The best italian place in Arlington! The service, the food and the drinks were all top notch. It's like dinner and a show, would goa agin tomorrow if I lived in the area. Make a reservation because they were Al booked up. We could only get a 4:30 pm dinner reservation on a Tuesday The Ferrero rocher espresso martini was good but I would just go for the normal one if I went again The service was great they put on a show and filled the waters as soon as you took some sips read more

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We only got a 9pm reservation. Would have loved to have gone about 7:30 or 8pm. When the 3 of us showed up, there were at least 10 empty tables. Maybe they don't have the staff? Service by Mo was attentive. The bread and sauce and olive tapenade were delicious. We decided to split the clams, arancini (which all Italian restaurants will be judged), and the burrata. For my main I got the bucatini carbonara table side. Clams chewy. Arancini ok. Burrata good but tomatoes meh. Carbonara ok. This is much more typical Italian American rather than Italian food one would have in Italy. Desserts were good. I got the ice cream. All portions were generous. I think this place will be a hit. read more

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This was our first time dining at Carbonara, and it certainly won't be our last. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with live music that added a wonderful energy to the evening. Our server provided exceptional service--attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. The food was truly the star of the night. We tried the Bolognese, Bucatini, and Pappardelle--each dish was rich, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. We also couldn't resist the espresso martini flight, which was both fun and delicious--a great way to sample a few variations. For dessert, we shared the chocolate cake and a cheese selection--both were decadent and beautifully presented. If you're a fan of authentic Italian cuisine, craft cocktails, and a charming ambiance, Carbonara is absolutely worth a visit. read more

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Their espresso martinis are wonderful. I got the s'mores and the ferror Roche. We got the Aracini, the rigatoni, the tortellini, and the gnocchi chicken Parm. The chicken Parm was great and the quality of the rigatoni was to die for. Overall great experience, wonderful staff, and the live music was wonderful. Give this place a try! read more

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Fantastic dinner experience. Our food was delicious. It was a bit hard to get a reservation, but glad we found one. Service was excellent. Bread with dipping sauce and muffaletta was a plus for the table. Portions were large. Didn't have any desert, but from what I saw, it all looked great. Not a huge place inside but they have outside seating available. read more

This place lives up to the reviews Hubby surprised me with lunch reservations here for our anniversary! The place was super cute, our server, Nayeli was so nice and very helpful with wine suggestions. We ended up with the rinaldini lambrusco, we liked it so much I'm ordering a bottle tonight! I ordered the spinach agnolotti, hubby had the baked zitti, and we shared a plate the brussels. Everything was soo good and prices wasn't bad at all for what we got. We will definitely we back! read more

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The food and service were top tier! From the moment we came in, the staff was friendly and attentive. It was the perfect balance of attentiveness, too. Our server, Julia, knew the menu to a tee, had great personal recommendations, and made sure that we were well taken care of. We never would have guessed she was new. Will definitely be coming back! read more

Carbonara - Mixed green salad with dressing and cheese on the side, with added shrimp for protein. - Italian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Carbonara is the perfect addition to the Ballston neighborhood! The food is consistently delicious. I have been there three times and everything I've ordered from the carbonara to the flatbread has been a delight! Highly recommend for fast Italian food in Nova. On top of good food carbonara has excellent service! Ashton was the best waiter! He was super attentive, patiently answered our a million and one questions, and made sure that we had the best experience! During our time at the restaurant, a man had a medical emergency and had to be taken by ambulance. Staff were extremely caring ensuring that the party in distress had everything they needed during that scary moment. Definitely reflective of the type of people that work at carbonara. Only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is where we were seated was a little chaotic. It was right in front of the bathroom and waiter stand. Several things were spilled, the live music was a little loud and made it difficult to hear conversation at the table. Overall ambience isn't always my favorite, but good food and service definitely help boost my experience. read more

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I don't know if I want to be a technologist or a food critic sometimes. Tonight at Carbonara in Arlington reminded me why. This was the most authentic Italian meal I've had since living in Naples for three and a half years. Real flavor. Real craft. The kind of experience that stops you mid-conversation. And here's the truth: AI isn't threatening this. Not the flavor. Not the timing. Not the humanity behind a great meal. Eddie and the entire crew made it feel effortless. Great people. Precise execution. A level of pride you can taste. People need to check this place out. But get in line. December is almost booked already. You either make a reservation or take your chances trying to find a seat at the bar. Plan ahead and reserve your spot today. Sharing a few photos and videos because they earned it. read more

Carbonara - The front door - Italian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Finally got a reservation at Carbonara and it did not disappoint! The service was excellent- quick and kind. I swear our water glasses never went under half full. We ordered the famous chicken parm and the orecchiette as entrees. For dessert we had the pistachio and ricotta cake. Everything was delicious and we had plenty for leftovers! The tables were a little close together but overall a nice vibe! read more

Carbonara - CHICKEN PARMIGIANA ALLA VODKA ORECCHIETTE - Italian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Carbonara has gone viral for their tableside dishes, and for me, it definitely lived up to the hype. The restaurant is on the smaller side, but the service was really nice and accommodating. You can tell the food is made fresh, and everything tasted great. I'd definitely recommend checking them out! read more

Carbonara - MOZZARELLA IN CARROZZA - Italian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

First, three stars is not a bad review (see my past comments on Yelp star inflation), especially for a new restaurant and our first visit. We believe that this is a nice addition to Ballston with clear potential. I do think a big reason that Carbonaro is so busy is that Ballston has a shortage of decent table-service restaurants. Service is kind and attentive (but based on our visit servers and support staff are very inexperienced). We are always looking for more of a knowledgeable shepherd to guide us who understands the menu and wine than just someone to take an order and bring the food. On this past visit, the winning dish for us was the fettucine posillipo. For the price, the quality was good. It had a nice amount heat to bring out the seafood. Also, the marinara sauce was mild enough not to overpower the seafood. Finally, the seafood was generous. For the wine, we had a bottle of the Montecore Primitivo Puglia. Since we had a plate of meats (charcuterie) for our antipasti, a marinara-based pasta dish, and the veal marsala, the primitivo was a nice compromise. We agreed at $49 that the bottle was a fair value. At this price point, we do not expect the moon, and it was a nice balance of fruit and a little earth working best with the cold cut starter (although the "Antipasto Misto for Two" was not our favorite). For the total value analysis, considering food/ wine quality, service, and price, we think Carbonara is a fair value. We ordered the antipasto misto for two, the fettuccine posillipo, the veal marsala, and a bottle of the Montecore Primitivo Puglia. The total price with tax and 20% tip (for effort) was $197.60. We are not quite ready to add this to our regular rotation of restaurants, but it was a decent experience and possibly worth another visit to test the waters. It may take a little time to see if the service kinks untangle. read more

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Amazing new restaurant! Came here for my birthday on a Tuesday night and the place was packed. The atmosphere of the restaurant is beautiful and well thought out, and the service was top-notch. We got a sample of prosciutto while walking to our table, and were served bread and dips immediately. We ordered the calamari to start and the portion was huge! Couldn't go without ordering the table-side carbonara, definitely an Instagram moment but it was also sooo tasty! We also ordered the chicken parm which was absolutely delicious. We received a complementary tiramisu for my birthday which I really appreciated, great way to top off an amazing evening. Highly recommend this place! read more

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Decided to do lunch on 4 July at carbonara. It was absolutely fantastic. We had the chicken Parmesan with à la vodka sauce, which was really delicious. The chicken was done to perfection. I opted for the chicken piccata with the sauce on the side, which was really good the sauce was lemony had really good flavor Overall it was a delicious lunch and would highly recommend and would definitely go back again. read more

Carbonara - CHICKEN PARMIGIANA ALLA VODKA - Italian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I've been here twice now and both experiences have been great. Luckily I'm in the neighborhood so I walk, but if you're not have fun finding street parking. There is a small parking lot at the small shops near the golds gym but I don't know if they tow. Our waiter was great and knew what dishes to advise. I forgot her name (Sharron?) but realized I snapped her accidentally in one of my pictures. All the food tasted great. As you can see in the order we ordered quite a lot. I am a fan of the meat sauce pasta, but all the others are good as well. The meat balls tasted really great, though my favorite was the crab mushroom appetizer. You can tell they use real crab meat here. I highly advise getting some wine especially if you're sitting on the deck, definitely adds to the ambience. Lastly both my friends and I ordered the Carbonara which they come out with a wheel of cheese and put your pasta in it coat the pasta in cheese. The only thing is they put both our servings and mixed it up together. I was among friends, that being said not sure I would like someone to eyeball my portion if I was having a business meal. read more

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Great food. Good vibes. Would recommend this place! Do not park at the Gold's gym across the street. You will get towed. Street parking is the way to go. read more

This place is a gem, came here with a large party of friends. I admit it was rather small but again big things come in small packages. The service was amazing, our waiter was super knowledgeable of the menu. He suggested I get the chicken Parmesan not only was amazing but one of a kind. The food was so amazing and even tasted the same the next day. I will be coming back to try other items on the menu. Good food to go along with live frank Sinatra songs lol read more

Carbonara - CHICKEN PARMIGIANA ALLA VODKA - Italian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Absolutely fabulous restaurant. Everything was excellent from food to service to ambiance. The veal scallopini sorrentina was a fast favorite. I can't wait to try other items on the menu. The live music on Saturday night was lovely (although a little bit loud depending on when you are sitting). I did not care for the pistachio affogato but everything else was great. Look forward to returning! read more

Carbonara - VEAL SCALLOPINI SORRENTINO - Italian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Ordered the spicy rigatoni alla vodka to go and it held up perfectly. Rich, creamy, just the right amount of heat. Will definitely be ordering from here again.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ read more

Regular here...what the hell? I'm a regular of this place. I typically sit at the bar and your wonderful staff pour my drink before I even ask since I'm in 2-3 a week. Also a net promoter of this place at work - constantly raving about it, have done multiple business lunches here and I am even talking to your events manager about catering for my company party. Tonight was so wild. Our server informed us refills are charged (which is fine - is this new?) but when it came time to pay...it left me wondering what the hell? My mom is visiting from California and I was so excited to take her here. She loved the food but then our waiter dropped off the check then STOOD BEHIND HER WATCHING HER? He was acting like she was going to stiff him?! Before even giving 15-20 seconds to pay he came trying to take the money from her. She couldn't even get it in the box and said she's not ready and he insisted on taking it from her right then and there?! This was so insanely disrespectful...who stands above/behind someone staring at them paying/putting cash in? It's not like we were taking forever - he literally dropped it off then immediately stood behind her then within 15-20 sec tried to take the money even though she said she wasn't ready and insisted on it. I have literally never seen this happen but it was so extremely disrespectful I can't return despite thoroughly enjoying the food. This is the first one star review I have ever left since I prefer to keep things positive. The level of disrespect is crazy. read more

I have tried nothing but good things from this restaurant! We normally order to go and everything is always yummy! They had the most beautiful Christmas decorations up earlier this year! Items tried - chicken parmigiana alla vodka - spicy rigatoni alla vodka with shrimp read more

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Their starter was cold bread and a side of some pizza store olives in cheap olive oil and some marinara sauce???? Who serves straight up marinara for a starter. After waiting 45 min for our food even though it's a Wednesday, the pasta was extremely overcooked , the chicken parm was burnt , dry, and unseasoned and the three cheese baked ziti was straight up tasteless. Awful read more

Incredible food and service! Live music! Busy and pricey even for nova! I had the half chicken and my bride had spaghetti and meatballs! Classic! Food was classic New York Italian! Great for celebrating! read more

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Perfect Valentine'a Day dinner! There's few words to describe how good everything was here, I just know I need to come back ASAP. The fried mozzarella was the best I've had in my life. It was difficult to choose just one thing because everything coming out of the kitchen looked and smelled amazing. I had the pasta carbonara with the flaming cheese wheel and it was very cool! Drinks were perfect. Staff was great and they put on a perfect show for the holiday! read more

Carbonara - Espresso flight - Italian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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the octopus appetizer was fantastic.....!!! service was excellent, a must try if you are in the mood for Italian read more

The food was amazing and the server Sharron was excellent . We had a large table of eight people, and she was very attentive and sure that we had everything that we needed. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for the food quality the atmosphere and the service. read more

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We had a wonderful dinner at Carbonara this evening. It's a lovely restaurant, and the food and service were outstanding. Our server Caitlin was helpful with the menu choices and attentive but unobtrusive throughout the meal. We will definitely be back the next time our travels take us to Northern Virginia. read more

I had a wonderful experience at Carbonara. I was able to get a reservation for a weekday lunch and it was not too busy. We started with the Fritto Misto which contains pretty equal amounts of calamari, peppers, and zucchini. The accompanying marinara was very delicious. For entrees, we got the bucatini carbonara, which is prepared table side, and the linguine and clams pasta. The food was absolutely wonderful and the table side experience was very fun. They also brought our check out in a cigar box which was a very cute touch. I think this place deserves all the hype and I highly recommend snagging a reservation well in advance. read more

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Food was so good the happy hour was so good the food was way better then expected. They have a host named Anna who was so sweet, welcoming and accommodating. She also has awesome menu recommendations. The bar ambience is really nice to, big windows looking out to the street. read more

Carbonara - SAUTED PRINCE EDWARD MUSSELS - Italian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

The food was pretty good. The service was good as well. The place is a little fancy but it is a bit small. read more

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Chicken parm is amazing. Tableside tiramisu was so unique and well done. Unique cocktail menu, good ambiance, and just an overall great dining experience. The tables are a little crammed together, but it didn't bother us. Excited for their Gainesville location to open up. read more

Now THAT is customer service. I've come in twice now within this summer both with friends and then with family. Both times the service was INCREDIBLE, my glass of water never went completely empty and my server both times was always aware of my table; if we needed something, overhearing questions we may have hade and making suggestions, overall the experience is catered to the table. There are times on the menu that are flashy, yes but there are so many places like that in which the service doesn't come close to it's "instagram-ability", that is NOT the case here. I enjoyed myself SO MUCH the first time that I returned with my family for my 21ST BIRTHDAY because I knew I would have a wonderful time. Make a reservation and try this out, there is no chance you will not enjoy yourself. read more

Carbonara - CHICKEN PARMIGIANA ALLA VODKA (my FAVORITE) - Italian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Fell victim to the TikTok videos and wanted to come check out what all the hype was about. Made reservations for dinner 3 weeks in advance to snag a table on 4th of July. I mentioned on my Resy that we were celebrating our wedding anniversary but no one at the restaurant acknowledged it. We sat inside near the kitchen so it was fun to watch all the food that was getting prepped. We both got the chicken parm with vodka sauce. Both agreed that the food was delicious and 1 plate was plenty to share between 2 people. We also got the table side tiramisu which was ok - we've had better from the grocery store. Docking a star for mediocre dessert and service was nothing to write home about. Our server barely checked on us and was not personable at all. read more

Carbonara - CHICKEN PARMIGIANA ALLA VODKA - Italian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Service: I thought about writing this review for awhile, and I wrote them a really good review on Google, but after coming home I found out they switched our meals and that just doesn't sit right with me. If the establishment was like McDonald's or something on the cheaper end I would get it but after spending almost $200 per person with tip, I don't find this an acceptable thing to mix up. I personally do not have the time to switch back dishes with my friend. We both have full time jobs, active social lives, and don't live close by to each other. After ordering appetizers, and espresso martini flights, and loving their bread. We were pretty full when our main entrees came. So we took a few bites and then took the rest to go. The servers packed the food and gave us separate bags. My friend got extra bread to go, she checked her first box and it was the bread so we assumed they wouldn't have switched the two dishes. When we got home the two dishes were switched. After thinking about it I am pissed. It's just unacceptable for an establishment at this price point to make this big of a faux paus. I am allergic to many things and in a post-COVID era messing up people's meals is an unacceptable mistake due to health concerns. Could even be a grave mistake. Food: The food was good, not amazing, but was good. What you go for is the show. The Carbonara experience was excellent and so much fun. But given that neither of us ate our dishes, maybe only ate 10% of our entrees, and then the rest had to go in the trash because they were the wrong dish. I am absolutely pissed. The people are nice, but it's not worth going back for, for food was just ok, and then for major health concerns in getting people's meals wrong, not worth going back. Ambiance: Very cute place. read more

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This place is FANTASTIC!!!! The lobster ravioli and Old Fashioned's are particularly delicious. Our waiter, Greg, took SUCH good care of us. Perfect spot for a date night. Food, staff, ambiance: all 10/10!! read more

Food was pretty good overall. The fresh pasta they use really makes a difference! We got their, classics carbonara and chicken parm. Both dishes were great and didn't disappoint. For appetizers we got italian wedding soup and octopus. The soup was a little salty for what I like and while the octopus was tender I just didn't care for the flavors. Probably won't be getting those next time we go back. Ordered the cannoli and profiteroles for dessert and was surprised how big the portions were. I asked if they can switch the vanilla ice cream to pistachio and our waitress made it happen. Service was great overall. The food portions were huge even the desserts. Definitely great value. We would definitely come back for again for some classic comfort pastas! read more

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Everything i tried here was AMAZING!! We ordered the fried mozzarella in vodka sauce and i got the spicy rigatoni. 10/10 for both foods as well as the tiramisu espresso martini! read more

Carbonara - SPICY RIGATONI ALLA VODKA SAUCE CHICKEN PARMIGIANA ALLA VODKA - Italian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Carbonara is a great addition to Ballston, with a cozy yet upscale atmosphere and fantastic food. I've tried the table side bucatini carbonara, which was delicious and fun to watch them prepare in a cheese wheel. The meatballs are also a standout. There is also a fantastic drink and dessert menu--I loved the dulce de leche gelato. I have rarely seen a restaurant with this vibe outside of the New York City metro. The food is impeccable, the staff are friendly and provide great customer service, and the music (including live music on some nights) lets you get dinner and a show in one. There is decent indoor seating and a small patio for when the weather is nice. You don't need to go into DC proper for good Italian food, you can stop by Carbonara. read more

Everything from here comes out hot and fresh. I've never been disappointed! From the fish to the chicken it is so yummy. Staff is friendly and welcoming. read more

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