Carbone

Getting a reservation at Carbone isn't just about securing a table—it's about entering one of New York's most theatrical dining experiences, where tuxedoed waiters perform tableside Caesar salads like Broadway actors and every plate arrives with the kind of ceremony usually reserved for state dinners. But first, you need to get through the digital gauntlet that is Resy at exactly 10 AM, 30 days in advance.

The Restaurant

Carbone is Chef Mario Carbone's love letter to the golden age of Italian-American dining, when Greenwich Village was dotted with red-sauce joints where Frank Sinatra might casually drop by for dinner. Since opening in 2013, this retro-glam temple has become the city's most coveted dining destination, transforming what could have been simple nostalgia into something genuinely spectacular.

The restaurant occupies a corner spot on Thompson Street that feels like stepping into a Martin Scorsese film. Dean Martin croons over the sound system, crystal chandeliers cast warm light over white tablecloths, and servers in perfectly pressed tuxedos move through the dining room with choreographed precision. This isn't just dinner—it's dinner theater at its most sophisticated.

Chef Carbone, who honed his skills at Locanda Verde and The Dutch, isn't interested in reinventing Italian-American cuisine so much as perfecting it. His "Carbone Italian" takes the comfort food of his childhood and elevates it through technique and presentation that borders on the obsessive. The result is a restaurant that feels both familiar and extraordinary, nostalgic yet thoroughly modern.

The clientele is a mix of celebrities, power brokers, and food lovers willing to pay premium prices for premium theater. Don't be surprised to spot a movie star at the next table—Carbone has become a reliable paparazzi destination. The dress code is enforced ("sufficiently well-presented" means no shorts, tank tops, or athletic wear), and the atmosphere skews formal. This is date night territory, or the kind of place where business deals get sealed over $45 veal chops.

What to Order

Carbone's menu reads like Italian-American greatest hits, but every dish is executed with fine-dining precision. The Spicy Rigatoni Vodka ($29) has achieved legendary status—a silky, luxurious take on the classic that somehow justifies its price tag through sheer perfection. The Caesar alla ZZ ($24) isn't just a salad; it's a performance, with servers preparing the dressing tableside with theatrical flourish.

The Lobster Fra Diavolo ($65) arrives dramatically aflame, while the Veal Parmigiana ($52) is a towering monument to Italian-American comfort food. Don't skip the appetizers—the Octopus Pizzaiolo ($26) and Bone Marrow ($18) are both exceptional starts to the meal.

For dessert, the Chocolate Cake ($16) is a rich, dense finale that pairs perfectly with espresso. The wine list leans heavily Italian, with options ranging from reasonable Chiantis to eye-watering Barolos. Expect to spend $150-200 per person for the full experience, not including wine.

The Drop Time

Carbone releases reservations exactly 30 days in advance at 10:00 AM ET sharp. This isn't a soft launch—at 9:59:59 AM, there are no tables. At 10:00:00 AM, there are tables. At 10:00:30 AM, prime time slots are likely gone.

The restaurant requires deposits: $25 per person for lunch, $50 per person for dinner. These deposits are applied to your final bill but are non-refundable if you cancel less than 12 hours before lunch or after 12 PM on the day of a dinner reservation.

You can book through Resy or email reservations@carbonenewyork.com, though the email route is generally slower and less reliable for prime slots.

What the Internet Says

The Carbone reservation game has spawned an entire ecosystem of tips and tricks on Reddit and social media. On r/FoodNYC, user @NYCFoodie2023 shares: "I've gotten Carbone reservations three times. The key is being logged in and ready at 9:58 AM. Don't refresh at exactly 10—wait until 10:00:05 and then refresh. Sometimes there's a slight delay."

Twitter user @ReservationHawk advises: "Carbone Tuesday and Wednesday nights are slightly easier than weekends. Also check around 5 PM daily—people cancel when they realize they can't afford the wine list."

From r/AskNYC, @VillageLocal notes: "The bar seats at Carbone are the same food but way easier to get. You can often walk in for bar seats even when the dining room is fully booked."

Several users report success with the cancellation route. As @CarboneRegular explains: "I check the app every Thursday around 5 PM. That's when a lot of cancellations happen for weekend reservations."

Pro Tips

• Be logged in and ready: Have your Resy account pulled up with payment information saved at 9:58 AM
• Flexible timing: Tuesday-Thursday nights have better availability than weekends
• Consider lunch: The lunch menu is abbreviated but the experience is similar with lower deposits required
• Check the bar: Bar seating often available for walk-ins, full menu available
• Watch for cancellations: Check Thursday evenings and Sunday nights for weekend cancellation releases
• Have backup dates: Be ready to book any available slot, not just your ideal time
• Email as backup: If Resy fails, immediately email reservations@carbonenewyork.com with multiple date options
• Dress appropriately: The dress code is strictly enforced—business casual minimum
• Budget accordingly: With deposits, drinks, and the general expense, plan for $200+ per person

Or Let Mise Handle It

While mastering the 10 AM Resy rush can be thrilling, it's also exhausting—and often unsuccessful. Mise's automated reservation service monitors Carbone's availability 24/7, instantly booking tables the moment they become available through releases, cancellations, or system updates.

Instead of setting alarms and frantically refreshing browsers, Mise users simply set their preferences and let the technology handle the hunt. Whether you're after that coveted 8 PM Saturday slot or a spontaneous weeknight dinner, Mise's system works around the clock to secure the reservations that make manual booking feel like a relic of the past.

Because life's too short to spend it refreshing Resy—especially when there's Spicy Rigatoni Vodka waiting on Thompson Street.