Via Carota — Restaurant in New York

Nestled in the heart of the West Village, Via Carota effortlessly blends rustic charm with culinary brilliance, creating an unforgettable dining experience that deserves every bit of its five-star rating.

Ambiance and Decor: From the moment you step through the doors, Via Carota transports you to a cozy, rustic Italian trattoria. The warm wooden furnishings, exposed brick walls, and an eclectic mix of vintage decor create an inviting atmosphere that feels both timeless and contemporary. Soft lighting and the hum of lively conversation add to the intimate yet vibrant ambiance.

Service Experience: The service at Via Carota is impeccable. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. From offering insightful recommendations to ensuring that each dish arrives at the perfect moment, their dedication to providing a top-notch dining experience is evident.

Food and Drinks: Via Carota’s menu is a celebration of seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, prepared with authentic Italian techniques. Here's what I recommend:

Starters: Carciofi alla Giudia: These perfectly crispy artichokes are a must-try. Delicately fried, they offer a delightful crunch while retaining their tender heart. Insalata Verde: A simple yet vibrant green salad, bursting with freshness and dressed in a perfectly balanced vinaigrette.

Main Courses: Cacio e Pepe: This classic Roman pasta dish is executed to perfection at Via Carota. The handmade pasta, coated in a creamy and peppery Pecorino Romano sauce, is comfort food at its finest. Pollo al Forno: The oven-roasted chicken is succulent and flavorful, served with a side of seasonal vegetables that complement the dish beautifully.

Signature Dish: Lasagna Verde: This standout dish features layers of delicate spinach pasta, rich béchamel, and a hearty meat ragu, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is simply divine.

Desserts: Tiramisu: Light and airy, yet decadently rich, this tiramisu offers the perfect ending to a meal, with its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream. Olive Oil Cake: Moist and fragrant, this cake is subtly sweet and pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed espresso.

Drinks: Negroni: A classic Italian cocktail, perfectly balanced and expertly crafted, making it an ideal aperitif. Wine Selection: Via Carota boasts an impressive wine list, featuring both well-known and rare Italian varietals. The sommelier’s recommendations are spot-on, enhancing the flavors of each dish.

Overall Impression: Via Carota delivers an exceptional dining experience that marries rustic charm with culinary finesse. The meticulous attention to detail, from the thoughtfully curated menu to the warm and inviting decor, creates a setting that is perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. Each dish is a testament to the chefs’ dedication to quality and tradition, making Via Carota a must-visit destination for anyone seeking authentic Italian cuisine in New York City.

Rating: ★★★★★

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Via Carota promises a dining experience that will leave a lasting impression. Highly...

Best pasta I had so far. Service can be better. Atmosphere and the room layout is great.

It is the first place that I went and not felt like squished by the people and by the tables and chairs. A lot more space compared to its sister I Sodi. However, similar to I Sodi, you have to pay for the bread, but Via Carota’s bread looked sliced and better (didn’t order but our neighbors did).

Appetizer: Carote, carrots done to perfection. It is a cold-dish and felt almost like a dessert. The colored carrots are cooked well inside yet shape is still intact. It resulted the texture into kind of “not-mushed” mushed potato texture. When paired with creamy yogurt, aromatic olive oil, and roasted pistachios, the carrots are elevated to another level: no kidding, it tastes significantly different with and without the yogurt and pistachios.

Pastas: Tonnarelli cacio pepe, best one I had so far. It can be very filling if you have too much. It is creamy from the cheese, butter, and spices from the pepper. The pasta is cooked to wonderful al dente. Not the best metaphor but pasta’s texture is similar to a thinner udon: a bit chewy, slightly slippery, clingy with the cheesy peppery sauce, really yummy.

To counterbalance, we also had papparedelle wild boar ragu. I taste red wine reduction in the sauce and there are big chunks of wild boar meat pieces. The pieces are not sausage like, but rather stringy. The thick papparedella can catch a lot of sauce, but I had to pick out the meat to eat as they cannot be caught on the pasta noodles.

Dessert: I always believe that there is minimum threshold of how bad a tiramisu can be in an Italian restaurant. I was choosing between tiramisu and zabaione, and ended up going with tiramisu. The cake layer (I cannot even tell if they are lady fingers) are soaked with expresso but I don’t taste any alcohol. The ratio of cream and mascarpone to soggy layer is not correct in my opinion (it is very subjective I guess). The cream and mascarpone mixture was fine, it is more on the creamy and dense side than airy side. I am versatile with the whipped cream to mascarpone ratio, as long as it is too off that makes it hard to swallow.

Overall, I loved the carrots and the Tonnarelli cacio pepe. The only complain I had is with the receptionist: I knew it is a very popular restaurant, but it bothers me a bit when the receptionist stood behind our table and start arranging tables when we are still there. It felt a bit weird as he was trying to get us going faster (all personal feelings, probably I am too sensitive).

Anyway, their lunch and dinner menu looked similar, not sure I wanna come to dinner again but definitely want to try the zabaione if I...

Via Carota does not need an introduction. This place had been on my list to go places for a while but was always discouraged with the long line in the front and the daunting process of the waitlist. Turns out the line never takes long if you are with good company and there are a bunch of places nearby that you can grab a quick drink at.

Now about the restaurant itself! This Italian gem is a testament to the artistry of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the passion for authentic flavors.

From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in an atmosphere that whispers of rustic charm and modern elegance. The ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience, whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a night out.

Let's talk about the food—prepare your taste buds for a journey. The menu, crafted with meticulous care, showcases the bounty of each season. Every dish bursts with vibrant colors and bold flavors that speak of the freshest produce and finest ingredients. Whether you're indulging in homemade pasta delicately draped in rich sauces or savoring perfectly grilled seafood, each bite is a revelation.

But it's not just about what's on your plate; it's the seamless symphony of service that enhances every aspect of your visit. The staff at Via Carota is a delight, blending professionalism with warmth. They anticipate your needs with grace, ensuring your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.

And let's not forget the drinks! The bar here is a playground for mixologists who craft cocktails that are as stunning as they are delicious. Sip on a refreshing spritz or delve into a meticulously curated wine list that complements every dish on the menu.

In essence, Via Carota is more than just a place to eat; it's a celebration of Italian culinary tradition infused with a contemporary flair. Whether you're a connoisseur of fine dining or simply someone who appreciates good food done right, this is the place for you.

So, gather your friends, book a table, and prepare to be transported. Be prepared for a feast that will linger in your memory long after the last...