak was so cooked properly. 10 out of 10, would recommend. The managers were constantly walking around to ensuring that the guests were having a good experience. The patrons were everything from singles to families two couples. Highly recommend to any friends or family that would come to the area to stop in for absolutely delicious food. I saw them also bring out the cheese wheel that they utilized for making some of the pasta dishes. Again, you can smell the deliciousness on every plate that comes out of the restaurant. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Iva, Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled your…
I found out about Carbonara via a Northern Virginia magazine compared to social media like most other people. They seem to be big on the table side demonstrations. Reservations are hard to come by for dinner, but I was able to get one for lunch today. The restaurant was half empty when I went, so I don't know why reservations were limited for lunch today at least. I ordered their two bestsellers, the chicken parmesan and the tableside bucatini. Both had a nice presentation and were very delicious. They are drenched in sauce, so probably not the healthiest, but tasty nonetheless. Service was attentive and refilled my water frequently. The restaurant is a nice ambiance for lunch or dinner, but I recommend lunch as it is significantly cheaper for the same items. I would eat here again! read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Ashley, thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed…
6 months ago
The staff were on point, polite and attentive. The food was freshly made and full of flavor, with the pasta cooked perfectly. We went for a birthday lunch and had a great experience. I would definitely go back. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Lisette, thank you so much for the kind review! We’re thrilled to…
2 months ago
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Rachel, thank you so much for celebrating your anniversary with us…
11 months ago
One year + post opening and Carbonara has shrunk their portions sadly. I used to be able to take the vodka parm home and eat it two more times- I noticed that instead of two pieces of chicken they are now serving one. The $38 price remains the same but the portions have shrunk. Service is extremely hit or miss- either it's great or it's horrible and you wait for service constantly. On top of that, they purposefully do not hold any indoor seating for walk ins- this place is worse then New York City with their attitude when it comes to walk ins. We've come in twice (after making multiple reservations in the past year) to front of house staff pretty much scoffing in our faces that we even bothered to try to walk in (on a rainy Sunday). So while the taste is there, for the $300 dinner for 2 you can only get if you make a reservation for, I may have to visit other Italian spots in DC instead. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Catherine, thank you for taking the time to write us a great review.…
This place is absolutely phenomenal. When I first came here, I thought it was okay and the service was a bit slow. They have improved over time. Our waiter was wonderful and attentive and the food came quickly. We even had refills of our bread. A reservation for this place is definitely needed along. It gets very crowded and there are many people moving around because of how they enhance the food with the cheese wheel and spreading the chicken with the cheese. It makes the ambiance wonderful. Overall, I would suggest this place, with a memo that it does get loud and crowded and a reservation is a must. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Sehar, thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re so glad you’ve…
18 days ago
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Neal, thank you for your wonderful review! We’re honored that your…
Sat on the bustling patio tonight where they play old classic Sinatra on repeat and sometimes pretty loud (one song was played three times in a row no joke). Service was very slow, had to call the server over for pretty much everything. Food was just okay, very rich (everything's got lots of cream but needed some more flavor and definitely salt). I got the Parmesan buccatini which was just okay - maybe they need a new parm wheel bc this was just heavy with massive amounts of cream, no real parm flavor. Friends got ravioli, bolognese, and orecchiette with shrimp. Everything was very heavy with cream - also needed salt.We all got dessert but the standout was table side tiramisu. read more
The service was top-notch--friendly without being overbearing, and our server was happy to offer great recommendations. We came for lunch because it's much more affordable than dinner and it did not disappoint! We split everything and even had leftovers. Make sure to ask for extra sauce for the bread basket. Bucatini Carbonara: 10/10 perfectly cooked and the chunks of bacon were thick and yummy. A must try! Pappardelle Amalfi: 7/10 the sauwas hearty. I feel like it would taste better with a different noodle. Cesar Salad: 9/10. I loved the chunks of cheese! It could of used a hint of lemon. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Kelci, thank you for the thoughtful and detailed review! We’re glad…
Located in Arlington, there's street parking and some garages around. It is pretty hard to get a reservation here, we actually made it close to 2 months ago. It was a beautiful day and we wanted to sit outside since it doesn't let you specify on the reservation. It would have been a 30 minute wait for outside so we opted for inside. The booth we sat at was very tight, not too much space between you and the table and if other people are sitting on the other side, expect to accidentally play footsie. Service was a little slow starting off but they were busy. We ordered a bottle of wine, Cappacio and Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Oreganata. The Carpaccio was good but a little too much sauce in my opinion. The bacon wrapped shrimp was good but the bacon stuck pretty aggressively to the pan and they poured the butter white wine sauce on top. The Shrimp was just a tad overcooked. For dinner, we all ordered different dishes. We ordered the Bucatini Carbonara Tableside, Filet Mignon Ziti, Orecchetti, and the Papardelle Amalfi. Thr Bucatini Tabelside was amazing, they bring out the large parmesan wheel and light it up to get it warm, pour the pasta in and mix it up. I also loved the Paparadelle, it had amazing flavor and loved the sauce. The Orecchetti had a similar sauce. The Filet Mignon Ziti was good but not my favorite. For dessert, we split the Pistachio cake (can't recall the actual name). That was delicious as well. I would definitely try to come back and try their other items! read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Klara, thank you so much for the detailed and thoughtful review!…
The food here was definitely very overhyped on social media. We ordered the Bucatini Carbonara table side. They flambéed the cheese for all of 5 seconds. Dumped the premade pasta dish onto the wheel and mixed it for maybe 10 seconds before serving it onto plates. It makes me wonder if the cheese is even real because it seems like it's just a showpiece to increase the cost. The service was average, nothing special. The restaurant's decor didn't stand out either, which is not a big deal. I honestly prefer simpler dining rooms and more focus on the food. Too bad the food didn't carry the weight though. I don't think I will be returning to try other items. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Annie, thank you for taking the time to share your honest feedback.…
They say good things come to those who wait! With that in mind, we have been waiting very patiently for a special occasion to check this place out and it was more than a good thing for my wife's birthday. This has to have taken over as the best Italian food in Arlington and competes with anything in the DC area. We lucked into a really nice day for mid November so we opted to sit outside. We ordered altogether but as we traded food around we strategically started with the more delicate dishes first. The tortelloni di Michael, which my American ignance would refer to as short rib ravioli, had so much deliciousness to appreciate in the white sauce with mushrooms complementing the meat; and they were stuffed generously. There never are many ravioli so that was expected. We have a little rule that if the name of a dish and the name of the restaurant are related, we have to try it out because it's bound to be a something they're hanging they're hat on. Needless to say, we got the carbonara! Which means we got the show! They prepare the whole thing in front of the table inside of the enormous block of cheese before finishing it with a nest of guanciale. The creaminess, the cheesy flavor, the umami crunch, the show, it was all worth hanging any fedora. Though I'll admit, it somehow wasn't quite as hot as we liked so we did have to ask them to warm it up, which they did seemingly with even more cheese this time, automatically turning any frown upside down I then moved onto the tomato based dishes starting with the chicken parm, which they also served naked just so we could salivate as they expertly slid a plates worth of melted and perfectly burnt mozzarella on top. I grew up eating chicken cutlets so this was my selection and pure nostalgia. Finally, I tried the lasagna which was so rich, with fresh sauce, with cheese, loaded with more meat than I've ever seen in a lasagna. It was all kept nice and hot in the cast iron. My wife liked the tortelloni the most, but I think all of us appreciated each dish for what they were. I wouldn't recommend ordering the flight of espresso martinis like we did. Sure they were decent, but only about a dollar or two discount totaling $45 for three drinks that leaned to the smaller side. It was an impulse move I made for my wife's birthday and to introduce my coffee loving mother in law to espresso martinis so I really don't regret getting got a little bit lol especially when they surprised my wife with a classically moist tres leches cake and candles for us to sing for her. Little things like that make the experience all the more special so many thanks. We weren't allowed to do happy hour outside of the bar, but we didn't feel comfortable hanging at the bar with our baby so next time we'll try that out, just the two of us. With how tasty the main dishes were, next time will come much faster than the first. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Jimmy, wow thank you so much for taking the time to write such a…
Took my husband here for Father's Day. We were there early, and able to order from the lunch menu. We ordered a bunch of apps. Arancini, fritto misto, meatballs, and baked clams. They were all very good. Everyone had a different favorite. I ordered linguine with white clam sauce which was full of whole clams. Very good. Others great dishes we ordered were the chicken parm with vodka sauce, the short rib torteloni andthe orichette with shrimp. The table side tiramisu was a fun dessert, and tasty. Our server was very attentive and friendly. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Amy, thank you so much for celebrating Father’s Day with us and for…
5 months ago
Very romantic atmosphere with live music. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and recommended dishes based on our preferences. I enjoyed watching them hand make the pasta as well, it's a great experience! We came on Valentine's night without a reservation but there was little to no wait time as we got seated at the patio, which was also such a cute vibe. My partner and I were able to finish our meals without feeling that heaviness which is usually a good sign of great ingredients. We'd definitely be back! read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Hedy, thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled…
Ordered via UE, which was delivered with care, which I appreciated. The meal made football Sunday more enjoyable because I didn't have to cook, touchdown! We ordered Nona's meatballs (dry, but well seasoned) three cheese baked ziti (needed a ton more sauce) and Italian crème brûlée cheesecake (very good). SO wants to try their bucatini carbonara, so we'll dine-in next time to see if that improves the food. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Monica, thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We’re…
We checked out Carbonara, the new Italian spot in town, and it definitely impressed. They make all their pasta in-house, and you can really taste the difference. We split the Famous Chicken Parmigiana alla Vodka and the Parmigiana di Melanzane. Both were excellent. The chicken was crispy and covered in a rich vodka sauce, and the eggplant was super flavorful, covered in crispy cheese, and well layered. We swapped the default spaghetti for penne--fresh pasta, cooked perfectly . The space is modern and welcoming, and the staff was friendly and on top of things. If you're into flavorful Italian food and fresh pasta, Carbonara is worth a visit. We'll definitely be back read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Jeremy, thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to…
3 months ago
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Tiffany, thank you so much for your incredible review! We’re thrilled…
Amazing date night at carbonara!!! Make your reservation well in advance. The restaurant is not super large - there is indoor and outdoor seating. Tables are super close together so it can be loud and you won't have much privacy. Nearby paid street parking, not sure about garages. Our service was good, not SPECTACULAR. The tables are quite small so when various foodrunners brought food to the table, they just grabbed things willy-nilly from the table and moved them around to make things fit. Otherwise, our server was attentive, and our food came out quickly. - Complimentary bread - underwhelming - Meatballs - Really yummy! Super cheesy! - Bucatini carbonara - very rich, cheesy, and creamy. Would've liked more pancetta for sure. Mostly for the tableside experience. Tasty, but probably wouldn't get it again. - Famous chicken parmigiana alla vodka - definitely worth the hype! One of the best chicken parm both of us has ever had. Cooked well, super crispy outer coating, perfect vodka sauce... yum!!! Huge portion too. - Cannoli - tasty - a classic you can't go wrong with! All the pasta is made in-house and you can tell - it really takes it to another level! Overall, i would absolutely come back and try more from their menu. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Abbey, thank you so much for spending your date night with us at…
Did I see all the trendy videos of Carbonara on social media? Yes. Did I come here because of seeing all the trendy videos? Of course. Did my wife and I both get our meals of the trendy videos? Absolutely. Did we "Oooo" and "Ahhhh" as they did their table side entertainment with our viral dishes? You bet. Were the viral dishes everything we could have asked for? They surpassed our expectations. The moment you walk into Carbonara, you're greeted to your left to the pasta being freshly made and to your left prosciutto on a stick, which is how I only want to be greeted from not on anytime I walk into an Italian restaurant. Our server, Denzel, charmed us and served us well. The restaurant may feel small and tight, but it did not affect our overall experience. The burrata and tomatoes were fresh. The carbonara was life changing. The chicken parm all a vodka is worth the trip alone. We are hoping to come back soon because the desserts look amazing. Carbonara is worth checking out. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Mike, what a fantastic review—thank you! We’re so happy that…
1 year ago
We came here for a birthday dinner after wanting to try it since it opened. We started with the Caesar which was excellent. I actually liked the large Parmesan chunks, and also liked the pancetta that was served with it. It would've been perfect if the pancetta was hot and crispy though, ours was colder and a little soggy, I'm not sure which is intended. For my meal I got the chicken Parmesan. The chicken and sauce were both delicious and the portion was large enough for a second (small) meal. I also tried my fiancé's spicy vodka rigatoni which was excellent. I really enjoyed how they make the pasta in-house. We got a piece of tiramisu for dessert and it was fine, it didn't taste like it was soaked long enough though. The staff were very friendly but were a little slow to clear the table. Empty dishes from appetizers were left on the table the whole meal which cluttered up the table. We also accidentally spilled a glass of wine and even though people had come to the table to clear other things nobody helped clean up or clear the plate filled with wine. I'd like to come back and try some more things! read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Nicolas, thank you so much for giving us a try and for celebrating a…
Great food. Very tasty. Highly recommend the carbonara since it's a nice experience: they flame the cheese and mix it with the pasta table side. Creates a good ambiance / environment. Would be very good for a date. Service was good too, but the waiter seemed to have been rushing us for no reason. (We finished everything - appetizer, entree, and dessert in under an hour; but with the way he was rushing us, you would think we were there for longer.) either way, this place is worth the try if you're ever in the Arlington area. Definitely requires a reservation. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Sharon, thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re thrilled…
They do vodka sauce right here. Perfectly creamy, cheesy, and savory. Certainly a highlight of this restaurant. Everything we tried was great. The service was very kind and the staff there is friendly and helpful. The star of the show was of course the chicken parm alla vodka. I enjoyed the spicy rigatoni, but my only comment is the chicken in the pasta did not taste very seasoned and the vodka sauce was not enough to mask that. Otherwise a very well made dish. I thought it was an interesting choice to add large chunks of Parmesan into the Caesar salad. Not my preferred method, but a fun choice nonetheless. The fried pancetta was a great addition though. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Amala, thank you so much for the thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to…
25 days ago
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Mike, thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback.…
4 months ago
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Christopher, thank you for the fantastic review! We love the…
3 months ago
So so delicious. They offered us a bite of prosciutto when we arrived. Had a lovely time outside on a nice spring day. Great service. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Chloe, thank you for the great review. We are thrilled to hear about…
1 month ago
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Ronald, thank you so much for such an incredible review! We’re truly…
I have been to Carbonara a few times and definitely like some of their food, but the dishes can be a bit hit or miss. I have actually tended to enjoy the appetizers more than the entrées. The restaurant itself is cute, but parking can be difficult on weekends since they do not have a designated lot. The service has been relatively fine overall. When we sat outside, it was a little harder to wave down our waiter, but that may have been because we were in the corner.A few dishes I have had and enjoyed: - Arancini 10/10 - Hot peppers 9/10 - Caesar salad 7.5/10 We tried the chicken parm and the carbonara, and both were just okay. The chicken parm had a vodka sauce, which made it a bit heavier. When we ordered the tableside carbonara, they initially prepared it at the wrong table, so we missed the presentation. By the time we received it, it was cold. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Skylar, thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us. We’re…
7 months ago
Went to Carbonara on a Monday night during the Christmas season, and I highly recommend making a reservation at least a day in advance. Even on a Monday, the place was pretty booked. We were able to grab a few seats at the bar, which was definitely tight, but the servers did their best to make it work and were very accommodating. The restaurant is decorated so cutely for Christmas. If you enjoy festive vibes, this is a great spot to visit during the holiday season. Appetizers: We started with the burrata and the bacon-wrapped shrimp. The bacon-wrapped shrimp was the standout. Very flavorful, and I loved the sauce on top. I do wish the bacon had been cooked just a bit longer so it was crispier, but overall, really enjoyable. The burrata was good but nothing memorable. The tomatoes could have been a bit fresher, but it was solid. Mains: We ordered the steak (medium) and the spicy alla vodka. The steak was good, and I personally loved everything they put on top of it. Some people at the table thought there was a little too much going on, but I really enjoyed the added flavor and thought it complemented the steak well. The spicy alla vodka was okay. It was very creamy with a mild kick of spice, but it could have used more salt and overall depth of flavor. The chicken was cooked well, and the pasta was slightly past al dente, which I don't mind, but the dish mostly just tasted creamy with a hint of spice. It was fine, just not a favorite. Dessert: We tried both the lava cake and the pistachio cake. Both were good. The lava cake was warm, rich, and excellent with the ice cream it came with. The pistachio cake had great flavor, but the texture was very one-note. It was almost entirely mousse-like. I would have loved a crunchy element or a layer of actual cake to break it up. There were pistachios on the back end, but more texture throughout would have made it even better. They also have an extensive wine list, which was a plus, and their holiday cocktails were very tasty. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Allison, thank you for taking the time to share such detailed…
Cheesy cheesy cheesy. This is slutty American Italian food. We've been trying to get a reservation here for months and they were always booked, so of course I had to understand the hype. But alas; overrated in my opinion. The food was good but sheeesshh can we ease up on the cheese! Everything was creamy and cheesy. Carbonara should be more eggy, this was just cheesy. We did really like the octopus. Solid for most people, but my Italian friend we brought was not happy at all. read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Nancy, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us.…
I visited Carbonara because a YouTuber I follow made the recommendation. I'm glad I tried it out. They have some of the best meatballs in town. Even if that is the only menu item you try, it's worth the visit. The service is good. The wait staff is attentive and mindful. Carbonara is a great place for a date, girls night out, or after work stop. In addition to the meatballs, the bread, drinks, and entrees are top notch. However, I will say my experience with the highly-rated Chicken Parm, left me wondering what all the hype is about. I am sure my experience may be a one off. The crusted chicken breast was overcooked and a bit dry. But, the presentation was awesome. Because my initial experience was not completely positive, I returned a few days later and tried a different entrée. I tried the Bucatini Carbonara. It was amazing! The presentation was just as amazing! You can't go wrong by visiting Carbonara! you will have no regrets! Happy eating! read more
Business owner information
Giovanna B.
Tay, thank you so much for giving us a try, we truly appreciate it!…
Decided to check out carbonara as an opportunity to carb load the evening before a race. The weather was nice and they were able to accommodate outside seating for us instead of indoors. Our waitress brought bread and sauce /olive. The bread was unfortunately stale and cold. We ordered the calamari as an appetizer. It was a tad bland and oily. Note that some of the peppers are spicy, a fun surprise. For mains we had the TAGLIATELLE LOBSTER & SHRIMP and VEAL PARMIGIANA. Both were flavorful and well balanced. My only complaint would be that the shrimp was slightly over cooked. The pasta in general was good so much so that we ordered the SPICY RIGATONI ALLA VODKA to go. While there were some hits and misses. I would try some other items on the menu in the future. read more
More info about Carbonara
Carbonara Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - Carbonara
Do they offer any vegan pasta?
Does Carbonara have any separate kids options?
They don't have a kids menu. My kids split a pasta and then have leftovers ☺️
Does Carbonara restaurant allow the customer to bring their own wine bottle? Is there a corkage fee?
We do not allow customers to bring their own bottle of wine but we do offer 55 diverse bottles of wine for our customers to select from.
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
52 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
1 month ago
2 years ago
2 months ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
5 months ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 months ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
Carbonara - italian - Updated July 2026
Best of Arlington
People found Carbonara by searching for…
Restaurants in Arlington, Virginia
Happy Hour in Arlington, Virginia
Great Food in Arlington, Virginia
Fine Dining in Arlington, Virginia
Lunch Specials in Arlington, Virginia
Seafood in Arlington, Virginia
Birthday Dinner in Arlington, Virginia
Espresso Martini in Arlington, Virginia
Upscale Restaurants in Arlington, Virginia
New Restaurants in Arlington, Virginia
Takeout in Arlington, Virginia
Free Birthday Meal in Arlington, Virginia
Outdoor Dining in Arlington, Virginia
Romantic Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia
Date Night Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia
Nice Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia
Breakfast & Brunch in Arlington, Virginia
Carbonara in Arlington, Virginia
Trending Searches in Arlington, VA
Allergy Friendly Restaurants near Carbonara
Bars On The Water near Carbonara
Bars With Outdoor Seating near Carbonara
Black Owned Restaurants near Carbonara
Cauliflower Crust Pizza near Carbonara
Chicken Caesar Salad near Carbonara
Chicken Parm Sandwich near Carbonara
Chicken Piccata near Carbonara
Chilean Sea Bass near Carbonara
Eggplant Parmesan near Carbonara
Family Friendly Restaurants near Carbonara
Girly Restaurants near Carbonara
Gluten Free Italian near Carbonara
Grinder Sandwich near Carbonara
Ice Cream Truck near Carbonara
Kids Restaurants near Carbonara
Non Alcoholic Drinks near Carbonara
Old Fashioned Cocktails near Carbonara
Pizza Open Late near Carbonara
Restaurants Open July 4th near Carbonara
Restaurants Open Sunday Night near Carbonara
Romantic Anniversary Dinner near Carbonara
Romantic Restaurants With A View near Carbonara
Spaghetti And Meatballs near Carbonara
Speakeasy Lounge near Carbonara
Special Occasion Restaurant near Carbonara
Tavern Style Pizza near Carbonara
Veal Parmigiana near Carbonara
Waterfront Brunch near Carbonara
Browse Nearby
BEST of Arlington, Virginia Restaurants near Carbonara
BEST of Arlington, Virginia Coffee near Carbonara
BEST of Arlington, Virginia Desserts near Carbonara
BEST of Arlington, Virginia Pizza near Carbonara
BEST of Arlington, Virginia Dinner near Carbonara
BEST of Arlington, Virginia Parking near Carbonara
BEST of Arlington, Virginia Things to Do near Carbonara
BEST of Arlington, Virginia Cocktail Bars near Carbonara
Browse Brands
Related Searches in Arlington, VA
Best Appetizers to Enjoy Around Arlington, Virginia
Best Bagels Available in Arlington, Virginia
Best Bar Food and Snacks Served in Arlington, Virginia
Best Bar and Grill Experiences in Arlington, Virginia
Best Clam Chowder Options in Arlington, Virginia
Best Dim Sum Places to Try in Arlington, Virginia
Best Happy Hour Bars to Visit in Arlington, Virginia
Best Mac and Cheese Dishes Available in Arlington, Virginia
Best Mussels Served in Arlington, Virginia
Best Places for Brunch in Arlington, Virginia
Best Places for Margaritas in Arlington, Virginia
Best Sit Down Restaurant Options in Arlington, Virginia
Best Soul Food Dishes in Arlington, Virginia
Book Rehearsal Dinner Spots in Arlington, Virginia
Book a Special Occasion Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia
Celebrate With Birthday Dinner in Arlington, Virginia
Cocktail Bars With Food Options in Arlington, Virginia
Cocktails and Food Pairings in Arlington, Virginia
Delicious Calzone Options to Try in Arlington, Virginia
Delicious Ice Cream Treats in Arlington, Virginia
Delicious Pasta Dishes to Try in Arlington, Virginia
Delicious Risotto Dishes to Enjoy in Arlington, Virginia
Delicious Soup Spots to Try in Arlington, Virginia
Discover Authentic French Restaurants in Arlington, Virginia
Discover Authentic Italian Food in Arlington, Virginia
Discover Coffee & Tea Options in Arlington, Virginia
Discover Group Dining Experiences in Arlington, Virginia
Discover Pool Table Options in Arlington, Virginia
Discover Popular Martini Bars in Arlington, Virginia
Discover Popular Sports Bars in Arlington, Virginia
Discover Popular Sunday Brunch Places in Arlington, Virginia
Discover Top Fast Casual Spots in Arlington, Virginia
Discover Unique Speakeasies to Visit in Arlington, Virginia
Discover the Best Breweries in Arlington, Virginia Today
Discover the Best Craft Beer in Arlington, Virginia
Discover the Best Romantic Restaurant Options in Arlington, Virginia
Discover the Best Sushi Spots in Arlington, Virginia
Enjoy Delicious Tapas Near Arlington, Virginia
Enjoy Dinner and Drinks Deals in Arlington, Virginia
Enjoy Drinks and Appetizers Near Arlington, Virginia
Enjoy Fast Food Favorites Across Arlington, Virginia
Enjoy Patio Dining Options in Arlington, Virginia
Enjoy Popular Day Drinking Venues in Arlington, Virginia
Enjoy Prime Rib Specialties in Arlington, Virginia
Enjoy Small Plates Dining in Arlington, Virginia
Enjoy a Refreshing Mimosa in Arlington, Virginia Today
Enjoy the Best Cocktails in Arlington, Virginia
Enjoy the Best Martini in Arlington, Virginia Today
Browse Articles
People who viewed Carbonara also viewed
Mazaro Italian Restaurant
293 reviews
$$$
Sfoglina Rosslyn
355 reviews
Rosslyn
$$$
SER
537 reviews
$$
Green Pig Bistro
1259 reviews
Clarendon
$$
Maison Cheryl
131 reviews
Clarendon
$$$
The Salt Line - Ballston
250 reviews
Ballston
$$
Surreal Global Kitchen
148 reviews
Crystal City
Guerra Steakhouse
165 reviews
Rosslyn
CIRCA at Clarendon
721 reviews
Clarendon
$$
Mele Bistro
586 reviews
Rosslyn
$$$