il Carciofo

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Taste of Rome in the Heart of Chicago

Nestled in Chicago's vibrant Fulton Market district, il Carciofo is a Roman Italian restaurant that channels the soul of the Eternal City — its storied markets, beloved trattorias, and the timeless pleasure of a well-set table. Founded by Chef Joe Flamm, a devoted admirer of Roman food culture, the restaurant translates that deep affection into a seasonal menu of elevated yet unmistakably familiar Italian fare.

Chef Joe Flamm and the Day Off Group

At the helm is Chef Joe Flamm, whose passion for Rome shapes every detail of the experience. Under the banner of the Day Off Group, he has built a restaurant that honors Italian culinary tradition without sacrificing creativity. The namesake dish, Carciofo alla Giudia — the classic Roman fried artichoke — signals exactly what il Carciofo stands for: rooted, honest, and quietly extraordinary Italian cooking.

The Menu: Roman Italian at Its Finest

The kitchen produces hand-rolled pastas daily in a dedicated pasta lab, offering Roman Italian classics such as Rigatoni alla Carbonara with Slagel eggs and guanciale, and the perfectly elemental Spaghettoni Cacio e Pepe. Antipasti range from Pesce Spada Crudo with pickled kumquat and Calabrian chiles to the crispy Fritto Misto. Roman-style pizzas — including the truffle-kissed Funghi Al Tartufo — round out a menu designed to reflect the season's bounty. From the forno, the dry-aged Manzo Aprugineo and the Vitello Saltimbocca make a compelling case for lingering over the mains. The wine program has earned the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2025, a testament to the thoughtful curation behind every pour.

An Atmosphere That Evokes Rome

The interior wraps guests in rich dark woods, plush fabrics, handmade tiles, and warm natural stone — a layered homage to age-old Roman ristorantes. An open kitchen with chef's counter seating invites a front-row view of the craft, while the pasta lab doubles as an intimate private event space. When the weather permits, the dining room's expansive retractable windows open onto a sweeping patio draped in romantic string lighting and lush perennials — an evocation of Rome's iconic piazzas.

Aperitivo Hour

Monday through Friday, from 4:30 to 6 PM, il Carciofo invites guests to slow down and begin the evening the Italian way — with small bites, refreshing drinks, and good company. It is, in every sense, la dolce vita on Fulton Street.