With nostalgia at the forefront, Carbone is plain gorgeous. While this big and bold ode to Italian-Americana comes alive at dinnertime, lunch sees a crowd of crisp suits and Valentino-donning divas. A sense of history pervades the space, highlighting banquettes, ceramics, and chandeliers. Was the tiled-floor inspired by a certain scene in The Godfather? Indeed. Mid-century classics are what this menu is about, but exalted ingredients and presentations will excite even the most cynical. Servers work the floor cradling loaves of garlic bread with fresh mozzarella. Spaghetti alla gricia is a must; and chicken scarpariello is dolled-up with a chunky pepper- and mushroom-sauce
Prices are sky-high, but all is forgiven with the arrival of the six-layer blackout cake.