Carbonara is the ultimate comfort food—rich, salty, and deeply satisfying when done right. And in New York City, where Italian restaurants abound, a handful of chefs have mastered the art of this deceptively simple Roman classic. To help you find the real deal, we combed through trusted reviews from The Infatuation, Eater NY, and local food critics to uncover the best places to eat carbonara across NYC’s diverse dining neighborhoods.

Manhattan

I Sodi – West Village
Frequently hailed as one of NYC’s best Italian restaurants, I Sodi’s carbonara keeps things classic: guanciale, egg, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper. It’s rich, balanced, and served with al dente perfection.
Read more at The Infatuation

Lilia – Williamsburg (yes, technically Brooklyn, but close)
Missy Robbins’ pasta shrine offers a modern take on Italian classics, and while carbonara isn’t always on the menu, variations appear as seasonal specials. It’s worth watching for.
Check Lilia’s menu

Via Carota – West Village
The cacio e pepe may get more attention, but the carbonara—when available—is a standout. Creamy without being heavy and anchored by bold guanciale, it’s the kind of pasta that makes you pause between bites.

Rezdôra – Flatiron
While Rezdôra focuses on Northern Italian cuisine, chef Stefano Secchi occasionally features a carbonara-style dish using regional techniques. Pastas here are meticulously crafted and worth the reservation wait.
Explore Rezdôra’s accolades

Brooklyn

Frankies 457 Spuntino – Carroll Gardens
This neighborhood favorite nails the balance of tradition and approachability. Their pasta lineup changes often, but when carbonara appears, it’s hearty and rustic with guanciale or pancetta as its savory anchor.
Frankies 457 menu

Antica Pesa – Williamsburg
A sister restaurant to the Roman original, Antica Pesa brings authenticity straight from Trastevere. Their carbonara leans traditional with a touch of luxury, and the vibe is candlelit and upscale.
Antica Pesa NYC

Queens

Trattoria L’incontro – Astoria
This neighborhood institution serves up generously portioned, boldly seasoned pasta. Their carbonara is creamy and pepper-forward, with a robust hit of Pecorino. A go-to for Astoria locals.

Bronx

Roberto’s – Belmont/Little Italy
In the heart of the Bronx’s real Little Italy, Roberto’s offers house-made pastas and a menu that highlights Roman comfort dishes. Their carbonara comes with a dose of old-school Italian-American hospitality.
Review on Time Out New York

Final Tips for Carbonara Hunters

• Stick with pasta-focused menus: The best carbonaras come from places where pasta is made or handled in-house.
  
• Ask about substitutions: If guanciale isn’t available, make sure pancetta is used instead of bacon to keep the flavor profile close to authentic.
  
• Check the menu in advance: Some carbonaras are seasonal or off-menu, so call ahead or browse online.
  

Whether you’re uptown or deep in Brooklyn, there’s a bowl of carbonara waiting that rivals even what you’d find in Rome. And in a city full of pasta, it’s worth seeking out the real thing.