An Italian restaurant in Virginia Square is one of the best new restaurants in the country, according to Yelp.
The website ranked Carbonara (3865 Wilson Blvd) at No. 21 on its list of the Best New Restaurants of 2024 earlier this week. The national list selected 25 restaurants based on the volume and ratings of their Yelp reviews, among other factors.
Carbonara first opened its doors in March with a mission to celebrate “old school” Italian cooking and dining reminiscent of old New York City. In the rankings, the establishment received kudos for its showmanship as well as its pasta.
“Dinner is theater at this Italian hotspot from Chef Mike Cordero,” Yelp wrote.
The list praised Carbonara’s “fun flourishes,” like its indulgent espresso martini flight — but it was the restaurant’s eye-catching bucatini carbonara that distinguished itself as “the star of the evening.”
The fresh pasta is prepared tableside, flambéed in an 80-pound wheel of parmesan cheese, a method akin to “dinner and a show,” one Yelp user wrote. The method coats the bucatini with extra cheese before the dish is served.
Another reviewer praised the restaurant’s Italian long hot peppers and mozzarella sticks, described as “perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.”
“The food is better than good — it’s absolutely incredible, and I can’t wait to go back,” they wrote. “Seriously, run, don’t walk, this food will fill your soul!”
Carbonara offers menus for lunch, dinner, desserts and cocktails. The restaurant also serves an extensive collection of over 1,000 Italian wines from its bar.
Cordero has been a major player in the Arlington food scene. The long-time chef owns several nearby spots, including Bronson Bierhall, Taco Rock and Don Tito.
Carbonara is open from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday.
