If there’s one thing the NYC girly pops are gonna do it’s try to score a reservation at Carbone. The quintessential New York City dining experience is both one of the most celebrated Italian restaurants in America and one of the hardest reservations in NYC, and it’s known for serving its famous Spicy Rigatoni Vodka to some of the world’s most famous celebrities, from Justin Bieber and Rihanna to Ed Sheeran and Kim Kardashian. And if you are ever lucky enough to get a res there, you may just find yourself bumping elbows with Bad Bunny!
Back in August 2023, the Puerto Rican singer chose the intimate atmosphere as the backdrop for his music video MONACO in which he’s seen enjoying a meal with his boys, including legendary actor Al Pacino. It was noted that the project was “gangster related,” so Pacino’s attendance certainly makes sense…
But the restaurant’s trendy status wasn’t the only thing that attracted Bad Bunny–it’s actually one of his favorites, with paparazzi often snapping photographs of him on his way out. And to be honest, we can’t really blame him because the Greenwich Village restaurant’s pasta certainly does not disappoint (hence why everyone is dying to grab a table there).
The restaurant, which was created by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick, has been throwing a nod to the most beloved Italian-American restaurants of the mid-20th century since first opening in 2013. And its Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, a tried and true favorite costing $34, is just one of the high-end takes on red-sauce fare being prepared.
Other dish highlights include the Lobster Ravioli, Veal Parm, Chicken Scarpariello, and the Caesar Salad. Just be prepared to spend a bit of money if you’re able to snag a table–according to Tripadvisor, the food alone averages about $350 per person. If that’s out of your budget you can always check out Parm in Little Italy, which is a much more affordable variation from the same team.
See the music video for MONACO below:
📍 Carbone – 181 Thompson Street