Carmine's Chicago Reviews

Good food and nice service.

Great vibe, food and friendly staff.

We had reservations and got lucky with the new second floor terrace over Rush Street, and it made the night. Carmine's reopened in January after nearly three years dark and a $4 million rebuild, and the terrace followed in June. The clams in red sauce were the best thing we ate, my Chilean sea bass special was rich and excellent, and our friend called her short rib pasta spectacular. Tara's Dover sole was cooked beautifully but a little bland for her, though our other guest was happy with hers. Service was outstanding from everyone, with managers working the floor all evening. Bar tip: ask for the big rock cube in your old fashioned or they will not use one. Five stars, and we are already looking for a reason to come back.

Carmine’s in Chicago completely blew us away, and a massive part of that unforgettable evening comes down to one person: Danny. If you are planning a trip here, do yourself a favor and ask for Danny the second you walk through the door.From the moment we sat down, Danny treated us like family. He noticed we were celebrating our recent wedding and immediately made us feel so special, infusing the night with warm, authentic, down-home customer service that you just can't fake. Danny didn't just take our order; he curated our entire experience. He was refreshingly honest about the menu, breaking down flavor profiles and giving us the real scoop on portion sizes so we didn't over-order.Speaking of portions: when people say generous, they mean gigantic. I had the Chicken Milanese and my husband ordered the pork chops—just those two entrees alone could easily feed four to six people! The quality matched the scale; every single bite of food was rich, traditional, and incredibly delicious. Danny also nudged us toward dessert, which was another epic, huge dish meant for sharing that capped off the perfect celebration.Danny turned a great dinner into the absolute highlight of our Chicago trip. Carmine’s is a must-visit, but asking for Danny takes it to a whole other level. 5 out of 5 stars without hesitation!

We came for a bachelorette party dinner and we had the best time! Doug was our server and he was the best!

Our waiter Doug ROCKED our socks off. He deserves a raise. The food and dining experience was top notch

We ❤️ Doug !! He was amazing and funny and quick

Doug was a great server and made our experience amazing!

Danny was great as our server. He was fun and great chatting with the kids. I’d definitely ask for him again.

I was SO happy when Carmines reopened. The new concept is really open and fantastic. The food is as good as it has always been. The service is impeccable as usual. We started with the Eggplant Stack and then split a Chicken parm. Love it!!!

Very good food and great service, but the place is a bit noisy

The best Italian restaurant around the area. Great service, friendly staff. Recently renovated in a good area, really nicely updated. A Go to spot when in Chicago

We celebrated our anniversary at Carmine’s on Rush Street on Friday, and the experience was so exceptional that we returned again on Sunday.From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with genuine warmth and hospitality. Marco took wonderful care of us on Friday, and Joe made us feel just as welcome when we returned on Sunday. Danny, our server and friend who is truly the best, and the entire team consistently went above and beyond to make both evenings feel special. Their kindness, professionalism, and attention to every detail truly set Carmine’s apart.The atmosphere is warm, elegant, and quintessentially Chicago. Every dish was outstanding. The cocktail shrimp were incredibly fresh, the Chicken Milanese was perfectly crisp and flavorful, and the tiramisu was so delicious we ordered it both nights. The anniversary sparkler on our dessert was such a thoughtful touch and made our celebration even more memorable.Returning to the same restaurant just two days later says everything. Exceptional food, impeccable service, and genuine hospitality are a winning combination, and Carmine’s delivers all three beautifully.Thank you, Danny, Marco, Joe, and the entire Carmine’s team for making our anniversary so memorable. We look forward to becoming regulars.— Joaquin & Jenny

Omar and company provided wonderful food and service.

The staff is very attentive, helpful and very friendly. Their suggestions were very helpful and with no exaggeration spot on. The fish was seasoned and cooked perfectly . With the great menu selections it's hard to choose.Dessert was also excellent.Just love dining at this Chicago iconic restaurant.

Went the other day for lunch and had Bruno as our server. He was top notch and just overall made the experience so much better and uplifting! I got the chicken parm which was amazing, but the eggplant stack my husband got blew it out of the water! Going back soon just so we can both get the eggplant stack again it was so good! Get it chopped if you're gonna share it.

Joe the GM at Carmine’s made me feel like a regular. The new upstairs area has plenty of seating. Food was great.

I had dinner at Carmine's during my visit to Chicago, and it was a fantastic experience from beginning to end. The restaurant has a warm, classic Italian atmosphere that's both lively and comfortable, making it a great place for dinner with family or friends.I ordered a plate of chicken Parmesan with a side of pasta, and everything was delicious. The chicken was crispy on the outside, tender inside, and topped with rich marinara and melted cheese. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the portions were generous enough to leave completely satisfied.The service was outstanding throughout the evening. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made excellent menu recommendations without making us feel rushed.One tip: make a reservation if you're planning to visit for dinner, especially on weekends. Also, consider sharing a few dishes because the portions are quite large.Overall, I had a wonderful experience at Carmine's. Thank you to the entire team for the delicious food, excellent service, and welcoming atmosphere. I’ll definitely return the next time I’m in Chicago.

First time in 30 years and this restaurant certainly did not disappoint. From beginning to end our server Luis was on point. Everything was delish especially the grilled calamari. Looking forward to a return soon.

Had a great experience at Carmine’s. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was lively and inviting, and the staff was genuinely kind and attentive throughout our visit.The location is also excellent, making it an easy choice whether you’re a local or visiting the area. Overall, a great spot for a meal with good food, good ambiance, and friendly service. I’d happily return.

Superb food, and even better service. I highly recommend the eggplant stack and their house-made pappardelle, food was honestly to die for. Our servers Alfredo and Sara were so nice and accommodating, we felt well taken care of.

Carmine's beautiful new Rush Street location is worth the visit all by itself. The renovation is stunning--elegant, welcoming, and the perfect setting for a special night out.What truly made our evening memorable, however, was our server, Danny. His professionalism, attentiveness, and genuine hospitality elevated an already wonderful dining experience. We were celebrating Mother's Day along with two birthdays, and thanks to Danny's thoughtful personal touches, spot-on recommendations, and exceptional service, the evening felt even more special than we had hoped. If you're dining at Carmine's, I highly recommend requesting Danny.The entire staff was warm and welcoming, creating the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger and enjoy every moment. In fact, before we even left the restaurant, we were already talking about our next visit.As for the food, Carmine's remains as outstanding as ever. We shared a salad that they chopped for us to perfection, enjoyed several appetizers, and then moved on to our entrees. Between the four of us, we ordered the famous chicken parmesan, stacked eggplant, meatballs, square pasta, and one more pasta dish. Every plate was beautifully prepared, generously portioned, and absolutely delicious.I always liked Carmine's, but after this experience, I can honestly say we love it. It's wonderful to have Carmine's back on Rush Street, and our evening reminded us exactly why it has been a Chicago favorite for so many years.The outdoor terrace is a big plus. It's a classier, true upgrade from the street level tables and chairs that they used to have outside.Food: *****Service: *****Ambiance: *****

تجربة عشاء ثم غذاء ممتازة في المطعمالجلسات الخارجية لطيفة جداوالداخلية ايضاالطعام ايطالي لذيذ والقائمة متنوعةالسلطات لذيذة وكميتها وفيرةالحلويات رائعةالخدمة ممتازة جدا

Welcome back! Went back to Carmines tonight for dinner and blown away! Two years later the quality still stands, the portions still impressive and their martini still the best in town. The classics remain so but that eggplant Parmesan was super. Loved the baked clams and I think the patio wins! Go dine just for the service and the rush street vibes! @chicagopescetarian

Wow! Great renovation! Bill was our server and couldn't have been better. Lovely late lunch. The decor is amazing. Really, really beautiful. Live the orange booths!

Staff is awesome. Food is out of this world. Meatball were incredible.

Food was fantastic.. portions huge and our waiter, Danny is always the best waiter

This was our first time back at Carmine's since the remodel, and wow—what a transformation. It truly feels like a brand-new restaurant. From the stunning staircase entrance to the classy indoor seating upstairs, every detail feels elevated. The outdoor patio even gives off a bit of an Italian vibe, making for a great atmosphere. We were genuinely impressed by how beautiful the space has become compared to our last visit.As for the food, the biggest "OMG" moment was the Chicken Parm. It is absolutely HUGE and incredibly delicious. Definitely a must-order. Everything else was exactly what you'd expect from one of Chicago's top Italian restaurants—high-quality ingredients, great execution, and consistently excellent food.

This is a chicago staple. Super worth it. Was devastated when they closed to renovate. I finally came back after years and it was as sensational as always

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Carmine’s as part of a BSA-sponsored dinner, and the experience exceeded expectations from start to finish.The atmosphere is warm, elegant, and inviting, making it an excellent venue for both business gatherings and special occasions. Our group was comfortably accommodated, and the restaurant provided the perfect setting for networking, conversation, and a great meal.The food was outstanding. The eggplant parmesan was absolutely delicious, and every dish that came to the table was prepared with care and served in generous portions. The quality and flavor were evident in every bite.The service was equally impressive. The staff was attentive, professional, and ensured our group was well taken care of throughout the evening. From arrival to departure, everything ran smoothly. The valet service was also a wonderful convenience and added to the overall positive experience.If you’re looking for a restaurant that combines exceptional food, outstanding service, and a sophisticated atmosphere, Carmine’s is a fantastic choice. Our BSA-sponsored dinner was a great success, and it’s easy to see why this restaurant continues to be a favorite for both business functions and personal celebrations.

Yuly was fantastic - truly one of the best I’ve had in Chicago! She’s incredible. Food was delicious!!-JYuly was absolutely hands down the most lovely woman to serve us at this restaurant.-G

Boo Bill did great ❤️🫶❤️

The new Carmine's setting is BEAUTIFUL and the menu is the same high quality you expect from Rosebud, with even more diversity than their typical restaurants' fare. As any Chicagoan knows, you'd be hard-pressed to find better vodka sauce than what Rosebud offers. We enormously enjoyed both our longstanding favorites (like baked cavatelli) and some new treats (stuffed mushrooms).Haley was an exceptional server and I would look forward to sitting in her section again any day. From Haley to the bussers, and the downstairs reception team to the manager who came by our table, everyone was warm and inviting and helpful. The only exception was the upstairs reception desk team, who was pretty cold -- rolling their eyes while trying to determine which table to seat us at, not helping a late-arriving member of our party find the table, etc. The rest of the team more than made up for that, though.

Service was wonderful. Chicken parmesan the best and largest I have ever had

Would Highly Recommend, Great Service, Authentic food & Relaxed Atmosphere.

We stopped by on our last night in town for a wedding. Bill was extremely personable and attentive as our server. 10/10 would come back for the service and food. 👍

Had a truly exceptional dinner experience on 5/2/26. Tyler was our server and was wonderful, as was all of the waitstaff we encountered. Every dish and drink was perfection. Post-renovation, the room feels bright, inviting, and special. Loved the view into the kitchen. Lots of separate "zones"--a bar upstairs and downstairs, a terrace, booths on the perimeter, and many tables filling the center of the room. The celebratory birthday dessert had a wonderful presentation. Our group waited a bit for cocktails, but it was Saturday night in downtown Chicago. For a dinner this special, I don't mind spending a little extra time.

Listen to the locals...this recently renovated restaurant is lovely and the food is outstanding. Short rib & pasta dish is a standout. I definitely plan to spend time sipping wine and people-watching on the elevated patio this summer.

Nothing like dining in Chicago's Goldcast and Carmine's is officially back. The new restaurant is beautiful. The food was tasty with amazing service.

This used to be my favorite spot for Italian food in Chicago. Now that it has reopened, I look forward to my first dinner there.

Best service in town!

We had a lovely dinner experience! Our waiter, Fernando, pointed us in the right direction with what to order. We appreciate him taking good care of us! The Cobb salad is huge. Rigatoni allá vodka is delicious, I added sausage on top and my goodness that was a smart move. The brick chicken is big enough for 2 people…adding sausage, mushrooms and potatoes on top was a game changer. After the long wait for the restaurant to be remodeled, it now looks so beautiful. We truly look forward to coming back when the patio and roof opens.

Dining at Carmine’s was such a great experience from start to finish. The atmosphere is lively, warm, and perfect for sharing a meal with family or friends.What truly made our night stand out was our server, Louis. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and made sure everything flowed seamlessly without ever feeling rushed. His recommendations were spot on, and he checked in at just the right times—professional yet genuinely friendly.The portions are generous (as expected at Carmine’s), and everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.If you’re looking for a fun, classic Italian dining experience with outstanding service, definitely ask for Louis—you won’t be disappointed!

Love the new location and the updated menu. One of my favorite pastas isn't on the new menu but they made it for me. The tortellini carbonara! The arriabta cavatelli and the zuppq di peace were amazing as well.

Cheristi, I just wanted to say your service was truly exceptional. You made us feel so welcomed and taken care of, and it really meant a lot. Thank you for making our experience so special.

One of the best, if not the best Chicken Parmesan and Meat Lasagna in the entire city. Such a huge portion that we still had a meal the next day.I'd highly recommend a reservation as it was packed on a Saturday night and the dining room was very lively. Their espresso martini was great to start with.For Apps the crab cake and stuffed mushrooms were perfect and great to share.For Entrees the chicken parm and meat lasagna were one of the best we've ever had. I can't wait to come back for them both.The round cheesecake was a perfect end to the meal and we ended up taking a ton of leftovers home and it was still good the following day.

Located right across from the Viceroy, great food, service, location and atmosphere.

Chris, Lily & Ryan provide exceptional service at the bar and the manager marco was so inviting!! Definitely will be back! LOVE THE NEW CARMINES!!

Warning you about large portions... The Chicken parmesan was huuuge. But food is great! I also really liked the stuffed mushrooms and the stacked eggplant. The staff were very attentive and friendly! Definitely recommend and can't wait to come back to try more food and the outdoor area during the summer!

Great classic Italian dishes, with a kick…Service was slow, very busy…

They nailed the redesign.The food and service are outstanding. You can tell they brought the right team in to make this place special.

We’ve been to Carmine’s on Rush 3 times since they have opened. We dream about the Italian Ice, lasagna and chicken parmesan. 2 times we sat at the bar upstairs. Fun vibe and music. The portions are huge and the ambiance is gorgeous. Can’t wait for the outside patio to open! So wonderful to have a classic Italian restaurant in the neighborhood!

Yuly was so accommodating and made the experience truly memorable. Amazing food and atmosphere

Great atmosphere and Superior service! The best meatballs in the city just like grandma used to make. Food is well seasoned and portions are large. Everything was delicious and cooked to the perfection 🤌🏽 we ordered a bit of everything appetizers, steak, salad, pasta, cold and hot seafood, dessert oh and did I mention the meatballs 😋♥️😘

Finally stopped in after the reopening and was thoroughly impressed. The service was exceptional from start to finish. We were warmly greeted by a smiling and attentive host, Sarah, and both the bar and dining service exceeded expectations. The staff was professional, welcoming, and attentive throughout the evening. We’ll definitely be back again soon.

I'm writing my review again because it isn't showing up which is pretty suspicious. I'm rating it 5 stars but I would give it 0 if I could. Short version, SAVE YOUR MONEY. The only good thing about this place is the atmosphere even though the playlist does not make sense. The host with long blonde hair doesn't know anything, the host with short brown hair and hispanic profiled us and refused to seat us. The service is INSANELY slow but the food comes out fast. Old Carmine's was way better, unfortunately another miss in the viagra triangle. Sigh.

Can't go wrong at this newly remodeled Rosebud restaurant on Rush Street.

Ate at Carmine’s & it absolutely hit. Our server Jennifer (Jenn?) was the bees knees. Super warm, sharp, knew the menu, kept everything moving without rushing us. While we were waiting to get seated, Chad behind the bar took care of us & shot the breeze, which made time fly. Food was exactly what you want. Big portions, you leave fat & happy not questioning your life choices. If you like legit Italian food (for the midwest) & service that feels human, this place is it.

I'm really looking forward to the reopening. So far, things are looking good.

Massive dish size - do share 😉 lovely place, with a louder music