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Carla

Carla, 331 W 51st St, New York

4.6
RESTAURANT RATING: 
WONDERFUL
4.6 out of 5 (58 Ratings)
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0.3 miles Birdland Jazz
About Carla
The Spotlight on Carla

Casual Comfort with a Creative Twist in Midtown NYC

Carla is a welcoming American restaurant tucked away on West 51st Street in Midtown Manhattan, offering a cozy, laid-back vibe with a dash of urban chic. Just steps from major Broadway theaters and top concert venues, it's become a favorite for locals and visitors looking for inspired comfort food in a relaxed setting. With its warm lighting, exposed brick, and friendly staff, Carla blends the feel of a neighborhood gem with the energy of the city.

Why Concert-goers love it

Carla’s prime location makes it a top pick for concert-goers heading to venues in the Theater District and beyond. The atmosphere is low-key but lively, perfect for catching up with friends before a show without shouting over loud music. Diners appreciate the efficient, attentive service—a big plus when you're on a schedule. The menu is compact but satisfying, with dishes that are flavorful, filling, and arrive quickly, so you won’t miss your curtain call.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking for a relaxed but stylish meal before the show
  • Solo travelers grabbing a bite before seeing a bucket-list artist
  • Couples enjoying a romantic night in Midtown
  • Fans who want a buzzing but comfortable pre-show hangout
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who still want a quality dining experience

What People Say

Reviews rave about Carla’s friendly service, cozy atmosphere, and creative twists on American favorites. The truffle fries and fried chicken sandwich earn frequent shout-outs, and guests love how the restaurant feels “like a hidden gem” despite its central location. Many mention it’s a great spot for a relaxed dinner that still feels a little special.

Areas for Improvement

While most guests enjoy the intimate setting, some note that seating can feel a bit tight during peak hours. The menu is somewhat limited, so if you're looking for a wide range of options, it may not be the best fit. But what it does, it does well.

The Bottom Line

If you’re heading to a concert in Midtown and want a delicious, cozy meal without the hassle, Carla is a solid bet for a stress-free, satisfying pre-show experience.

Average Price
$30 and under
Cuisine
American
Opening Hours
Mon-Thu 4:30 pm-9:45 pm
Fri 12:00 pm-10:30 pm
Sat 11:00 am-10:30 pm
Sun 11:00 am-9:45 pm

Carla Customer Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Exceptional (5 out of 5)

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5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Marla, Tiverton Sun, 25 June 2023

What a great place to go before a show. Ate just enough to feel satisfied and not bloated. Very reasonably priced. Good food and great atmosphere.

Liked: The margaritas, the apps and lively bartender.
Disliked: Nothing; maybe a bit loud, but that's the norm.

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Carla is #2784 of 14892 things to do in New York City

5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: mojo293, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Mon 23 Jun, 2025
l Visited Carla last week during our visit to New York from the UK. Very good location, just off 8th Avenue, and only a few blocks down from our hotel. We had intended to take advantage of the happy...

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4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: Andrew K, New York City, New York
Sat 21 Jun, 2025
l My wife and I had a nice pre-theater dinner here on a weekday. My Margarita ($16) was more than decent, not 80% ice cubes as is often the case in Mexican restaurants. Our waiter warned us, me...

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5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: helenp353, Orlando, Florida
Wed 11 Jun, 2025
l We chose this restaurant because it is close to the Gershwin theater and because I liked the reviews. It is just great. The wait staff really want the customers to have a good experience. They are...

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Carla 331 W 51st St, New York