When asking yourself about something to do near me in Miami Beach with a group of friends or family, consider
Carbone Miami
Why Carbone Miami is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Carbone Miami offers an exceptional dining experience that beautifully combines classic Italian-American cuisine with a sophisticated Miami Beach atmosphere. Founded by renowned chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi alongside Jeff Zalaznick, this restaurant pays homage to the mid-20th century New York Italian-American eateries, elevating familiar favorites like Linguini Vongole, Veal Parmesan, and Lobster Fra Diavola with fine dining techniques and exceptional ingredients. The ambiance is electric and extravagant, featuring a design by Ken Fulk that blends rich terracotta, emerald greens, leather banquettes, and Murano glass chandeliers to create a luxurious yet comfortable environment. A lush outdoor patio enhances the experience with tropical flair and casual yet stylish seating, making it an excellent spot for al fresco dining. The charismatic staff, identifiable by their burgundy tuxedos, add to the vibrant atmosphere and provide attentive service, making Carbone a great place for celebrations, intimate dinners, or memorable evenings with friends. With banquet capacity for up to 150 guests and private dining options, it caters well to various group sizes, ensuring a place for everyone seeking a refined yet lively Italian meal in Miami Beach.
Here's what people think of Carbone Miami
As of recent, Carbone Miami holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1801 reviews.
Customer reviews of Carbone Miami present a mixed but generally favorable perspective. Positive reviews highlight the restaurant's stylish ambiance, exceptional service, and consistently delicious food. Many guests appreciate the elegant yet comfortable atmosphere and praise the staff's kindness and attentiveness, noting that the experience does not require ordering the most expensive items to receive excellent service. The charismatic 'captains' and energetic setting contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment. Furthermore, the outdoor patio and unique design elements add to its appeal. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention issues such as uneven food delivery, occasional errors in orders, and service that can sometimes seem rushed or inattentive. A few diners find the pricing high relative to the dining experience and note that the hype and exclusivity can affect availability and expectations. Criticisms of the food quality being inconsistent or not matching the hype are also present in some accounts. Overall, while Carbone Miami has certain drawbacks, especially regarding occasional service lapses and pricing, it remains a celebrated and popular dining destination that delights many guests with its distinctive blend of classic Italian-American cuisine and dynamic atmosphere.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Louie Vergara
I recently visited this authentic Italian restaurant, and while the food was good, the overall experience was impeccable. The dinner started off us sitting outside, and it starts to rain hard. I kept getting drenched and the food wet. So what does Carbone do? Seat us in another table and serve us fresh food. We had a party of 5, so the way we did it was serving us as family-style dinner. We asked the waiter to take care of us without looking at the menu and he did. Overall, I recommend it if you’re craving a classic Italian dishes!!
m daniels
I recently visited this authentic Italian restaurant, and while the food was good, the overall experience didn’t quite hit the mark. The menu had a nice selection of traditional dishes, and my meal was tasty — the pasta was fresh, and the flavors were spot on. However, something was missing in the ambiance. It didn’t quite have that cozy, warm Italian vibe I was expecting. The service was friendly, but the atmosphere felt a little off, maybe due to the lighting or music, or just a lack of energy in the room. Overall, I’d still recommend it if you’re craving a classic Italian dish, but it didn’t quite make the vibe I was hoping for. Still, worth checking out if you're in the area!
Anthony W (Anthony)
Carbine had such a phenomenal atmosphere with great service !! The waiter we had was amazing and confident and knew the menu! The bread with salami and cauliflower doused in oil as the appetizer freebie was such a delicious start!! I recommend highly on the Assorted Baked Clams. One was Uni topping, another had a casino black pepper style.. honestly it was great, but pricey for 9 but it was a good experience. Overall, place is really expensive just be aware to spend over $150 for 2 people for a good dine experience.
Christopher France
During my final evening in Miami, I elected to conclude my trip with a sophisticated and memorable dinner at Carbone, a distinguished restaurant, accompanied by my fiancé. Given its esteemed reputation and challenging reservations process in New York City, I was pleasantly surprised to have secured a reservation through Resy a month in advance. Carbone boasts an elegant atmosphere and ambiance, perfectly capturing the essence of refinement and poise. Upon arrival, we encountered difficulties in finding parking, ultimately deciding to utilize the valet service, conveniently located in front of the establishment, for a reasonable fee of $25. Upon entering, we were warmly greeted by the servers, who inquired about our reservation and escorted us to our outdoor seating arrangement on the patio, as we had opted to dine al fresco in adherence to the dress code. While our evening could have been further enhanced by the ambiance and lively atmosphere within the dining room, our outdoor experience surpassed all expectations, rendering our night truly unforgettable. Our host seated us at a spacious table on the patio, where we were introduced to our server, Richard, who epitomized exceptional service, demonstrating impeccable attitude, instructional guidance, effective communication, and engaging conversation. Throughout the evening, Richard shared insightful knowledge about Carbone's history, strategies for securing reservations at the NYC location, and aspects of Miami's lifestyle and seasonal weather patterns. As we celebrated our anniversary, Carbone undoubtedly catered to our special moment, providing an exceptional experience. I ordered the lamb chops, which proved to be the most exciting dish I have ever had at a restaurant, with a price that was well justified by the outstanding quality. The lamb chops were cooked to perfection at a medium-rare temperature. My fiancée ordered lobster pasta, while I paired my lamb chops with spicy broccoli rabe. We also savored delicious appetizers and exceptional cocktails, expertly crafted by Richard, who assisted in mixing my preferred liquor with innovative fusion cocktails. I would wholeheartedly recommend Carbone to friends and family, as this establishment truly embodies the essence of fine dining in Miami, with exceptional service that deserves a perfect score of 10/10. They also gave us a complementary glass of wine for our anniversary.
Liza Fedorenko
Carbone is amazing! From start to finish, everything was perfect. The Caesar salad was the best I’ve ever had fresh, flavorful, and just right. The pasta was incredible too, cooked perfectly and full of rich flavors. The atmosphere was fun and elegant, and the service was friendly and attentive. If you want a great dining experience with delicious food, Carbone is the place.
How to reach Carbone Miami
None
Website: None
Why Carbone Miami may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Carbone Miami with your friends?
Carbone Miami stands out as an exceptional venue to gather with friends because it uniquely blends immersive dining with an atmosphere that encourages celebration and camaraderie. The restaurant offers a glamorous and theatrical Italian-American dining experience that feels both special and festive, making it ideal for groups looking to create lasting memories together. Whether you are catching up with old friends or celebrating a milestone, Carbone’s elegantly styled interiors and lively ambiance set the perfect tone. The staff, often praised for their engaging and attentive service, add personal warmth that helps groups feel welcomed and valued without pressure to order extravagant items. This balance of style, lively energy, and genuine hospitality makes it a compelling choice to rally your friends for an evening that goes beyond a typical meal. Moreover, many guests return multiple times, highlighting its reliability as a go-to spot for social gatherings. The combination of shareable plates, generous portion sizes, and a menu designed for communal enjoyment naturally fosters interaction and connection, making Carbone Miami a practical and exciting place to meet up with your friends.
What activities can groups enjoy at Carbone Miami?
At Carbone Miami, activities revolve primarily around an elevated dining experience that caters beautifully to groups. The restaurant features a carefully curated Italian-American menu filled with classic dishes such as rigatoni, veal parmigiana, and expertly crafted Caesar salads. These dishes are designed to be shared, encouraging guests to sample multiple specialties and engage in an interactive dining ritual. The experience is heightened by the theatrical presentation of meals, with servers often playing a charismatic role that makes the event feel more like a performance than a simple dinner. This theatricality, combined with the vibrant ambiance created by the restaurant’s décor—reminiscent of vintage New York Italian eateries—transforms eating into a lively and social activity.
Aside from dining, groups can revel in the buzz of Carbone's dynamic atmosphere. The place often feels like a social playground, where the energy from other diners adds to the excitement. This shared enthusiasm makes it an ideal spot to celebrate special occasions, whether birthdays or just spontaneous gatherings. The environment invites laughter, long conversations, and the enjoyment of Italian wine and cocktails that complement the meal. For those who appreciate a bit of spectacle or themed experiences, Carbone’s staff often embody the role of hosts in vintage burgundy tuxedos, adding to the immersive quality that participants find memorable. Even waiting in line or navigating the reservation process sometimes feels like part of the excitement for fans of the venue, lending a shared group story even before the meal begins.
Why is Carbone Miami perfect for a group meetup?
Carbone Miami is perfectly suited for a group meetup because it balances style, substance, and social energy in ways that few dining spots achieve. First, the restaurant’s design speaks to communal dining with spacious tables and a layout conducive to conversation and easy sharing of dishes. The menu’s emphasis on hearty Italian-American favorites in large portions naturally draws groups to share plates, creating a convivial experience where everyone partakes in the flavors together. This shared culinary journey encourages interaction, bonding, and a warm group dynamic that casual dining venues often lack.
Second, the staff at Carbone Miami are experienced at handling groups, creating an experience that can feel both personalized and seamless. Unlike places where large parties might feel rushed or awkward, Carbone’s team treats each table with attention to detail and a sense of occasion, whether for a casual night out or a special celebration. Their flair and professionalism ensure that groups can focus on each other rather than the logistical challenges of dining out together. Additionally, the restaurant’s reputation and popularity lend a sense of exclusivity and excitement, making a meetup at Carbone feel like an event worth planning and looking forward to.
Lastly, the location in South Beach places guests at the heart of one of Miami’s most vibrant neighborhoods, providing numerous options before or after dinner for extended group activities such as strolling the iconic beach, visiting local bars, or enjoying Miami’s nightlife. This makes Carbone Miami not just a dinner spot but a hub for an entire evening of social enjoyment tailored to diverse preferences within the group.
What makes the dining experience at Carbone Miami unique compared to other restaurants?
The dining experience at Carbone Miami is unique primarily because it transcends the typical restaurant visit by blending food, atmosphere, and theatrical service into a unified event. Unlike standard dining venues, Carbone serves its Italian-American classics with a kind of old-world flair that feels nostalgic yet elevated. The portion sizes and recipe authenticity recall mid-20th-century New York Italian eateries, but the presentation and ambiance inject modern glamour, creating a contrast that intrigues and delights diners.
Moreover, Carbone’s team adopts roles that enhance the dining journey—servers act with a charisma and showmanship reminiscent of vintage hospitality, which turns each interaction into part of the overall experience. This theatricality is not superficial; rather, it cultivates a sense of occasion that encourages diners to relax and enjoy themselves fully while engaging with their companions and the service staff alike.
Additionally, the popularity and hype around Carbone reinforce its distinctiveness. It has become something of a cultural phenomenon, partly driven by social media buzz, that draws people not only for the food but also for the chance to “be seen” and share in a collective experience. This combination of culinary excellence, dynamic environment, and social cachet makes Carbone Miami a unique destination for those seeking more than just a meal.
How does Carbone Miami cater to different group sizes and preferences?
Carbone Miami is versatile in accommodating groups of various sizes and preferences, which contributes greatly to its appeal as a meetup location. For smaller groups of friends or families, the restaurant offers an intimate yet lively setting with enough space to enjoy private conversations without overwhelming noise. The menu permits a variety of selections suited to differing tastes and dietary considerations, ensuring that everyone at the table finds appealing options from vegetarian to indulgent meat dishes.
For larger gatherings, Carbone’s layout and attentive staff enable comfort and efficiency. The restaurant is experienced in managing big parties, often customizing menus or coordinating courses to suit the flow of group dining. This flexibility allows groups to celebrate without feeling rushed or neglected, a common issue in sometimes crowded or understaffed venues. The portion sizes and family-style serving approach also facilitate sharing, reducing ordering stress and promoting enjoyable communal meals.
Furthermore, Carbone offers a drink menu featuring classic cocktails and curated Italian wines, enabling group members with varied beverage preferences to find something satisfying. This comprehensive approach to both food and drink enhances the overall group experience by respecting individual needs while emphasizing togetherness.
What should groups expect regarding the service and ambiance at Carbone Miami?
Groups can expect a highly engaging and theatrical service experience at Carbone Miami that amplifies the already rich ambiance of the restaurant. The staff members dress in distinctive vintage-inspired jackets and carry themselves with a blend of professionalism and spirited charm that makes every interaction feel convivial rather than routine. This approach often includes charming table-side conversations and attentive yet unobtrusive care that ensures diners feel attended to without pressure.
The ambiance itself is a carefully crafted mix of retro glamour and warmth. The decor channels classic New York Italian-American glamour with velvety seating, elegant lighting, and rich, dark tones, invoking the feel of an upscale supper club. This setting envelops diners in a mood that is intimate enough for special occasions but energetic enough to lift the spirits of all guests.
While the restaurant naturally draws a crowd that expects a premium experience, it manages to avoid feeling staid or overly formal. Instead, the vibe is festive and inclusive, making it welcoming for groups with a range of personalities—from revelers seeking a lively night out to more subdued diners wanting a memorable meal together.
In summary, Carbone Miami offers an atmosphere and service style that turns dining into an event, ideal for groups looking to combine excellent food with an engaging social environment.