Via Carota
Write A Review
"Amazing service"
Miles was amazing! I visited the other day and tried the Insalata Verde—absolutely delicious. Miles recommended it and was incredibly helpful throughout the experience. On top of that, he’s knowledgeable about cocktails and just an all-around great presence. Via Carota is lucky to have him, and I have no doubt he has a bright future ahead in whatever he pursues.
"Delicious food and drinks, but less than ideal first impression"
Via Carota delivers excellent food and drinks — we ordered the roasted beet salad, cacio e pepe, truffle pasta (special), and tiramisu, all of which were outstanding, complemented by two great Italian reds and a divine Negroni Chinato. Sitting at the bar was a highlight as the bartender, who also served us, was warm and engaging, and the overall service was very good. However, the dinner rush is intense, so arriving early and registering your name is essential. We were told to expect a 45-minute wait for bar seating, but just 10 minutes later I received a text that our table was ready, with only a 10-minute hold and a requirement that the entire party be present. Luckily, we were close by, but this unpredictable system can be stressful, especially since the restaurant is nearly impossible to reach by phone, as even my AMEX travel team confirmed. Lunch is said to be calmer, so that may be a better option. Improvements would include offering more reservation slots (their website notes Resy availability 30 days in advance, though this has not been consistent) and being easier to contact for last-minute updates. Despite the hectic system, the food and atmosphere will bring us back, though we hope for a smoother reservation and walk-in experience in the future.
"Overrated. Bad/regular food."
I ordered the tagliatelle with prosciutto and parmigiano, but it was overcooked and almost falling apart. The sauce had an artificial taste and was overwhelmed by too much nutmeg, resembling a bechamel rather than a balanced pasta sauce. We were seated outside, but the heater was uncomfortably hot, and when we asked to lower it, we were told they’d have to turn off the lights. Whether it was just an unlucky choice or the restaurant in general, I found the experience overrated and will not be returning.
"Good food. Bad service."
On our first business trip to New York, we asked the concierge for a lunch recommendation, and Via Carota was among the suggestions. The concierge called ahead for a 2 p.m. reservation, and we were told to simply walk in at that time. As a party of two, we were seated promptly and began with aperitifs. The restaurant itself is charming, but the tables are packed closely together, making private conversation difficult, and the acoustics are quite noisy. Our server, unfortunately, was not particularly welcoming. We specifically mentioned we didn’t want to rush lunch, yet the dishes arrived hurriedly, one on top of the other, before we could finish the previous course. We ordered three appetizers, two verdures, the Branzino, and the steak special, accompanied by a bottle of Etna Rosso, Sicily 2024 ($130). While the food was well-prepared and flavorful, the pacing of service felt rushed and inconsiderate. When we declined dessert and cappuccinos for the moment, our server immediately brought the check—$395 plus tax—and told us the table was needed. Her attitude came across as dismissive and arrogant, which left a poor impression. Overall, while the food was enjoyable, the service cast a shadow over the entire experience. If you want to try Via Carota’s dishes, consider takeout—you won’t risk feeling like an inconvenience to your server.
"Beautiful restaurant, food nothing special"
The restaurant has a great location with a beautifully designed, cozy interior that makes for a pleasant atmosphere. We visited for a weekday lunch and were seated right away without any wait. Unfortunately, the menu wasn’t very appealing to our group, and while we each ordered something, the pasta dishes we tried were not particularly memorable. Considering the quality, we found the meal a bit overpriced overall.
"Mediocre at best"
I don’t know how anyone gets a reservation at this restaurant — there’s no OpenTable or Resy link on the website, and no phone number to call. The site says walk-ins are welcome, but in reality, that means you’ll likely be seated in their coat and wine storage area, which is the absolute worst location for dining. At 7:30 pm we were told nothing was available until 10:30 pm. The hostess was unfriendly and didn’t even hand us a menu. About 15 minutes later, someone eventually dropped off a crumpled paper menu with the odd comment, “Are you ready for your check?” Another 15 minutes passed before water was served and we could place our order. We ordered fried olives, grilled artichokes, pasta with Parmesan and prosciutto, and pappardelle with ragù. The only decent dishes were the artichokes and the ragù, though even those were mediocre. The fried olives were rock-hard and unappetizing. The “pasta with Parmesan” had no Parmesan at all, way too much nutmeg, and a few low-end slices of prosciutto tossed on top. Both pasta dishes were overcooked. We’ve eaten here once before for lunch and had a better experience, but dinner was disappointing from start to finish. The table next to us also voiced dissatisfaction with their food. I’m giving 3 stars only because the service itself was polite and attentive, but we won’t be coming back.
"Great spot if you can get in"
Like many popular New York spots, Via Carota relies on Resy for reservations, but their limited releases are nearly impossible to snag—often flipping to “Notify” the moment booking opens. Since they primarily operate as a walk-in restaurant, I opted to line up about 15 minutes before their 11 am opening and was first in line. The queue quickly grew, and thanks to a seasoned diner, we organized ourselves properly. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with tables and bar space, and it filled up fast. Service was attentive at first but slowed as the crowd thickened. Part of a celebrated group of West Village restaurants by Rita Sodi and Jody Williams, Via Carota is among the hardest to get into, along with nearby I Sodi. For my meal, I ordered grilled artichokes with aioli, the daily special stracci al pesto genovese, fried rabbit, and a raspberry crostata. Everything was flavorful, but the artichokes and pasta stood out as favorites, while I noticed many diners going for the anchovy bruschetta, the towering insalata verde, and the massive grilled vegetable platter. There are plenty of dishes I’d love to try on a future visit, though I’m not sure I’d endure hours-long waits—early lunch or late afternoon “linner” seems like the sweet spot.
"Via Carota- West Village Italian Done Right"
This was my second visit to Via Carota, and it once again proved why it’s my favorite Italian spot in the West Village. The rustic, cozy atmosphere instantly pulls you in, setting the stage for a memorable meal. We came prepared this time with a reservation for four—highly recommend, since sharing plates is the best way to experience the menu. Standouts included the Tonno e Fagioli, where fresh tuna and creamy Tuscan beans balanced beautifully with Calabrian chili; the Piselli salad, which somehow turned green peas into the star of the show; the Stracci, a handmade pasta tossed in pesto that was subtle, earthy, and comforting; and the Tagliatelle, elegant in its simplicity with a generous snowfall of Parmigiano. The Polipo was tender and full of flavor, while the Carciofi Crudi—a raw artichoke salad—was unique but not quite to my taste. I skipped the Pappardelle, but my table devoured it, so I trust it was just as good as the rest. Every dish feels crafted with care and passion, thanks to chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi, whose love for food (and each other) shines through every bite. Even as someone who isn’t usually a die-hard Italian food fan, Via Carota wins me over every time.
"8.5/10"
Overall, I’d rate my experience at Via Carota an 8.5/10. The insalata e acciughe ($21) was decent at 7/10, while the polpette ($29) fell a bit flat at 6/10. The standout of the night was definitely the pollo alla griglia ($29), which was a perfect 10/10. Drinks were also strong—my Sbagliato cocktail ($17) scored a 9/10. For dessert, the zabaione was enjoyable at 7.5/10, though the semifreddo was less impressive at 6/10. The total bill came to $140 plus tip. In terms of value, I’d give it a 6/10—expensive but somewhat justified given the location, which earns a 10/10 for its charm in the heart of the West/Greenwich Village. Service was another highlight, with friendly, attentive staff deserving a solid 9/10.
"Fabulous Italian restaurant in Greenwich Village"
Our NYC friends swore this Greenwich Village spot was the best Italian restaurant in the city, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We kicked things off with the piselli salad, followed by octopus that was hands-down the best we’ve ever had, and a prosciutto and pea tagliatelle that was simply outstanding. They don’t take reservations, so plan to go early or be ready for a wait—but trust me, it’s well worth it.
"Via Carota"
I’d been meaning to get to Via Carota for weeks, especially after the buzz when Taylor Swift dined here and prices seemed to creep up. On a Friday at 11:45 a.m., I decided to give it a shot. Even then, there was still a 45-minute wait—a familiar feeling. We passed the time at Bar Pisellino across the street (their hot chocolate is outstanding, by the way) before finally getting the text an hour later that our table was ready. The first thing I did was order an Aperol Spritz before I even sat down. While tasty and refreshing, I wish it had been served in a wine glass rather than the heavier glassware it came in. For food, we ordered prosciutto (excellent), the famous Insalata Verde (a must), arancini (good), and wild boar ragù (surprisingly disappointing). The meal was fine overall, but not worth the hype or the wait. Charging $3 for bread and olive oil felt unnecessary too. In the end, I left underwhelmed. The buzz, the lines, and the anticipation set the bar higher than the food could reach. I’ve had better Italian meals elsewhere in the city. The crown is heavy, indeed.
"Pasta Perfection at Via Carota"
I came to Via Carota on a friend’s recommendation, and I couldn’t be happier that I did. The food — especially the pasta — was absolutely outstanding. Every dish was beautifully simple yet full of flavor, showcasing top-quality ingredients prepared with care. The pasta was perfectly cooked, with sauces that struck a balance between rustic comfort and refined elegance. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite. I’ll definitely be returning!
Via Carota
Rustic Italian in the West Village, beloved for its cozy vibe and beautifully done simple dishes (pasta, antipasti, etc.), excellent for intimate dinners
Address
51 Grove St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Website
http://viacarota.com/
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
N/A