Carlotto

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Modern Trattoria Rooted in Italian Tradition

Carlotto describes itself as a modern urban trattoria honoring Italy's most celebrated regions — and the room reflects that ambition. The intimate Gramercy space was designed by the award-winning Rockwell Group, giving the restaurant a considered, contemporary feel anchored by a bar that commands attention. The wine program earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2024, a recognition that speaks directly to the depth and focus of the Italian-leaning list, which draws from iconic regions like Tuscany and Piedmont alongside rarer varietals.

Behind the kitchen is Executive Chef Andy Kitko, who leads the culinary team under the umbrella of Vancouver's Toptable Group — a hospitality company with over four decades of experience building restaurants that balance elegance with approachability. General Manager Stephanie Heins rounds out the leadership team.

The Kitchen: Pasta at the Center

Pasta made fresh daily is the spine of the Italian menu. The selection ranges from a classic spaghetti carbonara with pancetta, pecorino, and black pepper, to pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale — slow-cooked wild boar with parmigiano — and ricotta cavatelli with crab, garlic, chilies, cherry tomatoes, and pangrattato. Lasagne al forno arrives layered with ragù bolognese, wild mushrooms, béchamel, and mozzarella.

For those who want to move beyond pasta, secondi include a 16 oz bone-in veal chop parmesan, a grilled lobster with fregola sarda and saffron aioli, and a tagliata di manzo built around a 16 oz bone-in NY strip with arugula, parmigiano, and aged balsamic. Antipasti like burrata pugliese with cruschi peppers and crispy baby artichokes with lemon bagna cauda set the tone before the main event.

A three-course prix fixe dinner is available daily, offering one antipasti, one pasta or secondi, and one dolce — a straightforward way to move through the menu at a measured pace.

The Bar: Amaro, Cocktails, and Italian Wine

The bar is a destination in its own right. Carlotto carries one of New York's largest selections of amaro — both vintage and modern — alongside a cocktail list that ranges from a Negroni in four variations to Italian-inflected spritzes and original compositions. The beverage program, recognized by Wine Spectator, pairs that cocktail creativity with an Italian-focused wine list that rewards exploration.

Carlotto sits adjacent to its sister restaurant Oceans on East 19th Street, just off Union Square — a location that makes it as practical for a weeknight dinner as it is for a considered evening out.