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Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, il Carciofo is a Roman Italian restaurant drawing inspiration from the restaurants and markets in one of Chef Joe’s favorite cities, Rome. We offer a seasonal menu of elevated yet familiar Italian fare with traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, hand-rolled pastas produced daily in a dedicated pasta lab and market-driven mains that highlight the season’s bounty.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1045 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (872) 274-5862
Website: http://www.ilcarciofochicago.com/
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: sevenrooms.comopentable.com
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Il Carciofo | Italian Restaurant in Chicago, IL
A Roman Italian restaurant from Chef Joe Flamm & Day Off Group, inspired by the restaurants & markets in one of their favorite cities. Coming Winter 2024.
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Reviews
Utah Carol
I had been meaning to try this restaurant, I drive by it so often, and something about the patio and signage reminded me of Italy, which is where I spent part of my summer in 2025. I took one of my friends to celebrate her new chapter in business (she launched a new company) for dinner and cocktails. Admittedly, we did walk in with a “we want to have a good night” attitude, and that always makes the difference in any dining experience.
il Carciofo did not disappoint me. The vibe inside is festive, fast and totally fun. There was not an empty seat in the entire place, and we were there on a Saturday afternoon, right before dinnertime. We had reservations (a must) and were seated right away.
Privacy: The tables provide just enough distance from each other, you don’t feel crammed like other restaurants do.
Noise: The noise level is such, that you can’t really hear anyone else talking, which is great. But it is moderate to loud.
Cleanliness: The restaurant is very clean, the bathrooms when we were there were immaculate. And thankfully, they use low scent soap, which is perfect so your hands don’t reek of perfume before you eat.
We didn’t know that you have to order all items at once, and that most items are designed to be shared. I suppose that they have to time the kitchen, which makes sense, the place is literally packed. We were only supposed to be there for a maximum of two hours. But we ordered to much food and wine, and we had lots of catching up to do, so our 2 hours went over, and we were eventually asked to give up our table.
Service: Our server was confident making wine recommendations, my guest drinks red, I only drink white. We loved his final recommendation. He was able to explain the menu rather well, but he missed on the vegetable which I believe was delicata squash. I was not a fan of this vegetable pairing with our other selections.
Location: Away from the hustle of Randolph street, so it feels much classier and sophisticated. I wonder what it’s like during the summer months, it’s probably bananas.
Cost: Extremely expensive. I am still on the fence about if the cost is commensurate to the service, vibe and quality of food. I’ve eaten at restaurants before at this price point, and they were a little bit more upscale or were in NYC.
Food: I enjoyed my meal and my company. I may have enjoyed the food of many other Italian restaurants in Chicago a bit more. But I will say, the flavors are unique to me at il Carciofo, and I haven’t had those flavors before. So in a way, it was an adventure that I wanted and I was happy to have taken the chance. My guest and I shared the gnocchi, the steak, and the kale salad. We had desert that reminded me of a profiterol. Overall, plenty of food for two.
Cocktails: We ordered traditional gin gimlets with Plymouth Gin. Gin gimlets are a classic cocktail, and difficult to make well and balance, especially if you request an alteration, which I did. I asked for a little less sweet. The bartender was obviously trained well, and their was some passion in that mix, the cocktail was fresh, crips and perfect. We followed up with a bottle of a splendid white pinot noir.
Because of the cost, I would place this restaurant in the special occasion category.
… moreil Carciofo did not disappoint me. The vibe inside is festive, fast and totally fun. There was not an empty seat in the entire place, and we were there on a Saturday afternoon, right before dinnertime. We had reservations (a must) and were seated right away.
Privacy: The tables provide just enough distance from each other, you don’t feel crammed like other restaurants do.
Noise: The noise level is such, that you can’t really hear anyone else talking, which is great. But it is moderate to loud.
Cleanliness: The restaurant is very clean, the bathrooms when we were there were immaculate. And thankfully, they use low scent soap, which is perfect so your hands don’t reek of perfume before you eat.
We didn’t know that you have to order all items at once, and that most items are designed to be shared. I suppose that they have to time the kitchen, which makes sense, the place is literally packed. We were only supposed to be there for a maximum of two hours. But we ordered to much food and wine, and we had lots of catching up to do, so our 2 hours went over, and we were eventually asked to give up our table.
Service: Our server was confident making wine recommendations, my guest drinks red, I only drink white. We loved his final recommendation. He was able to explain the menu rather well, but he missed on the vegetable which I believe was delicata squash. I was not a fan of this vegetable pairing with our other selections.
Location: Away from the hustle of Randolph street, so it feels much classier and sophisticated. I wonder what it’s like during the summer months, it’s probably bananas.
Cost: Extremely expensive. I am still on the fence about if the cost is commensurate to the service, vibe and quality of food. I’ve eaten at restaurants before at this price point, and they were a little bit more upscale or were in NYC.
Food: I enjoyed my meal and my company. I may have enjoyed the food of many other Italian restaurants in Chicago a bit more. But I will say, the flavors are unique to me at il Carciofo, and I haven’t had those flavors before. So in a way, it was an adventure that I wanted and I was happy to have taken the chance. My guest and I shared the gnocchi, the steak, and the kale salad. We had desert that reminded me of a profiterol. Overall, plenty of food for two.
Cocktails: We ordered traditional gin gimlets with Plymouth Gin. Gin gimlets are a classic cocktail, and difficult to make well and balance, especially if you request an alteration, which I did. I asked for a little less sweet. The bartender was obviously trained well, and their was some passion in that mix, the cocktail was fresh, crips and perfect. We followed up with a bottle of a splendid white pinot noir.
Because of the cost, I would place this restaurant in the special occasion category.
Victoria Simonnet
We loved Il Carciofo so much!!
Pictured are the Prociutto Di Parma, Abbacchio Alla Scottadito (lamb), Fritto Misto, Margherita Pizza, Rigatoni Alla Carbonara, Gnocchetti, Zucca, Pistachio Gelato, and Tiramisu. Not pictured is the chicken special and the Coppa E Fica (figs).
We enjoyed everything but the chicken and figs were a hit because they didn’t get pictured. Personally, I loved the rigatoni alla carbonara, lamb, pizza, and pistachio gelato (so smooth and delicious). The bread was also amazing. We ordered more because it was so delicious.
This is definitely a place to just order a bunch of different menu items and to share because so many things are good.
I’m excited to go back soon and get the dishes with truffle added next time!!
… morePictured are the Prociutto Di Parma, Abbacchio Alla Scottadito (lamb), Fritto Misto, Margherita Pizza, Rigatoni Alla Carbonara, Gnocchetti, Zucca, Pistachio Gelato, and Tiramisu. Not pictured is the chicken special and the Coppa E Fica (figs).
We enjoyed everything but the chicken and figs were a hit because they didn’t get pictured. Personally, I loved the rigatoni alla carbonara, lamb, pizza, and pistachio gelato (so smooth and delicious). The bread was also amazing. We ordered more because it was so delicious.
This is definitely a place to just order a bunch of different menu items and to share because so many things are good.
I’m excited to go back soon and get the dishes with truffle added next time!!
Kristin McGrath
Always have the best time at il carciofo!
The beet side (roasted beets, homemade ricotta, and pistachio gremolata) was unreal!! Earthy, creamy, bright, and perfectly balanced. It was the favorite dish by far.
And our server, Rayna made the whole night feel so special, her wine recommendations were spot on and she was genuinely so sweet and attentive. 10/10 everytime!!
… moreThe beet side (roasted beets, homemade ricotta, and pistachio gremolata) was unreal!! Earthy, creamy, bright, and perfectly balanced. It was the favorite dish by far.
And our server, Rayna made the whole night feel so special, her wine recommendations were spot on and she was genuinely so sweet and attentive. 10/10 everytime!!
Em Can
We finally decided to try this restaurant since we always pass by and were curious, especially after receiving their email about Appertivo (their version of happy hour). We ordered the rigatoni carbonara from the regular menu and a pizza slice from the Appertivo menu (though I do wish they had more options).
I asked our male server (if the pasta could be cooked softer, not al dente. I’m glad I did after reading reviews, but it was still a little firmer than I prefer. That said, the carbonara tasted authentic—very similar to what I’ve had in Rome—though it was a bit too salty for my liking. The pizza, on the other hand, was excellent. We loved the crunch, and at $8 a slice, it felt worth it.
For dessert, we tried the pistachio gelato and it was absolutely delicious. Overall, we’ll likely return to try more of their Appertivo since it’s so close by. It’s definitely a nice addition to the neighborhood.
… moreI asked our male server (if the pasta could be cooked softer, not al dente. I’m glad I did after reading reviews, but it was still a little firmer than I prefer. That said, the carbonara tasted authentic—very similar to what I’ve had in Rome—though it was a bit too salty for my liking. The pizza, on the other hand, was excellent. We loved the crunch, and at $8 a slice, it felt worth it.
For dessert, we tried the pistachio gelato and it was absolutely delicious. Overall, we’ll likely return to try more of their Appertivo since it’s so close by. It’s definitely a nice addition to the neighborhood.
Bridget Stone
Had a wonderful second visit to il Carciofo! Some of the favs of the night were the artichokes, of course, the pesto suplee, and the carbonara. The vibes were cozy and perfect for a fall girls night out. We ended our meal with the tiramisu and it was just as great as the meal itself. Will definitely be back for a third time.
… moreLu De
Truly unique flavors alongside traditional Italian hits. Staff was very friendly and attentive. The wine selection was unique, with a long list by the glass.
Don’t skip the ribeye- it was the highlight of the meal.
The homemade bread had a perfectly crunchy crust and pillowy crumb, sending the Prosciutto di parma, panzanella salad, and Mortadella pizza over the top.
… moreDon’t skip the ribeye- it was the highlight of the meal.
The homemade bread had a perfectly crunchy crust and pillowy crumb, sending the Prosciutto di parma, panzanella salad, and Mortadella pizza over the top.
davide maria rossi
Dinner with friends (party of four). Nice place, but unfortunately the food is not Italian at all.
We are all Italian, born and raised, and have been living in the US for years — so we’re very familiar with Italian cuisine, both traditional and adapted.
We arrived a bit early and the table was already ready. The restaurant was far from full. Two of us were waiting for the others and asked to order a pizza while waiting. We were told we couldn’t order anything until everyone was seated, but were offered bread instead — which is listed on the same menu as the pizza. That policy made little sense.
Appetizers:
Carciofo alla giudia: good
Supplì al ragù: average
Supplì al pesto: strongly lemon-forward, not pleasant
Pizza boscaiola: heavy garlic everywhere. Garlic should always be listed as an ingredient — especially on pizza. In Italy, garlic is used very sparingly, and definitely not by default (marinara being the exception).
Main courses:
3 × Carbonara: average
Cacio e pepe: good
Desserts:
Pistachio gelato: this was not gelato, but closer to a granita
Zeppole di San Giuseppe: strongly suggest revisiting the recipe
Total was $175 per person including tip, with two bottles of wine. At that price point, you can easily find better quality and far more authentic Italian food elsewhere.
… moreWe are all Italian, born and raised, and have been living in the US for years — so we’re very familiar with Italian cuisine, both traditional and adapted.
We arrived a bit early and the table was already ready. The restaurant was far from full. Two of us were waiting for the others and asked to order a pizza while waiting. We were told we couldn’t order anything until everyone was seated, but were offered bread instead — which is listed on the same menu as the pizza. That policy made little sense.
Appetizers:
Carciofo alla giudia: good
Supplì al ragù: average
Supplì al pesto: strongly lemon-forward, not pleasant
Pizza boscaiola: heavy garlic everywhere. Garlic should always be listed as an ingredient — especially on pizza. In Italy, garlic is used very sparingly, and definitely not by default (marinara being the exception).
Main courses:
3 × Carbonara: average
Cacio e pepe: good
Desserts:
Pistachio gelato: this was not gelato, but closer to a granita
Zeppole di San Giuseppe: strongly suggest revisiting the recipe
Total was $175 per person including tip, with two bottles of wine. At that price point, you can easily find better quality and far more authentic Italian food elsewhere.
Chris Bonnett
Sitting at the chefs counter, watching the guys sling pizzas into the oven, I felt like I had been transported to Italy for a hot second. Overall, the restaurant ambiance is OK (music a bit too loud, lights too bright), but the chefs counter felt more cozy even with the rapid pace of all the things happening in the kitchen.
More importantly, the food. Artichokes were delicious, but as a party of one, I don’t know how you could possibly share that portion. Rossa pizza was tasty with a crispy crust and fresh tomato flavor. The salad was very good and complex with roasted pistachios, and crisp greens. The cacio e pepe was creamy, salty, and the perfect portion.
Service was attentive, helpful, and not overbearing.
… moreMore importantly, the food. Artichokes were delicious, but as a party of one, I don’t know how you could possibly share that portion. Rossa pizza was tasty with a crispy crust and fresh tomato flavor. The salad was very good and complex with roasted pistachios, and crisp greens. The cacio e pepe was creamy, salty, and the perfect portion.
Service was attentive, helpful, and not overbearing.
Tre Nowaczynski
Delicious meal, well-paced courses and great for family style eating. We especially enjoyed the artichoke dish and drink, keeping true to the namesake.
… moreHector Luna
Amazing experience from start to finish. The staff was incredibly friendly, attentive, and professional. We were seated quickly, and the service throughout the night was excellent.
The food was outstanding — everything we ordered was delicious and clearly made with care. Special shout-out to Sous Chef Christian and his team for making our date night extra special. You could really feel the passion and teamwork coming from the kitchen.
Highly recommend and will definitely be back.
… moreThe food was outstanding — everything we ordered was delicious and clearly made with care. Special shout-out to Sous Chef Christian and his team for making our date night extra special. You could really feel the passion and teamwork coming from the kitchen.
Highly recommend and will definitely be back.