FAQs CARBONE

How do I plan a private event at CARBONE Dubai? 

For all private event inquiries, please visit Private Dining & Events

Is Carbone an Italian restaurant?                                                                                

CARBONE Dubai is a New York-style Italian restaurant created by Mario Carbone, Jeff Zalaznick and Rich Torrisi. The restaurant pays homage to the essence of the great Italian-American restaurants of the mid-20th century in New York, where delicious, exceptionally well-prepared food was served in settings that were simultaneously elegant, comfortable, and unpretentious. The food nods to that same history but takes its culinary cues from the great talents and techniques of the present and the future.                                                                                

Who is Mario Carbone?                                                                                

Mario Carbone is the Managing Partner of The Major Food Group (MFG). Mario grew up in Queens, New York, surrounded by Italian food: the northern culinary traditions preserved by his maternal grandparents and the Sicilian abbondanza that defined his father’s side of the family. He worked at local eateries in his spare time, gaining a love for the professional kitchen, and went on to earn a degree from the Culinary Institute of America. After graduation, Mario honed his skills at several formidable establishments, such as the New York City trailblazers Babbo and Lupa; La Dogana, a family-run restaurant in Tuscany; wd-50, from modern master Wylie Dufresne; and Café Boulud, Daniel Boulud’s temple to classic French cuisine.

It was at Café Boulud that Mario reconnected with an old friend from culinary school, Rich Torrisi, planting the seed for the idea the two would make real five years later, in 2009: Torrisi Italian Specialties. Built with a modest investment from friends and family, that small Little Italy restaurant turned into the talk of the town. When one enthusiastic regular, Jeff Zalaznick, became a partner, MFG was born.

Founded in 2011 by Mario Carbone, Jeff Zalaznick, and Rich Torrisi, MFG has built a dynamic empire of over fifty restaurants, private clubs, bars, and hotels across fifteen cities worldwide, including Mario’s namesake concept, CARBONE, which redefined the midcentury Italian restaurant for a new era. The partnership between the three friends is highly collaborative, but over the years Mario has developed a special interest in creative direction, curating music, and wardrobe, selecting china and glassware, and overseeing graphic design.

Why is Carbone so famous?                                                                                

The global phenomenon introduces its world-class, New York-style Italian cuisine to the city of Dubai for the first time in its illustrious history. When the original location of CARBONE debuted just over a decade ago in downtown Manhattan, it was hailed as an instant classic that brought a much-needed jolt of energy and soul to the highest echelons of dining. The brand then soon expanded around the world, which has cemented its reputation as one of the most influential contemporary restaurants in the entire globe.                                                                                                                                                             

Who owns Carbone?                                                                                

CARBONE Dubai is a partnership between Atlantis Dubai and one of the most renowned, innovative, and successful companies in the history of the hospitality business – Major Food Group. The Company was founded in 2011, when chefs Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone joined forces with fellow New Yorker entrepreneur Jeff Zalaznick. Their deep friendship and trailblazing partnership took what began as an intimate, acclaimed destination in downtown Manhattan – Torrisi Italian Specialties – and turned it into a multifaceted global hospitality brand with a thrillingly modern, celebratory approach to luxury lifestyle experiences.                                                                                

Why is CARBONE considered the place to be in Dubai?                                                                                

CARBONE is a modern American icon that honors the essence of the storied Italian eateries of mid-century New York City. At this glamorous and transportive destination at Atlantis The Royal, charismatic service captains sport burgundy tuxedos designed by Zac Posen, the dining room is filled with art from the likes of Vito Schnabel, and the menu features world-famous signatures, including the Caesar Salad alla ZZ, Spicy Rigatoni, and Veal Chop Parmesan. CARBONE isn’t just one of the most acclaimed restaurant brands on the globe. It’s a pop culture sensation that consistently lures in the most high-profile profile guests.

What makes dining at CARBONE Dubai a must-try experience?                                                                                

CARBONE Dubai joins the greatest collection of world-class restaurants and iconic dining experiences found in one destination at Atlantis Dubai. We continue to attract the biggest players in the world of gastronomy, delivering experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. We are proud of our partnership with Major Food Group (MFG). CARBONE Dubai marks the tenth CARBONE in MFG’s roster, following Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Miami, Dallas, Doha, Riyadh, London and two outposts in New York City. The stunning space features velvety jewel-tone nooks, damask-upholstered walls accented with Venetian glass mirrors, a curated collection of fine artwork – and a buzzing terrace.                                                                                                                  

What makes Carbone’s service so special?                                                                                

At CARBONE Dubai, we deliver the style, energy, and unparalleled service that are synonymous with the brand, while creating a restaurant carefully tailored to this extraordinary city.   

Why are the captains at Carbone so iconic?                                                                                

The captains at CARBONE Dubai are not just part of the service – they are the show. They create an immersive dining experience that transports guests to 1950s New York. Dressed in sharp Zac Posen tuxedos, the captains bring a sense of occasion to every interaction. Each captain is trained to read the table, personalize the experience, and guide you through the menu.        

Can special requests (e.g. music, cake, décor) be accommodated in private dining?

The private dining area of more of a semi-private dining space. Music cannot be changed nor decorations added. Décor can be added only if the entire venue has been booked out for a private hire upon decision of outlet management. 

Can guests bring their own cake or wine? Are there corkage/cakeage fees?

Yes, guests may bring their own cake to CARBONE Dubai. Please contact the team on +971 4 426 0500 for more information about the waiver form. For cakes – if externally brought in, can be served for a fee of AED50 per person. If the table orders desserts, we won’t charge any fees. We also prepare Carbone cakes, serving up to 12 pax for AED850. Bringing alcohol in from outside is not allowed at any outlet within the property. 

Does CARBONE Dubai have entertainment?

Background music from mid 20th century. 

Resident DJ for 3 nights a week (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 23:00 till 02:00)