Carbone
Suite 400-1580 Taylor Avenue
party of: 3
arrived: weekday in July, Noon
My two co-workers and I chose this restaurant based on the fact that we’d never been before (in fact, never heard of it…even though we work on Waverley) and wanted to try something new.
Located in a strip mall (with a really weird parking lot), the atmosphere would have been better complimented by a location on Academy.
The whole “coal-fired” shtick works — the crust on my panini was quite a lot better than the average pizza crust. But something is still amiss…perhaps the ingredients need to be fresher? Spices more thoughtful?
Decor was reminiscent of Bonfire Bistro…they probably ran out of money for really luxe finishes, and, hey, the restaurant business is tough. However, those extra details could have made this experience seem like more of a treat.
There are gluten free options, which is thoughtful. The overall menu (available on their website, just click the photo above) is about the right size; not too much, not too little, not too varied.
Service
Menu options
Food
Price
good, good, good, good
But, nothing to make me want to tell the rest of the office.
Good work to Sean Dollinger, Daniel Simon, and Joe Palatta.
My advice: make your menu a little saucy-er and do more local advertising - with some tweaks you could have the professional lunch crowd lining up out the door.
