Q&A: CARBONE VINO Brings Italian Glamour to Coconut Grove

Miami, FL – December 24, 2024 – CARBONE VINO, the latest offering from Major Food Group, brings the beloved CARBONE experience to Coconut Grove.

True to its name, the restaurant emphasizes wine, boasting an inventory of over 3,000 bottles and an expanded selection of wines by the glass. With a chic dining room, private space, and a bar where the full menu is available, CARBONE VINO blends elegance with accessibility in its design and culinary offerings.

Co-founder Jeff Zalaznick says the Grove’s vibrant energy and evolving dining culture made it the perfect home for this expansion. “Coconut Grove’s charm is undeniable—it’s a neighborhood with an incredible atmosphere, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community,” shares Zalaznick. “It’s also one of Miami’s fastest-growing areas, which makes it an exciting place to be.”

The menu at CARBONE VINO proudly features beloved classics like Caesar alla ZZ, Veal Parmesan, Spicy Vodka Rigatoni, and Carrot Cake, joined by new creations that have been years in the making — concepts long-envisioned by Chef Mario Carbone but never before introduced, now brought to life exclusively at CARBONE VINO.

“While no two CARBONE locations look the same, CARBONE VINO pays homage to the original on Thompson Street in New York’s historic Greenwich Village, blending nostalgia with sophistication,” Zalaznick continues. “We worked with the award-winning Bishop Design to create a series of moody, romantic spaces that feel like a step back in time.”

Joining the group’s other Miami concepts like Sadelle’s and HaSalon, CARBONE VINO is poised to be a centerpiece of Coconut Grove’s growing food scene. Just don’t count on strolling in without a reservation—this hotspot is likely to fill up fast.”

WRE: How is CARBONE VINO different than CARBONE?

Jeff Zalaznick: CARBONE VINO is the newest member of the CARBONE family; it has everything you want at CARBONE plus new incredible dishes Chef Mario Carbone created for this location. Complementing the exceptional cuisine is one of the most extensive wines-by-the-glass list in Florida. For the first time, we’ve reimagined our original design from CARBONE on Thompson Street in New York, giving CARBONE VINO a sense of timeless charm and authenticity.

CARBONE VINO represents a unique opportunity to innovate, offering a fresh canvas to expand on the CARBONE legacy while staying true to its signature style and excellence.

Jeff Zalaznick

WRE: What is the wine program and philosophy for CARBONE VINO?

JZ: Our wine program is one of the most ambitious in Miami, with over 3,000 bottles and 600 selections spanning all major wine regions. For connoisseurs, there are nearly 100 bottles aged five to twenty years, while those just exploring wine can discover something new on every visit, thanks to our robust by-the-glass offerings. The idea is to create an approachable yet sophisticated experience, where even a casual evening can surprise you with a sommelier pulling a rare bottle just for fun.

The idea is to create an approachable yet sophisticated experience, where even a casual evening can surprise you with a sommelier pulling a rare bottle just for fun.

Jeff Zalaznick

WRE: Tell us about the inspiration for the design of the space.

JZ: While no two CARBONE locations look the same, CARBONE VINO pays homage to the original on Thompson Street in New York’s historic Greenwich Village, blending nostalgia with sophistication. We worked with the award-winning Bishop Design to create a series of moody, romantic spaces that feel like a step back in time. 

WRE: Are there any signature CARBONE dishes that will be served at CARBONE VINO?

JZ: The menu at CARBONE VINO proudly features beloved classics like Caesar alla ZZ, Veal Parmesan, Spicy Vodka Rigatoni, and Carrot Cake. Complementing these iconic dishes are new creations that have been years in the making—concepts long envisioned by Chef Mario Carbone but never before introduced at CARBONE, now brought to life exclusively at VINO. CARBONE VINO represents a unique opportunity to innovate, offering a fresh canvas to expand on the CARBONE legacy while staying true to its signature style and excellence.

WRE: This is the second MFG venue in Coconut Grove, what makes this an ideal location?

JZ: Coconut Grove’s charm is undeniable—it’s a neighborhood with an incredible atmosphere, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community. It’s also one of Miami’s fastest-growing areas, which makes it an exciting place to be. 

WRE: What do you hope guests experience will be at CARBONE VINO?

JZ: We wanted to create a place where guests can step out of everyday life and into something transportive. CARBONE VINO Coconut Grove is designed to feel like the greatest neighborhood restaurant—a space you want to revisit again and again. Whether enjoying the full menu at our world-class bar – a feature unique to this location – or sitting down for a full meal, the goal is to make every visit feel effortless yet extraordinary.