Carbone (restaurant)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | United States, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia |
Key people | Major Food Group (management) |
| Products | Italian-American cuisine |
Carbone is a restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine, with its flagship location situated in Manhattan's Greenwich Village as well as additional sites elsewhere. The establishment is managed by Major Food Group, the same company behind ZZ's Clam Bar. Launched in 2013, Carbone took over the space formerly occupied by the historic Rocco Restaurant, which had been in operation for 90 years. Founders Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi crafted the menu, interior design, and overall ambiance to evoke the style of mid-20th century Italian eateries that were once a staple in New York City.
History
Prior to opening Carbone, the founders ran Torrisi Italian Specialties, a deli, along with Parm, a sandwich shop. Their development process involved extensive visits to various Italian dining establishments throughout New York City before debuting Carbone.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York City Carbone location shifted to offering take-out services, which led to congested areas outside due to delivery personnel and patrons waiting. By April 2021, the restaurant ceased take-out and delivery operations. In late 2020, an outdoor dining enclosure was introduced; this structure was weather-resistant and designed to complement the restaurant’s interior aesthetic.
A legal dispute arose when Carbone's Fine Food and Wine in Dallas filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Major Food Group following the opening of a Carbone location there. The claim centered on alleged unauthorized use of Barsotti family trademarks on sauces sold in retail outlets. The lawsuit was eventually withdrawn, with settlement details not publicly revealed.
In June 2024, Carbone was one of several New York City eateries subjected to armed robberies involving firearms.
Locations
The second Carbone venue debuted in 2015 inside the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Subsequently, a Miami branch opened in January 2021, followed by an establishment in Hong Kong. In November 2023, Carbone expanded its presence to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Plans are underway for a new site named Carbone Riviera at Bellagio (resort) Las Vegas, scheduled to launch in fall 2025.
Reputation and ratings
In 2013, The New York Times food critic Pete Wells awarded Carbone three stars out of four. The restaurant received a Michelin star for the 2014 New York City guide but lost this distinction by 2022. Known for attracting a high-profile clientele, Carbone’s popularity among celebrities is often showcased on the Instagram page DeuxMoi.