Coconut Grove is fast becoming “the” place to be, so no surprise that the savvy Major Food Group recently opened the second Miami outpost of its very popular Carbone Italian restaurant here, albeit with new twists and a new name: Carbone Vino. The concept leans into a wine-centric menu while paying homage to the original restaurant on Thompson Street in New York. It reminded me of New York’s Little Italy in its neighborhood feel, though a little “glammed up,” comfortable, and with professional and friendly staff. Carbone Vino has the signature restaurant dishes and some new additions. We really enjoyed it.

We went with my food influencer son (@snackeatingsnackss) and his wife who have been to Carbone many times, and happily they guided us through the menu. And then there’s the bar. Oh, the bar, which we really liked.

The Bar at Carbone Vino

We began the evening at the lounge-style front bar, which I highly recommend. It’s part of the restaurant, though sitting there, you also feel like it could be a stand-alone destination thanks to the charming bartenders and design. You can just have a drink, or order from the entire menu. If you’re not in the mood for a large dinner, it’s a great place to grab a selection from the antipasti or macaroni and a salad, and then head to a movie at Cineapolis (the restaurant opens at 5 p.m.) or do whatever you have planned in the Grove.

Carbone Vino: the Menu and a Fave Dish

The menu at Carbone Vino is divided into antipasti, zuppe e insalate, macaroni, pesci, carni, contorni (sides), and dessert. A welcome touch is the trio of light bites they give you as soon as you sit down: sesame focaccia, mortadella, and pickled vegetables, all tasty. We started with their signature dishes, a tableside Caesar salad ($29) and the spicy rigatoni pasta with vodka ($34). The Caesar was one of the better ones I’ve had, heavy on the grated parmigiano but light on the dressing, with oversize crispy homemade, very buttery croutons.

The spicy rigatoni would qualify as one of my best dishes of the year, super delicious with the right amount of “picante,” al dente pasta, and a very tasty sauce. Happily they sell the sauce.The spicy rigatoni sauce is available for purchase online and nationwide at select retailers: https://www.carbonefinefood.com/shop/sauces/spicy-vodka

Carbone Vino: the Mains and another Fave

For mains Mr. W and I had the prime rib which was a holiday special ($95). It was a thick slice that serves one or two, perfectly cooked, nicely charred, and flavorful. My son ordered the grilled octopus which he enjoyed: tender, flavorful, sweet and sour.

He also had the whole Dover sole piccata made with tomatoes, capers, and a bright lemon-butter sauce ($160). He and his wife gave it high marks, citing the freshness, delicate seasoning, and perfect texture. We also ordered an evening favorite, the butternut squash agrodolce made with brown butter and mascarpone (sweet and sour) ($16). It would also qualify as a best dish of the year.

On a return visit with a friend we had the zucchini fritti, so delicious. They were large pieces perfectly fried. We followed that with a caesar salad and the spicy rigatoni. Portions are good sizes so would you believe we had leftovers!  Since it was a belated birthday dinner announced to the waiter, he brought us  biscotto with vanilla ice cream that we agreed was one of the best we’ve had. Their secret said the captain, Piero, African vanilla beans and ice cream made in house.

Their carrot cake is much praised and a signature dish, but we had to try a Carbone Vino exclusive which we all liked: the Cannoli sundae ($23). I’m not a cannoli person, but this is not to be missed. It’s housemade cannoli with soft-serve gelato, cannoli shells, Sicilian pistachios, and cherries. Yummy.

Next time  we’d like to have the veal parmigiana, zuppa di mussels, cavatelli sausage and rabe, and the mahi livornese.

Carbone Vino: Beverages

As I mentioned earlier, wine is a big focus with their selection of 600 different options and more than 3,000 bottles in their wine cellar. A glass of wine (5 ounces) starts at $16 and bottles start at $45. Cocktails are $16–$18.

As you read with the prices of individual menu items, Carbone Vino is pricey, especially if you order a meat dish or the sole. That being said, sticking with the other menu items and sharing items will keep your tab down.

It is open seven days a week for dinner and for lunch Friday through Sunday. Valet parking is available, and there are multiple garages in the area.

Carbone Vino. 2911 Grand Avenue, Suite 197, Coconut Grove.