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San Carlo Osteria Piemonte
Master Critic Review
San Carlo Osteria Piemonte
8.3
A rare showcase of Piedmontese cuisine in SoHo, this 50-seat trattoria transports diners to Turin with dishes like vitello tonnato, tajarin with truffle, and agnolotti del plin. The wine program spotlights over 250 labels with deep focus on Barolo and Barbaresco, plus SoHo's most extensive amaro collection.
Must-Try Dishes:
Agnolotti del Plin, Fassona Beef Tartare, Tajarin with Truffle
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Only Piedmont-focused restaurant in the neighborhood with 250+ wine labels
Who should go: Wine lovers and fans of Northern Italian specialties
When to visit: Sunday 2-5pm for live music during dining
What to order: Fassona beef tartare, agnolotti, finish with Bonet (Piedmontese flan)
Insider tip: Ask Beverage Director Mirko for amaro pairings from their rare Italian collection
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. 221 Thompson St Garage is closest ($30-40 evening). Street parking extremely limited in SoHo—subway (Spring St C/E or Houston St 1) strongly recommended.
Dress code: Casual elegant. Smart casual works well—jeans acceptable but lean polished. The minimalist, refined setting attracts a well-dressed SoHo crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—lively buzz at peak times in the cozy 50-seat room. Tables are close together. Request early seating or outdoor patio for quieter conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservation recommended but same-day bookings often available. Walk-ins possible at the bar or off-peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Prix fixe lunch is popular but easier to secure. Minimal wait with reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—roasted Romanesco, beet risotto, vegetable-forward pastas and salads. Kitchen accommodates modifications.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes can be adapted. Call ahead for strict vegan needs as Piedmontese cuisine relies heavily on butter and cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes—staff knowledgeable about allergens. Risottos and protein mains work well. Not a dedicated GF kitchen, so notify server of sensitivity.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. Cozy, romantic atmosphere with soft lighting, rustic wood, and elegant Italian decor. The 250+ wine list gives you conversation starters, and Mirko's amaro recommendations add memorable flair. Request a corner table for more privacy—tables can be close.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often possible. Unlike nearby hotspots, San Carlo typically has same-day availability. The bar seats walk-ins, and weeknights are easiest. Weekend dinner at prime time (7-8pm) benefits from booking via OpenTable.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families celebrate here regularly and staff is notably welcoming to children. No formal kids' menu, but pasta and risotto dishes work well. The refined atmosphere suits families with kids 6+ who can sit through a multi-course Italian meal.
Best For
Better for: Wine lovers seeking Barolo/Barbaresco depth and rare Piedmontese specialties (agnolotti del plin, vitello tonnato, Bonet) you won't find elsewhere in SoHo. More regional focus than Locanda Verde, better wine program than most neighborhood Italians, plus SoHo's best amaro collection.
Skip if: You want Southern Italian red-sauce classics, need extensive vegan options, or prefer ultra-quiet conversation. Also skip if you're in a rush—this is meant for lingering over multiple courses and digestifs.