Carbone London is the first London outpost of celebrated New York restaurant Carbone - the iconic Italian-American restaurant founded by chef Mario Carbone, Jeff Zalaznick and Rich Torrisi. Carbone London opens its doors on Grosvenor Square in the heart of Mayfair, marking the first European outing for the legendary New York celeb hotspot that has become a global phenomenon.
Since launching in New York, Carbone has become nothing short of a cultural institution - an homage to the great Italian-American red-sauce joints of 1950s Manhattan, but elevated with meticulous technique, world-class produce, and a flair for theatre.
Londoners can expect the full experience that has captivated diners from Las Vegas to Hong Kong: Zac Posen tuxedo-clad captains orchestrating the room, dramatic chequerboard marble floors and plush burgundy leather booths, and walls draped in artwork from the likes of Rene Ricard, Ai Weiwei and Rita Ackermann. The atmosphere is equal parts glamorous, nostalgic, and thoroughly contemporary - a stage set for indulgence. That all starts right from the entrance, where diners descend down a striking red staircase and into the huge downstairs dining room, though Carbone is in fact spread over two huge floors, with a bar and lounge and an outside terrace.
The menu, meanwhile, reads like a greatest-hits compilation: veal parmesan, lobster fra diavolo, spicy rigatoni vodka, and other classics that have achieved near-mythical status. It’s big, bold food, designed to be shared and savoured against a backdrop of old-world charm and modern opulence. There are some unique additions for the London menu too, like scallops rosmarino starter made with Scottish diver scallops. There's lots of tableside theatre too, with whole fish deboned and bananas foster flambeed tableside. On the dessert side, Carbone's signature lemon cheesecake returns alongside other iconic desserts and a few London-specific arrivals.