The story
Via Carota is the West Village Italian osteria of Rita Sodi and Jody Williams, two chefs whose downtown restaurants have become neighborhood fixtures. The restaurant sits on tree-lined Grove Street, where the outdoor terrazza offers a tranquil spot for a meal in good weather. Inside, the space draws inspiration from a 17th-century villa in the hills near Florence—the home Sodi once knew—with heirloom keepsakes collected by the chefs over the years.
The food is described as “simple, seasonal” Italian, served in what the restaurant calls “a spirit of relaxed care and warmth.” The menu changes with the markets and farms from one season to the next, aiming for an elegant balance between authenticity and spontaneity. Whether it’s grilled octopus, fried rabbit, or the insalata verde, each plate arrives like a story. The wine list, curated by Sodi and Williams, features Italian bottles available for takeaway from their enoteca.
Via Carota earned Sodi and Williams the James Beard Award for Best Chefs, New York City, in 2019. It has also been recognized by Michelin, earning a spot on the 2026 Michelin Recommended list—a nod to the restaurant’s steady, thoughtful approach to Italian cooking in a city that never tires of it.
Open continuously from late morning to late evening, Via Carota operates in true osteria fashion: walk-ins are always welcome, whether for a leisurely lunch, a family dinner, or a late-night amaro. The chefs describe their aim simply: to honor markets and farms, nurture their team, and pursue cooking that feels both authentic and spontaneous. The result is a place that feels like home—a neighborhood spot where the Italian food is deeply appealing, without fuss or fanfare.
Recognition
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