Northern Virginia's prolific chef Mike Cordero has brought the second location of his popular Arlington restaurant, Carbonara, to The Promenade at Virginia Gateway. The much-anticipated New York-style Italian restaurant, which replaced Bar Louie’s, officially opened on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 4 p.m.
Bringing Authentic Italian Cuisine to Gainesville
In place of the traditional ribbon-cutting, Prince William Chamber of Commerce CEO Kristi Black and chair Steve Danziger, joined by Gainesville District Supervisor George Stewart, welcomed the Cordero family and Carbonara staff to the neighborhood via a celebratory pasta cutting.
Chef Cordero spoke briefly at the ceremony, explaining that his son, who lives in Gainesville with his wife and young children, has been asking to bring his restaurant to them.
“We had many opportunities to open in the Washington, DC area,” said Cordero, in a conversation with Bristow Beat. However, he explained that he decided to open Carbonara’s second location in a place where people wanted an authentic Italian restaurant and didn’t have one. He said it was preferable to “being number 38 [of top restaurants]" in a more crowded market.
Cordero was born in the Bronx and trained as a chef in New York City. He explained that the Gainesville restaurant would serve the same Italian dishes that Carbonara is known for in Arlington. He plans to “keep the consistency,” knowing “how much people love Carbonara.” However, the restaurant will feature specialty dishes as well.
According to the Carbonara website, popular dishes include clams oregenato, chicken culet parmigiana, gnocchi della mamma and shrimp scampi - all made with premium ingredients and an authentic touch. Additionally, the wine selections have been carefully curated to complement the menu items.
Opening in Style
Like the authenticity of the food and wine, the restaurant's décor was designed to enhance the dining experience. The 6300 square-foot, 220-seat restaurant has been styled in what Cordero describes as an “old-school Italian” theme with modern twists.
New York restaurant designer Yvette Irene designed the space she describes as “modern Italian supper club with old school cuisine.”
Upon entering, guests will see custom black-and-white tiles and a pasta station where they may view the pasta chefs making the pasta from scratch. Ahead is a 33-seat bar, adorned in green and black custom tiles.
The restaurant features custom wallpaper throughout, and custom golden chandeliers light the dining room nearest the bar. A massive wine wall separates the master dining room from a private space that can accommodate up to 40 people.
Behind the bar is a stage on which a Frank Sinatra tribute band will perform on weekends, adding to the supper club vibe.
Making a Reservation
As many people were highly anticipating Carbonara’s opening, a reservation via Resy is required to reserve a table. This is subject to change in the future. Seating at the bar is first-come, first-served.”
The restaurant is located at 14081 Promenade Commons St., Gainesville, in The Promenade at Virginia Gateway.
Rey Lopez is a highly accomplished food, lifestyle, and architectural photographer based in Washington, DC.
This article has been updated on Sept. 10 at 1:20 p.m.
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