Restaurants: Carbone (Las Vegas) vs. Central (Lima, Peru)

Quick Verdict

Carbone (Las Vegas) and Central (Lima, Peru) offer vastly different dining experiences. Carbone provides a nostalgic and familiar Italian-American experience with a focus on classic dishes and a vibrant atmosphere, while Central offers an innovative and immersive exploration of Peruvian cuisine with a focus on unique ingredients and a connection to nature. The choice depends on whether you prefer a classic, high-end Italian meal or an adventurous, contemporary Peruvian tasting menu.

Carbone (Las Vegas) offers a classic Italian-American dining experience with an opulent 1950s/60s New York ambiance, while Central (Lima, Peru) provides a contemporary Peruvian culinary journey with a minimalist and modern setting.
Carbone's menu features elevated Italian-American classics, whereas Central focuses on tasting menus that showcase unique Peruvian ingredients and ecosystems.
While both restaurants require reservations, Carbone has faced some criticism regarding inconsistent or rushed service, while Central is known for its passionate and professional staff providing a 4-5 hour dining experience.
Carbone's wine list is extensive with 550 labels, while Central offers wine pairings to complement its tasting menus.
Central is significantly more expensive than Carbone.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Carbone (Las Vegas)	Central (Lima, Peru)
Cuisine Type	Italian-American	Contemporary Peruvian
Price Range	$$$$	Tasting menus around $350 USD. The "Alturas Mater Tasting Menu" is about $161. Tasting menus are around S/1480.00 Peruvian soles.
Ambiance	Opulent elegance of 1950s and 1960s New York City	Minimalist and modern. Located in a former cultural center in Barranco, with a vegetable garden at the entrance. The dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows, stone tables, woodwork, and tree trunks extending through the roof. Guests can view the chefs at work through glass windows.
Location Accessibility	Promenade level of the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas	Located in the Barranco district of Lima.
Menu Variety	Italian-American classics, elevated with contemporary techniques	Offers tasting menus that consist of multiple courses. The restaurant does not offer a la carte options. The menu changes based on ingredient availability and the chef's discoveries.
Wine List Quality	550 labels, featuring the best from Italy, America, and France	Offers wine pairings.
Service Speed	Prompt service, but some reviews mention inconsistent or rushed service	The dining experience lasts 4-5 hours.
Noise Level	Moderate	Expect a quiet, refined atmosphere.
Dress Code	Business casual	No official dress code. Diners typically dress between casual and business casual. Smart casual is acceptable.
Reservation Availability	Highly recommended, book 30 days in advance	Reservations are required and can be made online for groups of 1-6 people up to four months in advance. Tables are booked quickly.
Specialty Dishes	Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, Veal Parmesan, Lobster Fra Diavolo, Lobster Ravioli, Carpaccio Piemontese	The restaurant does not serve local favorites like Lomo Saltado or ceviche. Instead, it offers dishes that incorporate unique ingredients from different Peruvian ecosystems. Examples include Cushuro (Andean caviar) and Paiche (Amazonian fish).
Customer Reviews Score	4.7	4.6/5 based on 3624 reviews.
Price	Very Expensive (Prices generally start at $50 and over. A meal can cost around $251 for two people, plus gratuity)	$161 - $350 USD
Ratings	4.7 (based on all-time ratings)	4.6/5 based on 3624 reviews

Overall Comparison

Carbone (Las Vegas): 4.7 rating, Italian-American cuisine, $$$$ price range. Central (Lima, Peru): 4.6/5 rating (3624 reviews), Contemporary Peruvian cuisine, $161 - $350 USD price range.

Pros and Cons

Carbone (Las Vegas)

Pros:

Remarkable dining experience
Classic Italian-American flavors
Timeless atmosphere
Culinary expertise
Attention to detail
Exceptional service (generally)
Finest products/high-quality ingredients
Extensive and well-curated wine list

Cons:

Reservations are difficult to obtain
Some reviews suggest it is overpriced
Inconsistent or rushed service (according to some)
Moderate noise level, music can be loud making conversation challenging

Central (Lima, Peru)

Pros:

Unique dining experience
Showcases Peru through food
Uses local and sustainable products
Passionate and professional staff
Stunning ambiance and decor
Adapts tasting menu for dietary restrictions

Cons:

Expensive
Reservations are difficult to secure
May not be able to accommodate severe allergies
Does not offer a la carte options
Does not serve local favorites

User Experiences and Feedback

Carbone (Las Vegas)

What Users Love

Remarkable dining experience that combines classic Italian-American flavors with a timeless atmosphere.
Immersive experience that indulges the senses, with culinary expertise, attention to detail, and exceptional service.
The high-quality ingredients elevate familiar dishes into flavorful masterpieces.
Attentive and knowledgeable service.
Captivating ambiance, designed to transport guests to a world of opulent elegance reminiscent of 1950s and 1960s New York City.

Common Complaints

Some diners have reported inconsistent or rushed service.
Some reviews suggest that Carbone is overpriced for the quality of food.
Some diners have found the music too loud, making conversation challenging.

Value Perception

Some feel that the experience, ambiance, and food justify the price.

User Recommendations

Carbone provides a remarkable dining experience that combines classic Italian-American flavors with a timeless atmosphere.
Carbone uses the finest products from around the world.
The ambiance is captivating, designed to transport guests to a world of opulent elegance reminiscent of 1950s and 1960s New York City.

Central (Lima, Peru)

What Users Love

Narrative experience
Dream come true for foodies
Each dish tells a story
Sensory journey through Peru's landscapes and traditions
Creates a connection between humans, nature, and culture
Staff is passionate and professional
Setting is stunning
Ambiance is warm and welcoming

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

Dining at Central is an investment
May be more expensive than a traditional meal
Considered a unique and unforgettable experience

User Recommendations

Each dish tells a story, taking you on a sensory journey through Peru's landscapes and traditions.
The experience aims to create a connection between humans, nature, and culture.
The staff is passionate and professional, taking time to introduce each plate, describe its origin, and explain how to eat it.