Via Carota
Good for:
Brunch, date nights and group dinners, any night of the week. Evenings are best for adults since Via Carota is always packed.
Atmosphere:
Lively West Village spot, where this is clearly everyone’s neighborhood Italian go-to. The vibe is casual and farmhouse rustic décor, where the dining room seems like an extension of someone’s kitchen. Like at grandma’s house, the food just keeps on coming out.
Why we like it:
The menu is anything but your basic red sauce and meatballs. Via Carota serves dishes that are legit old-school-authentic Italian. Dishes like braised tripe and organic chicken livers, although most of us would not partake, give Via Carota a lot of street cred. But it’s not all so off-the-wall that it doesn’t have global appeal, as evidenced by the packed room night after night.
What to order:
The pappardelle with wild boar ragu is a must for meat-eaters. The risotto with lemon is also a more unique dish that you don’t find at other Italian joints. The fresh pastas always shine – tortelli with smoked ricotta elevates the usual stuffed pasta, and the raw artichoke salad with orange and mint is a go-to dish. Additionally, the lemon risotto when they have it is carb bliss.
To Note:
Via Carota does not take reservations. At 5pm you put your name in with the host, and request an approximate time you’d like to have dinner. They text you within 15 minutes or so of that time to let you know when your table will be ready. A place like this doesn’t need to take reservations, as Via Carota is packed every night of the week.
Overall: 8/10
Via Carota is a classic New York institution and always a good idea.
FAQs
Q: Where can one order takeout from Via Carota?
A: The Pickup section of the Via Carota website leads customers to the spot to order takeout.
Q: Does Via Carota offer outdoor dining?
A: Yes, guests are welcome to indoor and outdoor dining options.
Q: Are walk-ins acceptable?
A: At Via Carota, walk-ins are welcome. Reservations are limited.
Via Carota Information
Address: 51 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
Hours:
Sunday 10a.m.-10p.m.
Monday 11a.m.-10p.m.
Tuesday 11a.m.-10p.m.
Wednesday 11a.m.-10p.m.
Thursday 11a.m.-10p.m.
Friday 11a.m.-10p.m.
Saturday 10a.m.-10p.m.
Phone number: 212-255-1962
Map:
