Carbonara Trattoria — Restaurant in Dunwoody

I’m a New York City born and raised Italian American grandma. I was visiting Atlanta this past week for my son’s birthday (8/29/23) and we went to dinner at his favorite restaurant: Carbonara Trattoria in Dunwoody. If you haven’t tried this restaurant before, you should…the food was phenomenal! Based on our experience, I can’t imagine you would be disappointed in the food. My son and daughter-in-law have been here many times and say the food has been great every time…that’s why we went there for his birthday!! The drinks were delicious and the wait staff was very attentive as well.

For an appetizer, we had fried calamari which was made with a different type of breading than I am used to getting in New York…this was a little crunchier almost like it had crusty Italian bread in the mix (not as much as Panko). It was just the right amount of “crunch”…I loved it! It was a nice change. The calamari was cooked perfectly too…not rubbery at all! My son and daughter-in-law also shared the Carbonara salad which had strawberries and goat cheese and said it was delicious.

For the entrees, my son ordered a rib-eye steak on mashed potatoes, my daughter-in-law had Rigatoni made with sausage and eggplant, and I had Chicken Piccata over risotto. We all loved our meals. My son said his steak was cooked to perfection and my chicken was perfectly cooked too and the flavor was just out of this world! I actually used some leftover bread to wipe my plate clean so I got every last drop of piccata sauce!! It was just so DELICIOUS! The risotto was a nice addition I am not used to getting in NY.

For dessert, I ordered Tiramisu (my favorite dessert) and requested a scoop of coconut gelato. I know they don’t “go” together, but I love both and it’s been years since I had coconut gelato. The gelato was delicious but the Tiramisu was INCREDIBLE!!! Here in NY, many restaurants are now serving Tiramisu in a SMALL dessert bowl so you know it was made in advance and it just isn’t very exciting anymore. It’s been years since I was served a PIECE of Tiramisu like I was served here. I was pleasantly surprised. It tased as delicious as it looked and I ate it very slowly to enjoy every delicious bite! I can’t believe how good it was!

Kudos to the chef and his staff. Everything I ate was simply delicious!! This was probably the best overall meal I have had in a long time. Go to Carbonara Trattoria…you...

From the minute you walk in you are greeted with family owned and operated warmth that so many restaurants are missing these days. Most nights, the owner(s) are personally greeting all guests with a warm welcoming smile and kind word, and are there to escort you to the door when you leave. Most patrons have been coming here for many years and make this a weekly regular dining experience. The cozy bar area is a touch livelier than the main dining room, and it does have a tv for sports fans! The quaint outside white tablecloth dining is also an option and is perfectly candlelit for ambiance - you feel very much of an Italy vibe!! The menu has a great selection of true Italian cuisine. From the beet salad to the chicken piccata to the lasagna, the chicken parm, the fish dishes, steak - yes, the steak is amazing, the list goes on and on, and oh the Key Lime Pie!! Always served promptly, hot, fresh and delicious. Excellent wine list (and by the glass), and Sunday and Wednesday 1/2 off bottle specials. Always a generous pour; wine and cocktails! Also, a great curated cocktail menu! The staff remembers your name and your preferences, and they are always eager to make your meal just how you want it -will make little tweaks if desired and as needed. Professional, friendly, timely and attentive service, always. The general feel at Carbonara Trattoria --- it makes you feel like home! To Rafik and Pat, along with all the staff - thank you for the wonderful meals and fun times, and the special care you give to me and my Millie (greenbeans) !!! I highly recommend - be sure to make a reservation as they fill up...

I visited this restaurant today with my girlfriend to celebrate our 8th anniversary. We were excited to try the highly recommended Italian food, but unfortunately, our experience was extremely disappointing.

Despite having a reservation, we waited an hour for our food. Our waiter was inattentive and disappeared for long periods. When we finally saw him again, he told us our order had been mistakenly given to another table and that they were making new dishes for us. His tone was indifferent and unapologetic, adding insult to injury. He told us "I guess I'll throw in a comp dessert or something"... insanely unprofessional. Additionally, he pointed out the couple that our meals were given to, and they were already finishing their food at that point. Which means not only was the food given to the wrong people, but he didn't even realize, correct the mistake, or notify us of the wait until much later.

Other diners who arrived after us received their meals while we continued to wait. When we decided we’d had enough and asked for the check, the waiter casually acknowledged our situation without a sincere apology.

While we were not charged for anything, the lack of service and respect for our time ruined what was supposed to be a special evening. We had to leave and find another restaurant to salvage our celebration. Ended up at Sugo and had a stellar time. I recommend that much much more.

Overall, this was one of the worst dining experiences we’ve had. We won’t be returning, and we advise others to consider our experience before choosing this restaurant....