il Carciofo

isabellejkendrick
Jun 12
2 min read

After weeks of anticipation, I finally made it to il Carciofo, a Roman-inspired restaurant in Chicago’s West Loop that’s been on my must-try list—and it absolutely exceeded expectations. From the moment we were seated, the exceptional service and cozy ambiance set the stage for a great dining experience. If you're looking for authentic Roman cuisine in Chicago, this is the place to be.

We kicked things off with the Carciofo alla Giudia, a traditional Roman dish featuring fried artichoke, pecorino romano, and lemon. Normally not one to rave about artichokes, this starter completely won me over. It was crispy, savory, and surprisingly light—one of the best ways to begin a meal.

Crispy Carciofo alla Giudia with pecorino romano and lemon on a plate.

Next up: the Suppli Ragu, a Roman-style risotto croquette stuffed with braised beef, tomato, and fior di latte. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with flavor—this was one of my favorite bites of the night.

Close-up of Suppli Ragu with gooey fior di latte center.

The Pizza Rosso was hands-down my favorite dish of the evening. Made with pomodoro, dried chile, and parmigiano reggiano vacche rosse, the crust was both crispy and chewy, and the sauce had just the right amount of heat. It’s a must-order for any pizza lover.

Overhead shot of Pizza Rosso with crisp crust and vibrant pomodoro sauce.

Il Carciofo’s pasta dishes are not to be missed. We shared the Mezze Rigatoni Alla Amatriciana, made with guanciale, Calabrian chilis, tomato, and pecorino romano, and the Gnocchetti with morels, asparagus, and vacche rossa fonduta. The rigatoni was rich and spicy, while the gnocchetti offered a creamier, lighter contrast—perfect for sharing and experiencing the full range of their pasta menu.

Mezze Rigatoni Alla Amatriciana with guanciale and Calabrian chili.

Gnocchetti pasta with morels, asparagus, and creamy fonduta.

For dessert, we couldn’t resist trying the Maritozzi and the Gianduja Gelato. The maritozzi was airy and lightly sweet, while the gianduja gelato brought a rich, nutty finish to our meal—definitely a perfect way to end the night.

Maritozzi pastry and Gianduja gelato served as dessert.

Il Carciofo was the perfect spot for a memorable Italian dinner in Chicago. From the crispy Suppli Ragu to the flavorful Roman-style pizza and handcrafted house-made pasta, every dish was thoughtfully prepared and packed with bold, authentic flavors. Whether you're a fan of traditional Roman cuisine or just looking for one of the best new Italian restaurants in Chicago, Il Carciofo should be at the top of your list.