Carbonara: Old School Italian & Wine Bar, the much-anticipated Ballston restaurant from Northern Virginia restaurateur Mike Cordero, opens Monday.
“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,” said Cordero. “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.”
The new restaurant, on the corner of Wilson Boulevard and North Pollard streets, has been two years in the making. It brings Cordero, whose hospitality group is known for Honor Brewing Company in Fairfax, Rockwood in Gainesville, Arlington’s Bronson Bierhall, and the multi-location Taco Rock, back to his roots. He started his career as a 15-year-old making meatballs at a New York Italian restaurant.
Cordero serves as the executive chef of the 150-seat Carbonara, which features classic Southern Italian cuisine that is made in-house, including pastas prepared daily. Think Sicilian pizzas, classic meals like eggplant Parmigiana and cioppino with housemade mozzarella, and Italian pastries for dessert.
It’s OK if the place reminds you a little of The Godfather. But it will be more modern and casual.
“Carbonara’s interiors are a series of transitional spaces where old world Italian meets new world,” said Cordero. “The Caesar-inspired ambiance that combines my old school menu concept with a twist truly provides patrons an exceptional Italian experience.”
Yvette Irene, a regular on HGTV’s Curb Appeal who also is Cordero’s finacée, designed the eatery, which has both indoor and outdoor seating. Inside, you’ll see chandelier lighting, modern faux-Carrera floor tiles, a bar that seats at least 24, two- to four-person tables, and large banquettes.
A see-through wine rack showcases more than 1,000 bottles. The wines come from all regions of Italy, and to best dispense and preserve the wine, Carbonara will use a state-of-the-art Cruvinet wine-preserving system.
The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner and has takeout. 3865 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Feature image of eggplant Parmigiana by Connor Reed
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