Via Carota: The Ultimate Foodie Playground in New York

Via Carota: The Ultimate Foodie Playground in New York

By: Ashlyn Walters / Southern Hospitality Co.

My husband and I, a pair of unapologetic food snobs who think nothing of spending an entire weekend cooking from scratch, waltz into Via Carota without a reservation. That’s right. No reservation. Just pure spontaneity and an overwhelming sense of hunger that says, “We deserve this.” And thank goodness we did. This wasn’t just dinner; it was a full-on culinary experience, one that made us question why we’re even trying to replicate these dishes at home. We’ll just stick to referencing the Via Carota cookbook for now, which we do religiously.

Located on a charming little street in the West Village, Via Carota feels like a secret culinary gem. A little slice of Italy nestled right in the heart of Manhattan, this restaurant has become a beloved neighborhood staple since it opened in 2014. The restaurant was founded by chefs and longtime collaborators Jody Williams and Rita Sodi, two culinary geniuses whose partnership is the foundation of Via Carota’s soul. Williams, known for her rustic and approachable Italian cuisine, and Sodi, a former pastry chef, have created a space that’s not only about delicious food but also about evoking the comfort and warmth of a true Italian home. It’s a place where food is meant to be shared, and where every dish feels like an expression of hospitality and tradition.

Stepping inside Via Carota, you’re instantly enveloped by the charm of its rustic, intimate design. With its warm wood accents, soft lighting, and vintage touches, the space feels like you’ve been invited into someone’s cozy, well-loved dining room. The tables are packed in close, creating a lively and intimate atmosphere that encourages conversation and camaraderie. It’s a place that doesn’t just serve you food; it welcomes you into a community, a vibe that’s part family, part celebration.

Now, let’s get to the important part—the food.

The Insalata Verde was our first taste of what was to come. Fresh leafy greens, piled high, with the perfect balance of crunch and peppery goodness. I don’t even like salad that much, but I could have eaten this for an entire meal. It’s the kind of salad that makes you reconsider all those other, lesser salads you’ve had in your life.

Next up, the ‘Nduja Arancini. You can hear the angels sing as you bite into these crispy golden spheres of joy. But this isn’t just your average arancini. Oh no, this little bite of heaven was packed with spicy, savory ‘nduja sausage that gave your taste buds a delightful kick, yet still managed to feel like a cozy hug.

The Bruschetta was another mic-drop moment. The combination of whipped goat cheese, figs, prosciutto, and a honey drizzle that’s so perfect it might as well be the reason the bees exist was one of those dishes that made me want to shake my husband and say, “Why don’t we make this at home?” (Spoiler alert: We will never make it this good at home.) Throw some thyme in there for an herbaceous twist, and you’ve got something magical on a slice of bread. You’ll just sit there, stunned, wondering how something so simple can taste so extravagant.

For the mains, we went all out. Wild boar pappardelle ragu? Yes, please. The sauce was rich, deep, and oh-so-satisfying, like a warm embrace from an old friend who just happens to be a chef. The pappardelle was perfectly cooked, silky and hearty at the same time—just the way it should be. And the wild boar? Tender, flavorful, and begging you to savor every bite. I might have even licked my plate. I won’t confirm or deny.

Then came the Meyer lemon risotto. Now, I don’t often lose my composure, but this creamy, buttery dish with cherry tomatoes was dangerously good. Meyer lemons danced around in a buttery sauce that made my mouth want to do a happy dance. It was the kind of risotto that says, “Why settle for anything less?” I could have eaten it by the spoonful all night.

Let’s talk about the Coniglio Fritto for a second. Fried rabbit, rosemary, and garlic. There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a crispy rabbit leg. It’s just the right amount of crunch and tender meat, and the garlic and rosemary… oh my god. We devoured it in minutes, and I’m still thinking about it now. If you’ve never had fried rabbit, do yourself a favor—this will change your life.

For dessert, we went with the classic affogato, because how could you not? It was everything you want in a dessert: hot espresso, cold gelato, and the kind of indulgence that makes you close your eyes and sigh with happiness. But the real showstopper was the almond olive oil cake. Not your grandma’s cake, mind you—this was light, moist, and came with a whipped ball of mascarpone on top that made it feel fancy yet comforting. It was the dessert equivalent of the perfect hug.

Oh, and don’t even get me started on the cocktails. We had our fair share of delicious drinks while chatting with our delightful neighbors (who, by the way, were feasting on fritto misto and zucchini fries that looked like absolute perfection). The cozy, close-knit atmosphere at Via Carota made it feel like we were all in on the secret to life, and that secret is good food, good drinks, and good company. The tables are close, and that’s how it should be—it encourages conversation, laughter, and the kind of joyful experience that stays with you long after you leave.

In short, Via Carota is a must-visit if you find yourself in New York. It’s a place where even the most seasoned foodies (hello, us) can still be blown away. We had the best time, and we’re already planning our next visit. If you get the chance to go, make sure to wear your stretchy pants and bring your appetite—because this isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

P.S. Yes, we’ll be cooking our way through the Via Carota cookbook in the meantime. But no, it will never, ever taste as good as it did there.

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