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Welcome to il Carciofo

il Carciofo, located at 1045 W Fulton St, Chicago, serves an exquisite taste of Italy. The vibrant atmosphere, highlighted by an open kitchen and a cozy chef's counter, creates an immersive dining experience. Renowned for dishes like their crispy fried artichokes, rich carbonara, and flavorful pizzas, the menu is intentionally concise yet impactful. Diners rave about the complexity of the salads and indulgent gelato selections. Each meal is complemented by attentive service, making it a perfect spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. Whether you're enjoying a savory dish or the enticing desserts, il Carciofo promises a memorable culinary journey.

il Carciofo: Reviews & Ratings

Chris Bonnett
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.

Zoe
Zoe

Loved this place. The fried artichoke was great. The salad I got was amazing with that cheese. Carbonara was too salty for me personally. The straciatella sandwich was sooo good. The chocolate gelato was phenomal.

John Sn
John Sn

Absolutely incredible! Nice big space, open kitchen and beautiful bar. Chef's counter was an awesome spot to dine. Everything was awesome including the seasonal Spritz,Fried Artichokes, carbonara, Boscaiola pizza and Pistachio Gelato! Look forward to returning here and also to Rosemary.

Leon Corbeille
Leon Corbeille

We ordered the artichoke, suppli ragu, lamb ribs, carbonara, ravioli pomodoro, and mortadella pizza (it's really a sandwich). The artichoke, lamb ribs and mortadella pizza were the hits. All excellent and I would eat multiple orders of (especially the ribs). The carbonara was a bit on the salty side, which ended up pairing well with the pomodoro. The suppli was good, just not as good as everything else. For dessert we got gianduja gelato and the maritozzi. The gelato was excellent while the maritozzi was very plain and boring. Overall, I would easily go again, order the artichoke, lamb ribs, and mortadella and then try some of their other offerings. Great spot for a date night or a group of friends.

Lacey Mizell
Lacey Mizell

This a most perfect meal. Small menu, great wine selection, AMAZING service and ambience. Come here and try everything! Came two weeks in a row, it’s just that good.

Hannah Greening
Hannah Greening

Everything was amazing. We sat at the chefs counter. Eric as our waiter gave great recommendations and amazing service. Victor and Billy were so great cooking our various dishes. They were interactive and so fun to be there. Highly recommend and sit at the chefs counter if you can!

Carmen
Carmen

Everything we ate was so good but the lamb appetizer and rigatoni carbonara were our favorites! Our server was great and loved the Roman theme to the interior and menu choices. We will definitely be returning to this spot

Jessica Hajny
Jessica Hajny

Such a great experience! The restaurant is beautiful and our waiter was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The food was so good. We got the fried artichoke, beef arinchini, the lamb, carbonara, the spicy rigatoni, the potatoes and the pistachio gelato. The artichoke with the lemon was something I’d never had before and definitely something I’d recommend! The lamb was falling off the bone it was so tender. The pistachio gelato may have been our favorite even though everything was amazing. You could tell it was homemade and tasted very fresh and delicious.

Location

  • il Carciofo
    1045 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States Hotline: +1 872-274-5862

Welcome to il Carciofo, a gem nestled in the heart of Chicago at 1045 W Fulton St. This vibrant eatery captures the essence of Italian dining, presenting a menu that invites you to indulge in rich flavors and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Here, the art of cooking transcends mere sustenance; it is an experience that tantalizes the senses.

As you step inside, you are greeted by an open kitchen that sparks excitement. Diners can witness the magic unfold at the chef's counter, where skillful hands artisanally toss pizzas into roaring ovens. Guests have described the ambiance as cozy, particularly at this counter, which seems to transport you straight to Italy with each bite.

The menu is a showcase of delightful offerings, with the fried artichoke standing out as a fan favorite—crispy, flavorful, and a perfect way to start your meal. Reviewers rave about the Rossa pizza, celebrated for its doughy crunch and vibrant tomato flavor. For pasta enthusiasts, the cacio e pepe delivers a creamy, heavenly experience that balances creamy and salty notes flawlessly.

Among the other highlights are the lamb ribs, which earn rave reviews for their rich, tender meat and captivating seasoning. The straciatella sandwich has also won hearts, marrying hearty flavors with satisfying textures. Diners have enthusiastically recommended both the pistachio gelato and gianduja gelato for a sweet finish, making them a must-try after your savory course.

While the ambiance may have its quirks—some mentioning bright lights and lively music—the overall experience remains engaging. The attentive service ensures that your needs are met without being overbearing, allowing you to truly savor each dish.

In essence, il Carciofo is not merely a restaurant; it is an experience. Whether for a casual dinner or a special celebration, this venue promises memorable culinary moments that will leave you yearning to return.

So gather your friends, reserve your spot at the chef’s counter, and prepare for a culinary journey that will undoubtedly delight your palate and heart alike.