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il Carciofo, Chicago, IL

il Carciofo

4.6 (851)
$31 to $50
Italian
1045 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607

Make a reservation

A photo of il Carciofo restaurant

il Carciofo

4.6
$31 to $50
Italian
West Loop

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 46 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for groups
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for business meals
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. The restaurant offers 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.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Mediterranean, Pizzeria
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Joe Flamm
  • Private party facilities
    il Carciofo can host fully private and semi-private events in several distinct areas of the restaurant. Please visit our website for more detailed information.
  • Private party contact
    Events Sales Manager: (872) 274-5862
  • Neighborhood
    West Loop
  • Cross street
    Fulton and Aberdeen
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Morgan CTA Station (Green & Pink Lines)
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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Experiences

  • Chef Counter Tasting Menu

    1 - 6 people

    Multiple dates available
    $100/Person Join us at the Chef’s Counter for a relaxed, five-course tasting menu that celebrates the best ingredients of the season. The menu changes weekly, inspired by what our farmers and purveyors have at their peak. Please note that we are happy to accommodate most allergies with advance notice; however, we are unable to offer gluten-free modifications for this experience. *Please note that this experience will be limited to a 2-hour seating.
    Chef Counter Tasting Menu Photo

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at il Carciofo.

4.6

4.6
(851)
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Il Carciofo showcases "superior food" and "wonderful service," creating memorable dining experiences. Guests rave about the "Carciofo pasta," expertly crafted Roman-inspired dishes, and a distinct vegetarian menu. The ambiance is lively, and the "friendly and knowledgeable staff" elevate each visit. Popular items include artichoke appetizers and "amazing" cocktails.
851 Reviews
  1. Bonita Gold

    Chicago18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Manuel was the absolute best!! he definitely went above and beyond for me and my guest with dietary preferences . He deserves a raise and we will make sure we ask for him next time we dine it. I haven’t received stellar service like this in years .

    Is this helpful?

  2. Kyle

    Chicago2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Arguably the best Italian food in Chicago, IL currently.

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  3. Barbara Gold

    Chicago7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 4, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of my favorite latest dining experience! Kudos to the entire crew working for such a fun, memorable experience. Will definitely be back!

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  4. Amanda Gold

    Chicago6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 3, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The team was amazing as always! In particular, Mike was an our bartender and was very kind and knowledgeable with the menu and options for those who do and do not drink. Food was delicious and drinks were 10/10! The Carciofo pasta was a highlight! I also appreciated that there was a separate vegetarian menu to make things easier for my friends to order.

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  5. Mara

    Minneapolis4 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on June 27, 2026

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Honestly expected much much more. Fritto Misto was chewy and the batter was thick and soggy. All of the pasta was lacking flavor - noodles were Al dente but extremely bland sauce. The waitress was correcting us on how to pronounce the dishes even though my party was from Italy/speaks Italian. Only saving grace was the desserts. Disappointing to say the least.

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  6. TUCKER Gold

    Chicago9 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on June 26, 2026

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    This review happened on a Thursday evening. The first time my husband and I went, was a month after opening, so we expected some issues as the team is still new and finding their footing. This was the second time we went and the service wasn’t great. We were seated promptly at our reservation time at 7pm, we ordered drinks almost immediately and probably after 5-10 minutes, one of the hosts came over and asked if we needed drinks and we mentioned to her that our drinks were already ordered and we were still waiting. After that first lull of drinks, all the other drinks came out prompt. While we probably did not order food until 7:30/7:45ish the coursing was not great. We ordered the artichoke, rigatoni carbonara, cacio e pepe, spaghetti carciofo, & broccoli & cauliflower. At 8:50, we were still waiting for our last two dishes. The coursing between the artichoke and rigatoni was reasonable and then again when the cacio e Pepe came. Our server,while the coursing isn’t necessarily his fault, (I am unsure of the roles and who fires, etc..) came over around 8:50 and I told him at that point we just had to cancel our food because it was getting late and all three of us just wanted to go home. He asked if we wanted to dessert and we told him no. As we were signing our bill, the spaghetti came and at that point we were done. They were kind and did comp our last round of drinks.

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  7. Evelyn

    New York City4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 26, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waitress was so wonderful and the food was superior!

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  8. Trygve

    Chicago2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 21, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Closet to authentic Italian food that we have had in decades.

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  9. Debree Gold

    New York City4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 21, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a beautiful experience! Dinner staff were kind, management was present and accommodating. The food here is flavorful, wine selections are great pairs and overall just a vibe. Only concern I would have is the attitude of the receptionist. Even when trying to communicate, nobody would answer the phones, to speak with a customer. When I arrived, they were busy. However nobody is too busy to provide clarity and help to a customer.

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Ann

    New York City2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 19, 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    Nice set up but food was salty all around but waitress super nice and tried to make up for the bad food.

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Mediterranean, Pizzeria
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Joe Flamm
  • Private party facilities
    il Carciofo can host fully private and semi-private events in several distinct areas of the restaurant. Please visit our website for more detailed information.
  • Private party contact
    Events Sales Manager: (872) 274-5862
  • Neighborhood
    West Loop
  • Cross street
    Fulton and Aberdeen
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Morgan CTA Station (Green & Pink Lines)
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

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FAQs

Il Carciofo offers a variety of seating options: a lively bar and pizza oven counter, a chef’s/chef’s counter (open kitchen) experience, a patio for outdoor dining, and private dining options (the “Pasta Lab” or private rooms) for events. Guests particularly enjoy the chef’s counter for watching service and the patio for a quieter outdoor meal.

Yes, the team is responsive to pre-arrival requests. Guests report the staff adjusting dishes for allergies, arranging birthday touches (prosecco or dessert), and accommodating private-party needs when contacted ahead of time. If you need seating preferences, accessibility accommodations, or menu modifications (allergies/vegetarian needs), call the restaurant before your reservation to confirm.

Families do dine here, and guests often bring children for celebrations. The focus is on Roman-style pastas, pizzas and shareable small plates rather than a kids’ menu, so it’s best for older children or teens who will enjoy shareable pastas and pizzas. For younger kids, consider an early seating or a private room and call ahead to discuss menu flexibility.

The restaurant gets busy and guests sometimes wait for tables, especially on weekend nights. While specific waitlist policies aren’t listed, reviewers recommend booking in advance and arriving on time because the host team may require the whole party to be present before seating. Walk-ins can expect to wait or be offered bar seating if available.

Yes, il Carciofo is a popular choice for date night and special occasions. Guests frequently praise the lively, modern Roman vibe, thoughtful service, and standout pastas and cocktails that make for a memorable evening. Note the room can get energetic and a bit loud when busy, so request a chef’s counter, patio table, or an early seating for a slightly quieter experience. Reservations are recommended for weekends and celebrations.

Il Carciofo opens weekday evenings and later on weekends. Current posted hours are: - Mon–Thu & Sun: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM - Fri & Sat: 4:30 PM – 11:00 PM As hours can vary for holidays or special events, call ahead for holiday service or special menus.

Warm, modern and energetic with a Roman-trattoria influence. Guests describe a bright, open kitchen and bustling dining room with lively conversation, perfect for a fun night out. That energy can make it noisy at peak times, so it’s better for lively dates or celebrations than hushed, intimate conversations. The space is stylish and approachable, with an open kitchen and strong hospitality vibe.

Busiest times are weekend evenings and prime dinner hours (around 7–9 PM), when the dining room is lively and loud. Quietest windows are early evening openings (around 4:30–6 PM) and some weeknights, guests note the spot can feel nearly empty at 5 PM but full by 7. Holidays and Restaurant Week can also be busy; reservations are recommended.

Yes, il Carciofo has a patio and guests frequently mention enjoying outdoor dining when weather permits. Multiple reviews highlight pleasant patio experiences for dinners and that outdoor seating can be quieter and very enjoyable in good weather. Call ahead to request patio seating, especially on warm nights.

Smart casual is the stated dress code. Guests treat the restaurant as a step-up dining experience for date nights and celebrations, neat, comfortable attire is appropriate. The vibe is polished but not overly formal, so business-casual or dressy-casual outfits work well.

Weeknights (Mon–Thu) or an early weekend seating are the best bets for a slightly calmer experience. Guests frequently recommend arriving soon after opening or choosing a weekday if you prefer a quieter meal; Friday and Saturday nights are lively and popular for celebrations if you want a more energetic atmosphere.

Yes, il Carciofo is part of Chef Joe Flamm’s restaurant group; guests reference other Joe Flamm restaurants (for example, Rose Mary) and note a shared reputation. If you’re curious about sister concepts or other locations, contact the restaurant or check the team’s website for up-to-date listings.

The restaurant has hosted special holiday dinners (guests mention NYE and Restaurant Week), so it does operate for some holidays and events. Holiday hours and special menus can vary, so call ahead or check the restaurant’s website/social channels to confirm service and availability for a specific holiday.

Yes, families do dine here and guests report birthday dinners and family gatherings are common. The restaurant can accommodate groups and private parties, and staff have adjusted dishes for allergies and dietary needs when asked. Note that the host policy sometimes requires the full party to be present before seating, and the bar area may be reservation-only; call ahead if you need specific accessibility or family accommodations.

Early evening on weekdays, around opening or right after (approximately 4:30–6:00 PM), is best for a quieter experience. Guests note the room is often empty at 5 PM but fills up and gets lively by 7 PM. Weeknights or earlier weekend seatings give you a more relaxed pace; reserve in advance for prime weekend times.

Chef Joe Flamm is the creative force behind il Carciofo, the restaurant draws on his Roman inspirations and culinary style. Guests reference Chef Joe and his previous work, and the restaurant’s description highlights his influence on the seasonal, Roman-focused menu.

Yes, the restaurant accepts private parties and offers private/semi-private spaces (guests mention a “Pasta Lab” private room and chef’s counter experiences). Reviewers have booked celebrations, birthdays and special events and praise the team’s ability to host memorable private dinners. Contact the restaurant directly to discuss capacities and menu options.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. West Loop

Make a reservation

A photo of il Carciofo restaurant

il Carciofo

4.6
$31 to $50
Italian
West Loop

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 46 times today
Experiences are available.
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