Carbonara

Really enjoyed my visit to Screwtop Wine Bar in DC. The space has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere…read morethat works well for date nights, girls nights, or happy hour. The frozen cocktail flight was definitely the highlight for me -- getting to try an Espresso Martini, Strawberry Froze, Margarita, and Hugo Spritz all together was such a fun idea. Food wise, the Chicken Birria Nachos were flavorful and loaded, the Mahi Mahi Tacos were fresh, and the Grilled Cheese Sliders paired really well with the tomato coulis. Friendly staff, good drinks, and a fun overall experience. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a laid-back wine bar in DC with great cocktails and food.

The service, drinks, and food have been great here every time we've stopped by. They have a great…read moreselection of wine and bar condiments for sale as well. It can get a little loud and crowded inside during peak hours, but never uncomfortable. Perfect neighborhood wine bar with large shareable portions!

Wine tasting

Breakfast burrito

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Virginia Wine Flight

Verre Wine Bar

4.5(235 reviews)

1.2 mi

It's a bit like Cheers, but for wine…read more We've been here a couple of times and even joined their Wine Club. Both times we've gone, it was during their happy hour, which runs until 7 pm, and we stuck to the special menu. Those have included their Charcuterie Board (something that contributed to Dr. Oz not being a senator), crispy Brussels sprouts, their Margarita flatbread, chicken skewers, and truffle fries. Don't hate us; that was spread over two visits. Everything tasted great, though next time I think we'll graduate to the real menu. The wines we've tried so far were either inexpensive or not bad. For inexpensive, I've had glasses of their $3 Tempranillo. While it wasn't great, I've paid a lot re for much worse. For "not bad", my wife had the $10 Buehler Cab. After it opened up for a bit it was quite drinkable.

Another great experience! Tucked away from the madness of Clarendon yet just a few blocks' walk if…read moreyou need to get back into action. The staff is welcoming and attentive, Golden hour wines and cocktails are better than watered-down versions often found in Happy Hours. Inside is quiet and intimate, not loud, you can have a real conversation with your phones away.

BLTA

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Wine flight

WHINO

4.1(227 reviews)

0.2 mi•Ballston

The BEST experience to end a co-working day. Great friendly staff. Amazingly personable GM!…read moreI ordered the Korean bbq wings from the happy hour menu and they were delicious! The crème brûlée was appreciated with a perfect amount of berries to give texture and healthy pizazz to the treat. Thank you! The bathrooms were nicely ambient with the dark color scheme, black commodes. Added to the art museum nature of the bar. I absolutely believe this is a top 5 bar. Perfect for events, hangouts, dates, casual or dolled up. And, with so many options in the city I don't return to places generally. That will not be the case with Whino. I look forward to returning (maybe even for a Yelp Elite event) and I highly recommend you visit. Go, enjoy!!!

Stopped in on a Saturday night for some light bites and cocktails. We sat and the bar and had some…read moregreat conversations with the bartenders. I love that the restaurant is filled with art. There's displays all around for you to checkout while before, during, or after you dine. Great location for date night and larger groups.

Charcuterie board with amazing toppings

Gnocchi

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Northside Social Coffee & Wine

4.0(1.4k reviews)

0.6 mi•Clarendon

a great little (spacious) cafe! we sat on the patio and it was a little hot but not overwhelmingly…read moreso. my latte with house made vanilla was decent but on the less sweet side. the lemonade is delicious!! and the grilled cheese was excellent. you order at the counter and they give you a buzzer... food came out in short order even though it was a little busy on a Sunday afternoon. it's a great spot, i see why it's so popular.

Came on a Saturday morning - super crowded but there's a good amount of seating both indoor and…read moreoutdoor so we found a spot outside pretty easily. You order via QR code - I got a latte and its was honestly terrible. A very bitter gasoline type taste. I ended up not drinking most of it and it was pretty expensive even for the area. ~$7 for a 16oz (a medium) that was ~$9 after tax and tip. Cute casual spot with a nice vibe but can't imagine coming back.

Upstairs wine bar has a lovely patio outside

Lemon blueberry scone

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Inside

Bar a Vin

4.6(79 reviews)

2.9 mi•Georgetown

Moody, dim lighting, and may I say, better than the vibes in Chez Billy Sud itself, the sister wine…read morebar is the move. It would be a great place for pre dinner drinks or a moody date. There is a bar area and some couch seating but come early, it does get busy and it is hard to find places to sit. They have the same menu as Chez so you can get some appetizers. The bar service is always fantastic and they make a great cocktail- both French 75 and old fashion or dirty martini was fantastic.

Cozy interior but no place to seat really, very tight. Staff are pretty nice though as they helpful…read morewith finding us seat when they see us struggling. I didn't order food here but it seems pretty goods recommend for a drink. Maybe not filling dining experience since it's too tight

Bar

Frisée salad

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Mussels and fries

Lyon Hall

3.8(1.1k reviews)

0.7 mi•Clarendon

I moved to Arlington last August and this place is right near where I live and I kept putting off…read moregoing until today. My sister-in-law was in town and she wanted oysters. And I remembered that Lyon Hall had all day happy hour including a special on oysters. So we put in a reservation and game. We were promptly seated and it wasn't too busy today. We did a dozen oysters and I ordered the Hangar Steak Frites. The oysters were fresh and delicious and the steak frites were cooked to perfection. I loved how buttery the hand cut fries were. My sister-in-law got the French dip sandwich and she liked it but said the dipping sauce was a salty and she likes salty stuff so her saying it was too salty says a lot. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our time and I'll be back.

I went here for brunch and enjoyed the friendly servers, casual atmosphere and good food. My party…read morewas seated prompted and enjoyed the assortment of cocktails and menu options. When I go to French restaurants, I enjoy the quality of fresh bread and soft butter, and this one lived up to the test. So good! I ordered the pork schnitzel sandwich, and I liked the warm and buttery pretzel bun and flavor. It was good food at a good price. My party enjoyed their dishes as well--the presentation looked great, and everyone was pleased. I would come back here for brunch whenever I'm in Arlington.

Women's bathroom sink

Happy hour ribs

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Complimentary Bread Service

SER

3.8(541 reviews)

0.6 mi

Food was Fantastic - I will go there again without a doubt…read more Service however was reareallyl bad - the waiter took the order had someone else deliver it and missed putting one of our orders in the kitchen. He never showed up to ask us how the food was and if there is something else we needed. After quite some time had to signal another waiter and explain to him yet our waiter never came out till it was time for the check. While exiting the restaurant we were told the front door is closed and for us to exit through the side - but there were people coming out of the front door. If the food was not fantastic we would never visit it again. Food was worth the money.

We were so lucky to come here during Restaurant Week. It was just excellent, 3 course meal, the…read morethree of us had different dishes and they were all superb. We liked it so much that two of us came back the following day for lunch, to try the dishes we had also wanted the evening before. This is really a top restaurant, one of the best in the area, if not the best. It was the best meal I have had since Volterra, Italy, almost a year ago. All the ingredients were perfect and perfectly prepared. The pisco drink was great, the beef filet, the chocolate mousse, salad, very well made and creative, particularly the sauces. This is a world class chef!

Interior of SER, looking at kitchen.

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A flight of wine.

Cafe Colline

4.1(149 reviews)

1.4 mi

Back at Cafe Colline with another new guest in tow, and it was just as good this time around. Adam…read morewas our server and did a great job: friendly, easy to talk to, and made good recommendations. We started with the tomato salad, which is a winner. I told my friend not to be scared of the jam, and she ended up pleasantly surprised. If it's still on the menu, get it before tomato season wraps up. My friend got the soupe à l'oignon and really enjoyed it. We finished by splitting the profiteroles, a solid way to end the meal. This place keeps proving why it's a favorite. Highly recommend.

We had a lovely Sunday brunch on a rainy afternoon. We were 15 mins late arriving but they handled…read moreit completely gracefully. Cute long and thin restaurant with a gorgeous bar and view into part of the kitchen. It felt relaxed even though they had a good crowd. Attentive, friendly service from our waiter. My eggs benedict satisfied me - prepared just right. The accompanying salad: I always love French salads- they always seem dressed just right and appear so lightly and intentionally constructed. I also ordered the pain perdue French toast. It was light, crisp, tart from the orange and sweet. A very nice accompaniment to the eggs benedict. Wife wasn't feeling the best and so her ordering decision: French onion soup and the pate maison didn't end up being a good decision for her although I tried the pate and enjoyed it. Enjoyable meal.

MOCHA CRÈME CARAMEL

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Rus Uz - Arlington

4.1(579 reviews)

0.3 mi•Ballston

Great restaurant Those who want to taste Uzbek cook, i…read moregenuinely recommend this place, polite staff and amazing atmosphere

Was the only guy in the entire place for an early dinner. Have eaten ton of Russian and eastern…read moreblock food studying abroad. This place was very tasty, authentic fare, and cool ambiance. Give it a try outside the norm!

Plov - Very well seasoned and tender meat!

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Tablescape

Rooftop Recess

3.2(33 reviews)

1.2 mi

Drinks were good. The nice selection of appetizers. Highly recommend the brussel sprouts…read more I made a reservation for the top deck, but we ended up getting seated on the first level. We were kind of disappointed, but we still had a great time. They have a lot of screens on the first floor. Would love to go back and see the top level!

My daughter and I came to Arlington Virginia to spend the night and celebrate her 21st birthday…read more After looking at reviews on yelp, we decided to check out rooftop recess. What a fun place! We sat at the bar they had football games on the TVs. It took a minute for us to get waited on, but we decided to get an orange crush and a Moscow Mule. We enjoyed both. It did start to get busy and really loud in the restaurant, but it was Saturday night so it wasn't a dealbreaker. We ordered bang bang shrimp. They were full of flavor and nice and crispy. The only disappointment was that the server brought the food over with no plates or even offered utensils. Since it was so busy, I had to go to the hostess stand to get utensils in a napkin. We had another round of drinks and decided to go check out another bar. When we're back in the area, we will definitely go to rooftop recess.

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Bellini on the rooftop.

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Rooftop Bar

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51 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Mathew J.

171

4 months ago

The kitchen and bar at Carbonara are operating at a genuinely elite level. The service, unfortunately, was not for my experience. We walked in without a reservation -- fully expecting a wait. We were quoted 45 minutes for an outdoor table, accurate to the minute, and the host staff were efficient, warm, and communicative throughout. Once seated, we were placed near one of the outdoor standing flame heaters -- a thoughtful touch for a brisk evening that let us enjoy the patio without sacrificing comfort. We were quickly brought bread with two dipping sauces upon being seated, which was appreciated -- though notably, no butter was offered, which felt like an odd omission for a traditional Italian table. A small thing, but noticeable. The music was almost inaudibly quiet throughout the evening, working against the atmosphere. More throughout the night would have elevated the experience. Now, the drinks. I ordered the Turtle Cheesecake Espresso Martini from their Espresso Martini flight menu, and I'll be direct: at $17 it initially felt small for the price. But one sip changed that calculus immediately. The flavor profile was exceptional -- unmistakably made with real espresso, perfectly frothed, with a turtle cheesecake rim that was nothing short of inspired. This is a cocktail program that earns every dollar it charges. My friends' cocktails -- the La Vita È Bella and a lemonade -- were equally well-received. The bar backed up during our visit and our waiter proactively came to take our order while we waited for drinks, which was good communication and appreciated. When the food arrived, the portion sizes were genuinely stunning -- a striking contrast to the refined, smaller cocktail pours. The table-side carbonara, prepared in a hollowed Parmigiano Reggiano wheel rolled right to table, was a 10/10. The presentation alone is worth the visit, and the flavor backed it up completely -- rich, silky, and deeply satisfying. My friend's chicken parm, substituted with gnocchi instead of pasta, was equally impressive. The Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka, was a standout in its own right -- flavorful, well-balanced, and carrying a light heat that added dimension without overwhelming anyone at the table. It's the kind of spice level that keeps you going back for another bite rather than reaching for water. Every dish arrived beautifully presented, perfectly portioned, and executed with obvious care. We noticed the chef making rounds to check in with other tables -- a class move that reflects well on the kitchen culture here. Now, the server. This is where Carbonara has meaningful room to grow. From the moment he arrived at our table, there was no introduction, no offer to walk us through the menu, and no particular warmth. The service technically functioned -- drinks were eventually delivered, food came out, plates were cleared -- but it lacked any of the hospitality instinct that a restaurant of this caliber demands. When we finished eating, it took roughly 10 minutes before he recognized we were done. The check process was slow, and the handheld payment device auto-prompted tip options starting at 20% -- a setup that makes it socially awkward to leave less regardless of the service level, which is worth noting for transparency. We stayed well past our meal chatting and were never rushed out, which was genuinely gracious -- but the server never circled back to offer a cappuccino, digestif, or even a casual check-in. Given the quality of what Carbonara has to offer, that's a missed opportunity at every turn. One final note: it wasn't until the server handed over a Google review card at the end of the meal that we even learned his name. That detail says everything about the service arc of the evening. Carbonara is absolutely worth your time and money -- for the cocktails, for the table-side carbonara experience, and for a kitchen that is clearly operating with serious intention. Come for the food and bar. Come with the expectation that the front-of-house experience hasn't yet caught up. Meal type Dinner Price per person $60-70 Food: 5 Service: 2 Atmosphere: 4 Group size 1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people Seating type Indoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace, Booth seating, Counter seating Parking space Difficult to find parking Parking options Paid parking lot, Free street parking, Paid street parking read more

Vicent B.

119

2 years ago

Celebrated a friend's birthday here, and I have to say, it was a night to remember! We were lucky enough to have Sharron as our waitress, and she truly made the evening feel special. She was so attentive and personable, keeping the energy fun and lively the entire time. The best surprise? A free birthday cake for my friend! It was such a sweet touch and made the evening that much more memorable. We tried a mix of dishes, and each one was a treat. The Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka was super creamy, with a slight kick that balanced the richness, and the Chicken Parmigiana alla Vodka bites were crispy with just the right amount of sauce. If you're into Italian classics, this place has you covered. The complimentary bread and the little prosciutto skewer they give you at the start was a nice touch too, kind of setting the tone for a special meal. I also ordered the Zenzero cocktail, and it was exactly what I wanted--light, refreshing, and the perfect pairing with the food. One thing to note: the ambiance here can get a bit lively inside, so if you're looking for a quieter experience, definitely consider the outdoor seating. When we arrived on a Friday night, the restaurant was buzzing, which added to the fun, but sitting outside let us enjoy our own conversation without shouting. The bar area is tucked off to the right, making it feel cozy and more intimate if you just want to hang out with a drink. While there was a bit of a wait for our food and drink refills, the bartenders were always checking on us, and the complimentary charcuterie sampler they bring out when you first arrive kept us going in the meantime. Plus, I noticed that the portions are more than generous, so it's a perfect place to go with friends and share everything family-style. And after a night filled with amazing pasta and even better service, if you're looking to keep the good vibes rolling, definitely hit up Pull Up DC! It's a convenient way to keep the night going without worrying about parking or logistics, especially if you're looking to wind down somewhere local. Altogether, the evening was a win, and I can't wait to come back! read more

Said B.

5 months ago

If I could give this place a negative rating, I absolutely would. I visited with my wife and our two young daughters on Thursday around 5:15 pm., expecting a pleasant dinner. The restaurant was completely empty inside, while the outside seating area was about half full. We walked in and asked for a table for four and a highchair for my 2 1/2-year-old daughter. The staff looked at us in a way that made us feel very uncomfortable and unwelcome. They told us there were no tables available, despite me noticing five empty tables clearly visible in the dining area. When I pointed this out, the rude hostess dismissively replied, "No, these tables are reserved, and you can only sit outside." I was in shock at their blatant disrespect. This experience has made me decide that I will never return, nor will anyone in my entire network. It was arguably the most disgusting and humiliating encounter I've ever had at a restaurant. I've dined at numerous establishments that are far more family-friendly, including several Michelin-starred restaurants with excellent reputations. I will personally advise everyone I know to avoid bringing their families here or even stepping foot inside. The way customers are treated reflects a great deal about an establishment's integrity. Interestingly, I live just across the street from this place, which makes the experience even more disappointing. Instead, I went to Mia's in Old Town, which is much more accommodating and respectful towards families. This place, in contrast, is utterly disappointing and unprofessional. The fact that the manager was standing nearby and did nothing to address or stop this behavior speaks volumes. The restaurant presents itself as a fake, pretentious spot. I suggest you stay far away. Good luck. read more

Neil V.

Elite 26

122

4 months ago

A Birthday Celebration to Remember We celebrated my birthday at Carbonara with my wife and kids, and I can confidently say this was one of the best dining experiences we've had in the DC area. From start to finish, every detail was thoughtfully executed. We started with the mozzarella in carrozza -- absolutely outstanding. The vodka sauce paired with it was rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced. The burrata di mozzarella alla caprese was equally impressive -- incredibly fresh, the kind of dish that reminds you how good simple, quality ingredients can be. We rounded out our starters with the mixed greens salad, a nice, light contrast before the mains. For the pasta, we went with the spicy rigatoni alla vodka (the spice level was spot on, enough heat to be exciting without overwhelming) and the showstopper of the night: the bucatini carbonara prepared tableside. Watching it come together right in front of us was a genuine moment, and it tasted every bit as spectacular as it looked. Dessert elevated the evening even further. The tableside tiramisu, finished with freshly poured espresso and mascarpone, was honestly one of the best I've ever had. The tableside presentations throughout the meal made everything feel celebratory and special, perfect for a birthday. The service was warm, attentive, and genuinely pleasant without being intrusive. The atmosphere was lively and energetic, and at one point a singer walked through the restaurant performing Sinatra classics, a wonderful touch that had the whole room smiling. My kids loved it. Carbonara delivered on every level: incredible food, great ambiance, and service that made us feel like the evening truly mattered. We'll absolutely be back. read more

Elizabeth C.

2 years ago

Just over five days ago, my husband and I visited Carbonara for a date night. We were seated promptly and eagerly ordered our appetizer and entrees. The food was absolutely delightful, and our server, Ian, was both knowledgeable and attentive. However, just as our dessert arrived, my husband John suddenly fell ill. Ian quickly involved his manager, who immediately began administering first aid, fetching ice to help cool down my husband who was sweating profusely and fainting. The owner himself brought the ice and assuring me that everything would be alright. The manager stayed by our side for 15 minutes, showing immense concern not only for John's well-being but for mine as well. His calm and kind demeanor during such a stressful moment was truly overwhelming and brought me much-needed reassurance. After convincing me that calling 911 was the right decision, he continued to support us, ensuring we felt it was the best course of action. I cannot express how deeply grateful I am to everyone at the restaurant, especially the manager and the emergency services. I reached out to the manager the next day to update him on John's recovery at home following a diagnosis of severe dehydration and low blood sugar. We even offered a monetary thank you, to which he humbly responded that we should simply pay it forward. I am profoundly moved by the compassion and integrity of people like this manager. We will definitely return to Carbonara, not only for the exceptional food and drinks but also to give that wonderful manager a big, heartfelt hug. read more

Casey C.

2 years ago

Carbonara Italian Restaurant is an absolute gem! From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The menu is a culinary masterpiece, offering a wide array of authentic Italian dishes that are prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. Each bite is a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, leaving you craving more. The service at Carbonara is truly top-notch. The staff is attentive, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. They go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of. From recommendations to refills, they anticipate your needs before you even realize them yourself. But what truly sets Carbonara apart is the atmosphere. The ambiance is cozy yet elegant, with dim lighting and Frank Sinatra live music that create a relaxing and entertaining setting. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, Carbonara provides the perfect backdrop for any dining experience. In conclusion, Carbonara Italian Restaurant is a culinary haven that excels in every aspect. With delicious food, exceptional service, and a charming atmosphere, it is a true standout in the world of dining. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a memorable meal, Carbonara is a must-visit destination that will leave you planning your next visit before you've even finished your meal. read more

cherry h.

370

268

188

2 years ago

I recently visited Carbonara in Arlington, Virginia, with a large group of friends, and we had the pleasure of trying nearly every pasta dish on the menu. Each dish was a delightful experience, showcasing a perfect blend of authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. The creamy, rich Carbonara, the flavorful Bolognese, and the perfectly seasoned Pesto Pasta were standout highlights, leaving us all immensely satisfied. However, there was one hiccup during our otherwise excellent dining experience. At one point, a dish was mistakenly brought to our table and placed in front of me. Just as I was about to dig in, the server realized the mistake and took the dish back. While I understand that errors can happen, I felt that taking back a dish that had already been placed in front of a customer posed a potential health hazard. Despite this small issue, the overall experience at Carbonara was fantastic. The service was generally attentive, and the ambiance was perfect for a fun evening out with friends. If you're a fan of pasta and are looking for a place that delivers consistently delicious dishes, Carbonara is definitely worth a visit. Just keep an eye out for any mix-ups with your order! read more

Dan D.

2 years ago

A Memorable Birthday Celebration at Carbonara! We chose Carbonara in Arlington to celebrate my wife's birthday, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a perfect blend of cozy elegance that made the evening feel special. They even had a live singer and he was hitting all the Christmas classics. The staff was attentive and friendly, ensuring every detail of our celebration was flawless. They even went out of their way to make my wife feel celebrated, which was a thoughtful touch. Now, the food--wow! Of course, we had to try the signature carbonara, and it exceeded all expectations! The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the sauce was creamy, savory, and indulgent without being too heavy. Every bite was pure bliss. From appetizers to dessert, everything was impeccable. The tiramisu was the perfect sweet ending to a wonderful meal. If you're looking for a spot to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a fantastic meal, I highly recommend Carbonara. We'll definitely be back to relive this amazing experience. Thank you for making my wife's birthday so memorable! read more

Esther K.

789

2 years ago

Called this place on a Friday night to ask for availability and the hostess was very unhelpful... almost made me not wanna go but we went and even in person, she was less than helpful. "Um we have no seats" "Is there room at the bar?" "Um, you can go check" "... um where is it?" This was the gist of the conversation and it almost made me wanna leave. Got seated at the bar though it was very crowded/cramped. They had a live singer who was so talented!! but the sound system wasn't well set up. It was so loud where we were sat because they just had him hooked up to a single speaker that was supposed to echo through the entire restaurant. We ordered bacon covered shrimp, carbonara and linguine with clams. The linquine was excellent - would order again. The shrimp... I feel like I can very easily make at home. The appetizer selection left much to be desired. The carbonara is the one that comes tableside with the melting cheese wheel. The pasta was overcooked and there was too much alcohol added to the cheese wheel because by the time the pasta was on my plate, I could still taste the alcohol in the pasta. Overall, wouldn't go again. read more

Suwanit T.

Elite 19

238

846

2 years ago

We went to Carbonara on Christmas Day and were really disappointed by the experience. The restaurant was nearly empty at the time (around 2-3 pm), but they seated us in a cramped spot right next to what seemed like the kitchen or the bathroom -- it was a tiny walkway where I had to squeeze past people every time someone walked by. It was uncomfortable and felt like a poor choice considering the emptiness of the place. We also had to wait a long time for our food, despite the restaurant not being busy at all. Finally, as we were leaving, a guy who wasn't our server was standing right in front of the door, blocking our way. The lady at the cashier even asked him to move and open the door for us, but he just said he was "busy" and didn't bother to make way or help us out. It's just basic courtesy to give customers the space to exit, and it left a bad impression. On top of that, the food was disappointing and not fresh. Overall, the service and experience didn't meet expectations, and I doubt I'll be returning. read more

Monica E.

8 months ago

I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience was very disappointing. I visited this restaurant with four friends (five people total). From the beginning, our order was explained clearly, yet the service was very poor and disorganized. The server seemed confused, and instead of handling the situation professionally, it became uncomfortable. What truly crossed the line was when the food runner came to our table and said that the server did not understand our order because we don't speak English. This comment was extremely unprofessional, inappropriate, and offensive. It made my guests feel embarrassed and unwelcome. Language should never be used to stereotype or disrespect customers. Respect and clear communication are basic expectations in hospitality, especially in a diverse community. Unfortunately, this experience left us with a very bad impression, and I would not recommend this place unless there is serious staff training in professionalism and cultural sensitivity. read more

Hanaa E.

Elite 26 All-Star

107

226

2 years ago

I recently visited Carbonara and had a great experience overall. I loved the outdoor seating on the corner of the street, but since it was a sunny and hot day, I decided to sit at the bar. I don't drink, but the bar offered the perfect shaded view of the outdoors, so it worked out well. Taha, my server, was fantastic, super welcoming and helpful. He recommended the chicken parmesan pasta, which I decided to try. While the pasta itself was pretty standard, the chicken parmesan was outstanding! It had the perfect balance of crunchiness and tenderness, with just the right amount of cheese. The portion was generous enough to cover both lunch and dinner, and at $21, it was definitely a great deal. They also served focaccia bread with an olive paste and marinara sauce, which was fluffy and flavorful. I'll definitely be returning! read more

Danny M.

2 years ago

Dropped by Carbonara a few nights ago with a big group of 12 for a birthday celebration, and wow, it was fantastic from start to finish! The manager, Brian (pretty sure that's his name), greeted us with open arms and made us feel right at home, like we were part of the family. He was super fun, recommending some great dishes and really made our visit special. Brian also had a sweet spot for the kids, offering them kid-friendly options like spaghetti and meatballs and lasagna. Our server, Sharran, was incredibly polite and really sweet, recommended a delicious wine, and her playful banter with Brian kept us all laughing. The cocktails were killer, and the birthday tiramisu was out of this world. Carbonara is definitely at the top of our list for a return visit. Wish I could give it more stars! read more

Robert B.

2 years ago

I had the pleasure of being served by Sharron during my recent visit, and she truly made the dining experience exceptional! From the moment we were seated, Sharron was attentive, friendly, and incredibly professional. She had great knowledge of the menu and helped us make excellent choices, tailoring recommendations based on our preferences. Her positive attitude and attention to detail made all the difference, ensuring that everything arrived promptly and just as we ordered. Not only was she efficient, but she made us feel genuinely welcome and valued as customers. Sharron's warm and personable approach created an inviting atmosphere, making the meal all the more enjoyable. I would highly recommend asking for Sharron if you're dining here--you won't be disappointed! read more

Tom M.

4 months ago

"Carbonara in Arlington absolutely delivered. The atmosphere was upscale but still welcoming, and every dish looked as good as it tasted. The lobster pasta was rich, creamy, and packed with flavor -- the lobster was tender and the pasta cooked perfectly. The appetizers were just as impressive, especially the crispy bites topped with creamy filling and caviar that added a nice touch of luxury. Service was attentive throughout the night, and the presentation of each plate made the experience feel elevated without being overdone. Definitely a great spot for date night, birthdays, or just treating yourself to a quality Italian dinner. I'll definitely be back to try more from the menu." read more

Ramiro P.

2 years ago

My overall dining experience at this new Italian gem was fantastic! I took my family for dinner and we were greeted warmly and seated promptly. The ambiance is cozy yet elegant, with beautiful interior design, celebrating Italy. What truly stood out to me was their table-side cheese wheel service. The staff is attentive, friendly, and very knowledgeable regarding both the menu and wine selection. They made excellent recommendations and ensured that every aspect of the dining experience exceeded expectations. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an authentic taste of Italy paired with exceptional hospitality. read more

Maria C.

160

2 years ago

Brian the GM was incredibly hospitable. My boyfriend and I had an amazing dining experience at Carbonara. The restaurant had a welcoming atmosphere and elegant decor. The menu offered a variety of delicious dishes, we both had the chicken parmesan with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, beautifully presented and bursting with flavors. The service was exceptional, especially with Brian checking in on us, with attentive staff who provided recommendations and ensured a seamless experience. Overall, it was a remarkable evening with exquisite food, impeccable service, and a memorable ambiance. Highly recommended! read more

Kelly C.

Elite 26

119

116

327

2 years ago

Had a great time at Carbonara! It's a solid spot for Italian food. We kicked things off with the arancini and beef carpaccio--both were super tasty. For mains, we went with the chicken parmigiana Alla Vodka and their famous bucatini carbonara, which they make right at your table. It was such a fun experience, and the food was delicious. We also tried the Mama Mia and Ferrero Rocher martini, and both drinks hit the spot. The service was top-notch (shoutout to Boris for taking great care of us). The prices were fair, and the food was really good. Definitely planning to go back! read more

Megan H.

1 year ago

I've been coming to this restaurant since it's opened, and it used to be one of my favorites. The food is still undeniably good, but I'm really disappointed by the recent changes. Most noticeably, the chicken parm, which was always a generous two-piece portion, has now been reduced to just one piece and the price has gone UP. It's frustrating to see a place start prioritizing profit over value. It feels like they're taking advantage of the buzz, and it's made me rethink coming here. Great food or not, it's hard to enjoy a meal when you're paying more and getting less. read more

Roro A.

2 years ago

I had dinner here last night with a few friends and it was a great time. The service was great, constant touch points from the service staff clearing plates and cups as you move through the dinner. The interior is sleek and quaint. Now the food....it is delicious. Real Italian food from a legit chef. The red sauce is chef's kiss. The chicken parm is the biggest and most delicious one I have ever had. The apps and dessert options are plenty. This place is everything you want from an Italian place. Book asap because they are busy! read more

Carbonara - italian - Updated September 2026

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