A-listers have been settling for a B for years without even knowing.
The ever-popular West Village red sauce eatery, Carbone, has reportedly kept its city-issued “B” cleanliness rating hidden from patrons for an extended period, as discovered by The Post.
Located on upscale Thompson Street, this restaurant has been a favorite spot for stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Rihanna, and the Kardashians since its 2012 opening. Despite its high-profile clientele, Carbone has received health inspection penalties, leading to its “B” grade since at least 2023, according to public records on a city website.
In July, health inspectors criticized the establishment for failing to display the conspicuous 8×11-inch B grade sign, which should be visible from outside. The city’s health regulations stipulate that restaurants must clearly show their ratings for public viewing at all times.
Last month, inspectors identified five violations, such as food being stored at improperly high temperatures—heightening the risk of foodborne diseases—and inadequate cleaning of dishes, utensils, and equipment.
The city’s online system provides a three-year history of restaurant inspections. Restaurants are inspected at least once a year at random, and Carbone has had annual visits from the health department since 2023.
Faced with inquiries about the online grade, a Carbone manager expressed embarrassment but declined to comment on Thursday. Nevertheless, some diners expressed to The Post that, despite the unsatisfactory rating, they would still return for more meals.
“Really?!” notably shocked customer Eric Winter, a college student and four-time Carbone guest, said after learning of the eatery’s letter grade. “I have the beef carpaccio â maybe it’s not smart to get raw meat from a ‘B’ rated place.
“Honestly though, the service is phenomenal,” the 18-year-old Boston resident told The Post. “They’re always super-friendly. I’m pretty sure I’m going to keep coming.”
Kentucky resident Madison, 30, who has visited the eatery “about 50 times since 2023” said she comes partly because “people will be talking about it on TikTok and Instagram: it’s a really popular place.”
“I think the pictures that people like to post and the clout will overpower warm eggs and cleaning issues,” she mused.
âWe know the restaurant, weâve eaten here many times before,â one unfazed Italian tourist said as she took turns posing for photos outside the swanky spot. âYeah, I think weâre still going.â
The latest inspection racked up a total 17 health department points, compared to 21 points in 2024 and 22 points in 2023.
An inspection score between 0 to 13 points yields an A rating, and 14 to 27 is a B, according to the city’s website. Restaurants that rack up an abysmal 28 or more points â usually because of roaches, rats, mice (or all three) â get a C grade.
Carbone’s first available health inspection online details four sanitary violations found in April 2023, including: a hot food item kept below 140 degrees Fahrenheit; “deficient” dishwashing equipment; a lack of restroom toilet paper, trash bin or self-closing door; and a worker using bare hands to prep food.
Carbone was scolded during another inspection less than a year later for similar food temperature-related violations. The same visit also found a malfunctioning sewage disposal system; liquid waste “improperly disposed of;” and the absence of a mandatory “wash hands” sign.
âI wouldâve expected an A â it seems like a really nice place,â said Carbone passerby and Manhattan resident Alex, 29. âIâve gone to B ratings before though, Iâm not picky.â
âIt was very good,â 55-year-olds Gigi and Scott, visiting from Portland, Oregon, said of their Carbone experience â which was included on their extensive New York bucket list.
Gigi said she isnât sure whether the pair will be returning to the buzzy spot after âknowing everything now.”
“On the surface, everything is great,” said Carbone patron Michael Russo, 35, visiting from Boston. “But for a restaurant like that, they shouldn’t fall back on their reputation.”
