Via Carota

"($$) Both professional chefs and an LGBTQ+ couple, you might love Jody Williams and Rita Sodi’s story just as much as their food. The daily lines outside Via Carota speak volumes for the outrageous and authentic, award winning Italian cuisine that lie within. It is pricey but absolutely worth the splurge. Family style is the best means of sampling the menu, which can be found tucked into the cubby built into your seat, but your server is also a well-informed guide as you traverse many dishes and drinks (they have an entire negroni section if that’s your thing!). They don’t take reservations, so try to arrive earlier rather than later for guaranteed seating."

"Oozing with Tuscan countryside, Via Carota honors old-world Italian roots, life style, food and décor. A favorite of mine! The food is beautiful and deeply satisfying. I love to sit at the bar sipping Montenegro on the rocks slowly. My go to order is Acciughe E Burro, Ribollita, Insalata Verde, and Tonnarelli. Walk-in's are always welcome, but they fill up quickly and the wait can be long, so get there early or head over to their sister bar Pisellino, across the street, while you wait. Or you can dip into Arthur's Tavern for live jazz next door. "

"Via Carota is another fantastic Italian restaurant in the West Village that doesn't take reservations. To get in, show up WELL in advance of when you want to eat and stand in line to put your name in. Once your name is on the board, grab an aperol spritz across the street at the famous Bar Pisellino while you wait for your table."