Cult Italian Restaurant Carbone Releases a New Book
Carbone NYC
NEW YORK CITY
THE ORIGINAL
Carbone is one of the most celebrated Italian restaurants in America and a quintessential New York City dining experience. Located on historic Thompson Street, the original location features charismatic service, captains sporting tuxedos by Zac Posen, artworks by the likes of Julian Schnabel, and a menu filled with signatures inspired by the culinary history of Little Italy.
CHEF MARIO CARBONE
Growing up in Queens, New York, Chef Mario Carbone was steeped in two approaches to Italian cuisine: the northern elegance preserved by his maternal grandparents and the Sicilian abbondanza that defined his father’s side of the family. His future path was always clear.
After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Carbone spent a year in Italy that deeply connected his connection to his roots—immersing himself in the flavors, techniques, and traditions that would inspire his cooking and his identity.
Carbone’s cooking remains rooted in the Italian classics of his childhood, emphasizing top-quality ingredients and honoring the traditions of a bygone era.
THE STORY
In 2013, Chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi and fellow Major Food Group co-founder Jeff Zalaznick set out to create an Italian-American restaurant for the modern era: glamorous, fun, and dedicated to the highest standards of cuisine and hospitality.
Down on historic Thompson Street, after moving into the former home of the classic red sauce restaurant Rocco, they found their opportunity.
Today, the words Carbone glow in neon over the original Rocco sign, honoring the neighborhood’s past while welcoming guests to an electric atmosphere where many of the captains from day one oversee the “anything-can-happen” experience.
THE DESIGN
The design of the original Carbone blends old-world glamour with contemporary sophistication, reflecting the restaurant's Italian-American roots. Designer Ken Fulk drew inspiration from mid-century New York and classic Italian style, creating a timeless space that evokes the elegance of a vintage 1950s or 1960s restaurant. The rich palette of burgundy leather banquettes, gold accents, polished wood, and marble fosters an intimate, welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by soft art deco lighting. Vintage and contemporary artworks, including retro Italian movie posters and framed photos, infuse the space with character, adding nostalgic warmth and a sense of lived-in luxury.
“It is a fancy red-sauce joint as directed by Quentin Tarantino, bringing back the punch-in-the-guts thrills of a genre that everybody else sees as uncultured and a little embarrassing, while exposing the sophistication that was always lurking there. The restaurant has a technical prowess that can make you giddy and an instinct for sheer entertainment...”
THE NEW YORK TIMES
MAJOR FOOD GROUP
Founded a decade ago by Jeff Zalaznick, Chef Mario Carbone, and Chef Rich Torrisi, Major Food Group has consistently delivered the most celebrated, innovative, and exciting culinary experiences in the world. Together, the three visionary leaders deliver exceptional, delicious food and hospitality concepts that delight guests, define categories and, while creating distinguishable sense of place in every city, establish new standards for the industry.
While each brand this creative team brings to life is distinct, they all reflect MFG’s refined, celebratory, and thoroughly contemporary approach to its craft.
HOURS & INFORMATION
181 Thompson Street
(between Bleecker & Houston)
New York, NY 10012
Lunch
Tuesday - Sunday
11:30am - 2:00pm
Dinner
Monday - Sunday
5:00pm - 11:30pm
Dress Code
Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion. Any
guest who does not appear sufficiently well-presented may be refused entry. No shorts, open-toed shoes, or tank tops. Athletic wear and baseball caps are kindly prohibited.
Please note, reservations for Carbone can be made directly through our website, authorized reservation platforms such as Resy, Opentable or Dorsia, or by contacting our restaurant teams via email at reservations@carbonenewyork.com. We cannot guarantee the validity of reservations made through any other channels and hereby disclaim all liability in connection with your use of unauthorized channels to book a reservation. If you are not sure whether a reservation is valid or have any questions related to making a reservation, please contact us at reservations@carbonenewyork.com.
