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Nestled in the heart of Chicago's vibrant Fulton Market District, **il Carciofo** is an Italian restaurant that offers an unforgettable dining experience. With its open kitchen design and inviting atmosphere, guests are treated to a feast for the senses, where the aroma of freshly prepared dishes mingles with the lively chatter of diners. This culinary gem is renowned for its seasonal menu, which showcases the best of Italian cuisine, emphasizing fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

At il Carciofo, every dish tells a story. Start your meal with their signature **fried artichokes**, perfectly crisped and served with a zesty lemon dip that elevates the dish to new heights. For the main course, the **Boscaiola pizza** is a must-try, featuring a light, airy crust topped with savory fennel sausage and earthy maitake mushrooms. Each bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that transports you straight to Italy.

For dessert, indulge in their **pistachio gelato**, a creamy delight that is both rich and refreshing, making it the perfect ending to your meal. The gelato is crafted in-house, ensuring a fresh taste that lingers long after your visit.

The atmosphere at il Carciofo is as notable as the food. The open kitchen concept allows diners to witness the culinary magic unfold, while the spacious layout and beautiful bar create a welcoming environment for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. A fun fact: the restaurant's name, which means "the artichoke" in Italian, reflects their commitment to highlighting seasonal produce, especially this beloved vegetable.

 It is renowned for its seasonal Italian dishes, especially the fried artichokes and Boscaiola pizza.

 The combination of a vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and attentive service makes it a must-visit.

 The restaurant is conveniently located near several attractions in the Fulton Market area, making it a perfect stop after exploring.

Whether you're a local or just visiting, il Carciofo promises an exceptional dining experience that you won't want to miss. Come savor the flavors of Italy in a warm and inviting setting. We look forward to welcoming you!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfMFBDajZ3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJlUSEXAAtDogRL4uQxSuDhgg/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfMFBDajZ3RRAB

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.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfMHZHN2V3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJlUSEXAAtDogRL4uQxSuDhgg/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfMHZHN2V3EAE

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.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmcmJlTklREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJlUSEXAAtDogRL4uQxSuDhgg/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmcmJlTklREAE

The dishes use few ingredients, but that simplicity packs a lot of flavor.

We didn't order the namesake and instead jumped right in with the Abbacchio alla Scottadito, which is one of the many dishes that I can't pronounce on the menu, but those lamb ribs were fantastic. The rosemary was subtle and didn't over power the dish.

The highlight for me was the Roman style pizza, Boscaiola. The fennel sausage and maitake went so well together with the airy crust.

In my never ending odyssey to try all of the fresh pasta in Chicago, the hand rolled pasta had hits and misses.

The cacio e pepe was over salted to the point that I couldn't have more than a couple bites. This was the only dish I tried that the seasoning was too aggressive.

The Gnocchetti Pesto was light and the pesto added a freshness to the dish. It was a little gummy.

The ravioli was a pleasant surprise and had a nice amount of ricotta and spinach filling. Restaurant ravioli always seems so underwhelming, but this was my favorite of the three I tried.

The lemon sorbet was fantastic. It is very rich and the portions were great. Best split with a date or the table.

With a seasonal changing menu, I'm looking forward to what comes next. I'll definitely be back to order another one of the pizzas.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2MEwyRFZREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJlUSEXAAtDogRL4uQxSuDhgg/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2MEwyRFZREAE

We dined here 3 days after their opening, so if you're reading this months from now- please keep that in mind.

The food was all very good. We started with the artichokes, burrata, and lamb ribs. Next we moved on to the mortadella pizza and then we finished with two pastas, the carbonara and the oxtail tagliatelle.

The artichokes were amazing- and i don't normally eat artichokes. The burrata and parma ham was average, the bread which accompanied it was excellent.  The lamb ribs- beautiful- i could have eaten those all night.

The mortadella pizza was really more of a sandwich of sorts- but i would come back just for that. it was great.

The oxtail pasta was probably the best thing we had that night. The carbonara was not my cup of tea. i found the pecorino being used to be a bit too funky for my liking. However- the dish was executed flawlessly, i just didn't care for the taste.

Chocolate gelato for dessert was great and the Cocchi Barolo Chinato is going to become a staple of my wine cellar.

Service was a bit hit and miss, but is to be expected with a restaurant which just opened 3 days earlier. It did seem like our server had way too many tables. We waited at times  more than 15 minutes for our wine order/refills. The dessert wine showed up 10 minutes after gelato.

We asked that everything be coursed out but all three of our starters showed up at the same time, which on a tiny table, is my biggest pet peeve with restaurants today. I understand the need to get the whole order at once, but be realistic, there's not enough room on a two top for everything to show up at once. Also, the tables are extremely close together... like someone's ass is going to be in your face if they try to squeeze between the tables instead of walking around the row.

Overall though, it was a great meal and we will be returning for sure.

Street parking was plentiful.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfNkpPYWVBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJlUSEXAAtDogRL4uQxSuDhgg/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfNkpPYWVBEAE

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.

Experience 5-Star Italian Dining at il Carciofo, Chicago

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il Carciofo is a culinary gem in the heart of Chicago, offering authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant features a menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients, with house-made pastas and a curated selection of Italian wines. The inviting ambiance makes it a perfect spot for food lovers and families alike.

il Carciofo

Savor authentic Italian cuisine at il Carciofo in Chicago. Indulge in farm-fresh flavors and a cozy atmosphere. Book your table today!

Authentic Italian Dining at il Carciofo, Chicago

Cook County

Il Carciofo Chicago Italian Restaurant Experience 

Nestled in the vibrant West Fulton Street neighborhood of Chicago, 

 is where authentic Italian flavors meet a modern, open-kitchen dining vibe. This gem is perfect for foodies craving a sophisticated, yet inviting atmosphere to relish handmade pastas, Roman-style pizzas, and delightful Italian desserts.

Exceptional Italian Dishes and Delicacies

il Carciofo dazzles with a focused menu that celebrates simplicity and bold Italian flavors. Indulge in their famed fried artichokes—crispy and tender with a refreshing lemon twist that has wowed many guests. The lamb ribs are tender and seasoned with delicate rosemary notes, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience unlike any other. Pizza lovers can’t miss the Roman-style Boscaiola pizza featuring fennel sausage and maitake mushrooms on a delightfully airy crust.

For pasta aficionados, their hand-rolled selections like the oxtail tagliatelle and creamy ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach are highlights, while the carbonara offers a rich, authentic taste (though some find it a bit salty, it's a classic worth trying). And don’t miss the heavenly pistachio and chocolate gelatos—homemade and fresh, perfect to finish your meal on a sweet note.

Step into a spacious, beautifully designed dining room featuring an open kitchen where you can watch chefs craft each dish with passion. The chef’s counter is a coveted spot offering an immersive culinary experience. The restaurant’s elegant bar serves a curated selection of Italian wines, seasonal spritz cocktails, and craft beers, making it a great place for lively evenings.

 – il Carciofo offers a cozy dine-in experience with no takeout or delivery options, ensuring fresh, quality meals.

 – Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails like seasonal spritzes and a fine selection of Italian wines to complement your meal.

 – Multiple paid parking options including valet and street parking make it convenient to visit this hotspot in Chicago's West Loop.

What makes il Carciofo a must-visit is its balance of Italian tradition with a fresh, contemporary edge. Each dish uses a limited but carefully chosen ingredient list to pack maximum flavor — from the delicate freshness of the Gnocchetti Pesto to the hearty succulence of the oxtail tagliatelle. The lively atmosphere combined with friendly and knowledgeable staff enhances the dining experience, whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.

This spot has quickly become a beloved fixture in Chicago’s Italian restaurant scene, especially praised for its unique fried artichokes, specialty pizzas, and those unforgettable gelatos. With a seasonal menu that keeps things interesting, il Carciofo promises plenty of reasons to come back and try something new each time.

Illinois

Discover the flavors of Italy at il Carciofo in Chicago! Enjoy must-try dishes like Fried Artichokes and Carbonara in a chic setting. Book your table now!

il Carciofo: Authentic Italian Dining in Chicago

Plan your visit to il Carciofo, the ultimate Italian destination in Chicago! Relish delicious pasta, pizza & desserts in a stunning ambiance. Reserve now!

Explore Chicago's Culinary Gem: il Carciofo

Learn about il Carciofo, an exquisite Italian restaurant in Chicago with a seasonal menu. Experience the best Italian flavors with local flair!

Experience 5-Star Italian Dining at il Carciofo, Chicago

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