Many might be surprised to learn that Carbone, one of New York City’s most famously difficult-to-book restaurants, has had an outpost in Riyadh since November 2023.
The original Manhattan location, opened in 2013, became an instant classic thanks to its throwback Italian-American glamour, celebrity clientele, and red sauce dishes that somehow manage to feel both nostalgic and luxurious. Its spicy rigatoni vodka has taken on cult status, and scoring a table there can feel like winning the culinary lottery.
I had the chance to dine at the original Carbone in NYC in 2024, so stepping into its Riyadh counterpart felt a bit like revisiting a familiar story, one with a few pages missing and others rewritten.
A Familiar Menu, with Regional Tweaks
Let’s start with the good news. The spicy rigatoni is here. Of course, given local regulations, it comes vodka-free (or at least a non-alcoholic version), but nonetheless, the dish is almost indistinguishable from the original.
The Riyadh version perhaps errs slightly on the milder side, a notch less spicy than I remember, but the creamy tomato sauce, firm pasta, and rich depth of flavor still hit the mark.
Much of the menu shares DNA with its NYC sibling, but there are some distinct differences. In Riyadh, you can order Mario’s Meatballs, a hearty addition that pairs well with the rigatoni, especially if you’re after some extra protein. They are juicy and flavorful, though could use a little more spice.
The starters vary as well: Caprese burrata salad in Riyadh versus prosciutto and mozzarella in NYC. The meat switch makes sense since Riyadh’s menu is entirely halal and it opens up opportunities, like trying beef salami, something I missed out on in New York.
Like the NYC original, Riyadh begins the meal with a starter basket. In this case, it included focaccia, parmesan, pickled cauliflower, and beef salami. The bites were enjoyable, especially the chance to finally try Carbone’s take on cured meat in a new context (though I can not compare it to the original). And in keeping with tradition, a small assortment of complimentary treats was served after the meal, just like in New York.
One thing I did not enjoy, however, was how quickly the food came out. Just minutes after receiving the starter basket, the main dishes arrived. This did not give me enough time to enjoy the focaccia and salami, and I felt rushed. Nonetheless, I am sure some will appreciate the quick service. I was simply hoping for a more slow dining pace that matched the elegance of the setting.
Comfort, Space, and Silence
Riyadh’s dining room is large, with high ceilings and a mezzanine level, offering plenty of seating and a strong sense of comfort. The chairs are plush and the space is designed to keep you seated for a while. In contrast to NYC’s tight quarters and buzzy energy, here it feels far more open, maybe too open.
And this is where the biggest difference lies. While the food holds up, the atmosphere does not. On a Thursday night, the room was quiet, with only a few tables occupied. There was live music, but it was subtle, more background than feature.
What was missing was the character that defines Carbone in New York: the lively hum of conversation, the clatter of cutlery, the thrum of music, and that palpable New York-style vibrancy. There is no bouncer at the door, and most likely, no need for reservations, an upside if you’re looking for a last-minute rigatoni fix, but a reminder that the magic of the NYC original may be hard to bottle up and transport.
Even the service, while warm and professional and attentive, lacked the theatrical flair that made dining in New York such a memorable experience. There, every server feels like they could have walked off the set of a Scorsese film or a Broadway production. In Riyadh, it’s quieter, more restrained and traditional.
Worth It?
There is also the matter of price. Dining at Carbone in Riyadh comes at a premium, around 20 to 30 percent more expensive than in New York (the Rigatoni in Riyadh is SAR 165 (USD 43) compared to SAR 128 (USD 34) in New York). While the ingredients and quality are clearly upheld, the higher cost adds a layer of expectation that is not always met, particularly when the space feels so underutilized.
Still, if Carbone Riyadh ever finds its crowd, perhaps on a busy weekend night filled with diners, music, and energy, it could begin to replicate some of the magic. Until then, it stands as a polished outpost of a legendary restaurant, one that serves up nostalgia and familiarity, just without the buzz.
Details
Address: Carbone Riyadh, 4248 Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315
Highlights: Spicy rigatoni, nutella tiramisu, Mario’s Meatballs
Best for: Pasta fix, date night, comfortable seating
Vibe: Comfortable, vintage, but quiet
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