Arlington’s Carbonara Named One of Yelp’s Best New Restaurants of 2024

Chef Mike Cordero opened the old-school Italian restaurant in March.

By Michele Kettner • Posted December 5, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Carbonara (Photo by Alice Levitt)

What a year it’s been for Carbonara. The Arlington restaurant opened to plenty of fanfare in March, and it has definitely lived up to the hype. This month, Arlington’s Carbonara was named to Yelp’s list of Best New Restaurants of 2024.

The Italian eatery ranked No. 21 out of 25 new restaurants recognized by Yelp — the only Virginia restaurant to make the list. Yelpers and experts agree that Carbonara’s presentation and freshly made pasta will wow all of your senses.

The list was compiled by Yelp using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews from January 1, 2023, to September 1, 2024, and consulting with a Yelp trend expert to see which spots foodies loved the most. All businesses on the list also have a passing health score as of September 1.

Italian long hot peppers at Carbonara — *Carbonara’s Italian long hot peppers (Photo by Connor Reed)*

This isn’t the only accolade the new eatery has received since opening — Carbonara was named to our 50 Best Restaurants list in November. If you find yourself at the old-school dining room and you have no idea where to start, our food critic recommends diners try the Italian long hot peppers, famous chicken parmigiana alla vodka (where a layer of melty mozzarella cheese is poured on top of your dish right at the table), as well as the prime short rib lasagna.

*Carbonara’s famous chicken parmigiana alla vodka (Photo by Connor Reed)*

“I put my heart into Carbonara to create a new menu concept that features an old-school Italian cuisine that reflects my early years as an Italian chef,” Cordero said when the restaurant first opened. “I worked closely with my sons on this project and instilled my passion for cooking Italian cuisine. Carbonara’s menu is a modern blend of classic Italian elements.”

Other area restaurants to make the Best New Restaurants list include Kappo DC at No. 18 and Love, Makoto at No. 22.

Carbonara is open Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. 3865 Wilson Blvd., Arlington

Feature image by Alice Levitt

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Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.