I dined at Carbone, the Italian restaurant beloved by Rihanna and the Kardashians, and I get why it's a celebrity hot spot

Rachel AskinasiJul 31, 2022, 17:33 IST

I dined like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian at Carbone in New York City.James Devaney/Contributor/Getty Images and Rachel Askinasi

Carbone is an NYC red-sauce joint made iconic by its celebrity clientele and spicy rigatoni.
From the Kardashian-Jenners to Rihanna and the Biebers, it's become a go-to dinner spot for stars.

Since its opening in 2013, Carbone has been a highly sought-after reservation.

The entrance to Carbone in Manhattan's West Village.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

The restaurant has received a stamp of approval from celebrities like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian.

Rihanna (left) and Kim Kardashian (right) are just two of many stars who have been spotted dining at Carbone.James Devaney/Contributor/Getty Images and Marc Piasecki/Contributor/Getty Images

The restaurant is located in Manhattan's West Village.

Carbone is just a short walk from Washington Square Park.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

Inside, the vibes are dark, cozy, and intimate.

The main dining room at Carbone.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

I was seated near the bar, which was a thing of beauty in itself.

The full bar at Carbone.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

Carbone is a white tablecloth restaurant in the most literal way.

The table was set beautifully.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

I was handed a menu that was definitely bigger than my torso and got to ordering.

The menu was large in size but not necessarily in offerings.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

The first thing that came to the table was complimentary antipasto.

Antipasto at Carbone included salumi, pickled cauliflower, bread, and cheese.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

I love baked clams, and I thought the chef's take on this dish was impressive.

A variety of baked clams at Carbone.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

The spicy rigatoni vodka and meatballs came out together, as they're supposed to be eaten simultaneously. I was a bit confused by that.

Spicy rigatoni vodka (left) and Mario's meatballs (right).Rachel Askinasi/Insider

After the pasta and meatballs were cleared from my table, the main event came out: veal parmesan.

Pounded veal parmesan at Carbone is cut using a pizza slicer.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

I'm glad I ordered a vegetable because this broccoli rabe was a sleeper hit.

Don't miss the veggies if you go to Carbone.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

Carbone ends their meals with complimentary rainbow cookies.

Complimentary rainbow cookies at Carbone.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

Overall, I had a great night — but I thought the food could have been better.

I had lots of leftovers to take home.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

I went to Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson's London date-night spot and had one of the best pastas I've ever tasted

Cookies on the Business Insider India website