il Carciofo

Il Carciofo – Roman-Style Italian in West Loop Chicago

Il Carciofo, helmed by James Beard winner Joe Flamm (of Rose Mary), brings true Roman trattoria flair to Fulton Market. Opened in late 2024, the restaurant features a climate-controlled “pasta lab,” an open kitchen, and a refined yet unpretentious dining room. The focus is simple: straight-from-Rome flavors, rigorously made house pastas, sheet pizzas al taglio, and crisp, fried Roman antipasti—with a nod to technical excellence and seasonal ingredients.

What to Expect at Il Carciofo

• Industrial-Modern Space: A spacious room with a pasta lab visible, tin ceilings, bar seating, and an atmosphere that’s polished yet casual :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
• Roman-Focused Menu: Highlights include house pastas (cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana), Roman-style pizzas, suppli, lamb ribs, fried artichokes, and pistachio gelato :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• Service & Vibe: Friendly and efficient—though still settling into rhythm. Lunch brings a business crowd; dinner leans evenly split between neighborhood couples and foodies :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

What to Eat at Il Carciofo

• Carciofi alla Giudia: Deep-fried artichokes inspired by Roman Jewish tradition—crispy, flavorful, a must-try :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• House-Made Pastas:
  – Carbonara: Rich yolk sauce and guanciale-coated rigatoni—very yellow and creamy, though occasionally slightly underdone :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
  – Tagliatelle with Oxtail Ragu: Balanced, well-executed and more precisely al dente than the carbonara :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Suppli & Lamb Ribs: Piping-hot rice balls with gooey centers and sweet, sticky lamb ribs are standout starters :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Roman-Style Pizza & Focaccia: Crisp-edged taglio pizzas, including mortadella sandwich-style varieties that are rich and flavorful—though focaccia can be crispy-light :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Pistachio Gelato: Big, creamy, nut-forward and ideal for sharing :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

What to Drink

• Alcoholic Beverages: Thoughtful wine list with aperitivi, misti, and digestivi by beverage director Kyle Davidson—including a signature “Art of Choke” cocktail with Cynar :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Beverages at Lunch & Dinner: Options include lambrusco, Italian aperitifs, and refreshing spritzes :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

Tips for Visiting Il Carciofo

• Arrive Early: Dining is easier early—long waits can build and the space can feel cavernous later in the evening :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Share & Sample: Bring friends so you can enjoy a full variety of pastas, pizzas, antipasti, and dessert.
• Be Patient with Service: The team is still syncing; order pacing might occasionally feel off, but general friendliness holds true :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Book Ahead: Reservations open a month in advance and fill quickly—especially for weekend dinner :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

Final Thoughts

Il Carciofo is a thoughtful homage to Roman cuisine with serious technical ambition. While some dishes—especially the pastas—vary slightly in execution, the bold flavors and craftsmanship shine through. Expect a high-quality Roman dining experience in Chicago’s West Loop: crisp fried artichokes, potato-rich suppli, house-extruded pasta, and a vibrant bar program. Consider it a delicious bridge between trattoria tradition and refined urban dining.