FAQs from Guests
Can I make a reservation?
As a neighborhood osteria open all day, Via Carota saves the majority of our seating for walk-in guests. The dining room, outdoor tables, and bar are seated with complete parties on a first-come, first-served basis, every day from open to close. You may join a waitlist if space is not available upon your arrival.
Limited reservations are available on Resy, starting 30 days in advance and released at 10am daily.
How does the waiting list work?
The waitlist opens when the restaurant is full. Guests provide their name and number to the host, and receive a message via Resy when their table is ready. The table will be held for 10 minutes after the notification is sent.
We welcome those waiting for a table to enjoy an aperitivo at Bar Pisellino across Grove Street.
Is the bar open seating?
The bar follows the same seating system described above. We serve the same menu at the bar as we do at the indoor and outdoor tables.
Do you serve food all day?
The full menu is served from open to close each day without pause. Guests may join us anytime; the kitchen will always be open as long as the doors are. We offer daily additions to the menu that vary between daytime and evening. Lunchtime dishes and eggs are often offered during our earlier hours, while larger dishes to share are offered in the evening.
Are gift cards available?
Gift cards are available through viacarota.com/giftcard. Physical gift cards are mailed to the recipient via USPS.
If a guest would like to buy a gift card in person at the restaurant, please go to the home screen on Toast; tap "Gift Cards"; tap "Add Value" (minimum value is $100); go to "Process Payment". Once payment has been processed, you may check the gift card balance using the "Check Balance" button. The gift card is affixed to a stamped card and placed inside a craft envelope, presented to the guest with a receipt.
If a guest would like to buy a digital gift card in person at the restaurant, please go to the Toast home screen; tap "Gift Cards"; tap "Add Value" (minimum value is $100); go to "Process Payment" and add recipient’s email.
When processing a transaction via gift card: go to the payment page on Toast; tap “Gift Card”; then swipe the card. If presented with a digital gift card, type the code on the back of the card into the “Gift Card Number” field. As long as there is enough balance, a tip made via gift card works the same way as a credit card tip and will be included in the end of shift tip-out.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
We offer several vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes at Via Carota. We will always do our best to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions, but cannot guarantee that all requests can be met.
Where do you source your bread?
Our ciabatta comes from Royal Crown Bakery and our sourdough comes from Pain d’Avignon.
Do you offer corkage?
Via Carota is pleased to offer a broad selection of Italian wines curated by our chefs and wine director. We have developed personal relationships with many of the winemakers in our collection, and are delighted to feature their wines. For guests who wish to bring a special-occasion bottle not currently on our list, the chefs will make an exception for a corkage fee of $100 per 750ml bottle.
Can I bring my own dessert to Via Carota?
Our chefs have crafted a thoughtful, seasonally-changing dessert menu for our guests. If you would like to bring your own dessert, we can accommodate the request for a serving fee of $9 per guest (applied to the entire party).
Is Via Carota wheelchair accessible?
Via Carota is wheelchair accessible via the main entrance on Grove Street, closest to 7th Avenue. Wheelchairs fit comfortably in the dining room at most of our tables, as well as at most of our outdoor tables. The restroom closest to the office is designed to accommodate wheelchairs.
How should I inquire about hosting an event at Via Carota?
Guests are welcome to write to ciao@viacarota.com with inquiries.
Can I buy the Via Carota Cookbook at the restaurant?
Yes, we are always happy to send guests home with the Via Carota Cookbook. The $50 purchase includes a signed copy of the book and a Via Carota canvas tote bag. Staff should open a new check in Toast, find “Cookbook” in the Merchandise tab, and initiate “No Tip” when processing the transaction.
Cookbooks can also be purchased online.
Where can I buy Via Carota Craft Cocktails?
Those aged 21 and over may purchase Via Carota Craft Cocktails at Officina del Bere, around the corner from the restaurant at 98 Seventh Avenue South; or at drinkviacarota.com.
Do you offer merchandise for sale?
Our offerings change seasonally, but often include first-press olive oil harvested and pressed in Tuscany and balsamic vinegar from Modena. Please direct guests to Officina 1397, our curated shop for Italian provisions and seasonal local produce, across Grove Street from Via Carota.
Who designed the staff uniforms?
Rita and Jody collaborated with designer Lady and Butler to make the custom jackets. The aprons are by Cayson Designs.
Who did the art design for the Via Carota menu?
The New York-based graphic designer Louise Fili designed the Via Carota menu and typeface.
Can I order pick-up or delivery?
We offer food and drink for day-of pick-up and delivery, via our website for pick-up, and DoorDash or Caviar for delivery.
Can you tell me more about the space?
Rita and Jody designed a complete rebuild of the space with custom millwork and masonry.
The artist Warren Muller made the light sculptures in the entryway and above tables 10 and 20.
The floors were reclaimed from an old gymnasium in Pennsylvania.
The beechwood chairs were sourced from a chapel in Wales.
Much of the furniture and décor came from antique markets in Pennsylvania and upstate New York, collected over the years by the chefs (including the vintage dessert plates).
To learn more about Rita and Jody’s creative collaborators, visit viacarota.com/community.
What are the chefs’ other restaurants?
In 2008, Rita opened I Sodi, a classic Tuscan restaurant inspired by the farm where she grew up, just north of Florence. I Sodi has garnered much acclaim for its devotion to Italian tradition and simple, time-honored recipes, in which the integrity of ingredients matters above all.
Jody opened Buvette in 2011, imagining a warm and inviting space to enjoy good food and company any time of day. Buvette is beloved for its decadent brunch, intimate dinners, and old-world charm. Over the years, Jody has partnered with chefs across the world to bring Buvette to Paris, Tokyo, London, and Seoul.
In 2019, Jody and Rita opened Bar Pisellino in a light-filled space across the street from Via Carota. From espresso and pastries at the curved marble counter, to cocktails, wine, and panini at the coveted sidewalk tables, Pisellino is a quintessential, all-day Italian bar—one of the few in New York City.
The Commerce Inn opened in late 2021 at the charming corner of Commerce and Barrow Streets. In a historic tavern space that has functioned as a restaurant for nearly 100 years, The Commerce Inn celebrates heritage American cooking and the magic of old New York.
