Nanocarbon materials including carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) are ideal reinforcements of high-performance aluminum matrix composites, due to their ultra-high strength and modulus, excellent thermal and electrical conductivities. However, nanocarbons have poor wettability with aluminum matrix. Meanwhile, the reaction of nanocarbon/aluminum interface at high temperatures causes formation of brittle Al₄C₃ and thereby, damaging the nanocarbon reinforcements. Both of the abovementioned scenarios not only limit the strengthening effect of the reinforcements, but also deteriorate the composite toughness. Therefore, the regulations on interface reaction and bonding, and the synergistic improvements in the strength and toughness are key problems for the research of nanocarbon/aluminum composites. Based on the bonding mechanisms of nanocarbon/aluminum interface, the regulating study and effects of nanocarbon/aluminum interface were reviewed from the perspectives of surface modification of nanocarbon and optimization of composite process. Subsequently, the studies on multi-dimensional network strengthening of CNT and GNP, and their hybrid strengthening with ceramic particles were summarized. It was proposed that the strength and toughness of the composites would be further improved by designing the reinforcing network consisted of CNT, GNP, and ceramic particles, according to their different structures and strengthening effects.