Cariño
Marcos Pimentel · 122 Google reviewsCariño — Uptown fine dining that sets the standard. Always packed, always worth it. Good cocktails round out an already strong menu, and open late. "Perfect balance of fresh, herbal, spicy, savory, umami, sweet, and salty" — Brian
What 147 diners keep saying
What 147 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Sitting at the counter and seeing everything/interacting with everyone changes the whole experience. We had a fantastic time celebrating our anniversary here. Every dish was fun to explore. Was delicious, I felt that a lot of dishes were overly salty but my partner thought otherwise.”
“Tried the Taco Omakase and it exceeded every expectation. The creativity and thoughtfulness behind each course were incredible, and the chef’s attention to detail made the entire experience feel truly special. The interactive nature of the meal added another layer that set it apart from anything else I’ve had. This is absolutely top-tier dining and deserves its place among Chicago’s best culinary experiences. One detail that really stood out: the guest seated next to us was attending their 17th omakase, and the chef still never repeats the same dishes for them. That level of creativity, consistency, and dedication says everything you need to know.”
“WOW. I left my meal here a few weeks ago feeling a way I haven’t felt in a long time after dining at a spot in Chicago. The food was undoubtedly incredible and so special — packed with flavor, creativity and thoughtfulness. We sat at the counter which I highly recommend as a seating option — it made the entire dining experience really special, as you are able to talk with the chef (if desired) and watch dishes be prepped. You are served in unison with everyone else at the counter, while the chef explains each dish. I thoroughly enjoyed every course. Each dish was packed with immense flavor and delicious flavor combinations. I’ve already scheduled my next visit back in August — I think that alone speaks for itself and my experience here. Lastly, I have to note that the chef was incredibly genuine, humble, personable and passionate. He genuinely engaged with folks who chatted with him and seemed happy to do so. I cannot wait to be back.”
“We’ve followed Norman’s career for years, so eating at Cariño meant something to us. It’s modern, elevated, intricate, and just so good. There’s something really special about the way it brings you in with flavors that feel approachable, then opens into a deeper, more beautiful expression of Mexican cuisine. The playful, elevated chips and salsa first bite was mind-blowing and such a perfect way to start. The whole meal felt a little Wonka-like in the best way — surprising, creative, thoughtful, and fun while incredibly refined. The service was insanely professional and supportive, and the team felt like a family unit in the best sense — completely in sync, warm, and clearly proud of what they’re creating together. Very deserved Michelin restaurant. We loved it and will absolutely be back.”
“I came here to celebrate my birthday with my girlfriend and friends. The restaurant is on the smaller side. We took an Uber but you can easily get here with the CTA. You might have to use Spot Hero to find parking. The tasting menu is $200 per person. They also have a taco omakase for $125 per person. We did the Michelin star tasting menu. Service from start to finish was amazing and attentive. All of the staff was super friendly and helpful. I’m sure many people have gone through every course but I’m not going to do that. This is my second Latin American inspired tasting menu and I really loved every course. I didn’t find anything that was super salty or overpowering. I really enjoyed the aesthetics of the food, there is a reason this is a personal favorite of many avid Michelin star foodies.”
“Can’t recommend Cariño enough! Michelin quality Mexican-inspired fine dining in an intimate setting. Perfect balance of fresh, herbal, spicy, savory, umami, sweet, and salty. It was complex, with an indescribable amount of detail going into each little component in all of the 14 courses. (Also got to try Huitlacoche for the first time, a mushroom-like corn fungus prized in Mexican cooking for its earthy, truffle-like flavor. 👌 An absolute delight!!) The cocktails and mocktails were mind-knowingly good. Absolutely excellent service. I recommend the chefs table. The chef is very friendly, and the staff is impressive to watch. They did a great job at accommodating dietary restrictions: no alcohol, no gluten, no dairy. If you’re into a stuffy atmosphere, this isn’t the place. This place is laid back. No stringent dress code, which is awesome. Simply indescribable food! Some of the best I’ve ever had in years of trying various fine dining establishments. Still thinking about how amazing it was even days later. Definitely worth the price.”
“Interesting proposition, with refined techniques using mostly Mexican ingredients. In the set menu you will go through an array of different flavours, finding different textures and stunning beautiful presentation. The wine list is based on Latin American wines, and they have a Argentinian jewel called Chacras 55, which is for me one of the best pinots I ever tasted, the family favourite. Also they have a late night Taco Omakase at the counter that looks great. On the negative side, again, for me the music was a bit loud. Only Mexican music”
“Carino in Chicago is a truly exceptional dining destination that sets a new standard for inventive and elevated cuisine. I can confidently say that the tasting menu was one of the best I've experienced in years. The restaurant successfully showcases the refined and complex flavors of Mexican and Latin cuisine, elevating it to its rightful place among the world's finest. Every course of the tasting menu was a testament to the kitchen’s creativity and skill. The dishes were not only delicious but also wonderfully inventive. While every plate was a highlight, the Salmon Aguachile and the Huitlacoche Ravioli were particularly memorable, each bursting with flavor and showcasing a masterful use of ingredients. The service was an absolute dream—perfectly attentive without ever feeling overbearing, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the experience. I had the pleasure of sitting at the kitchen counter, which offered a front-row seat to the culinary theater. Watching the precision and care that went into each dish was a spectacle in itself. A significant part of what makes Carino so special is the personal touch from Chef Fenton. He was genuinely engaging with everyone at the counter, asking about their lives and backgrounds with a sincerity that spoke to his Midwestern roots. This warm, personal connection made the entire evening feel less like a formal meal and more like a shared passion for food. In a culinary landscape where Mexican and Latin flavors are often underappreciated, Carino stands out as a beacon of innovation and quality. For anyone seeking a truly memorable and delicious dining experience, I cannot recommend Carino highly enough.”
“Fantastic experience! After breaking the ice with the servers, the whole experience was awesome. Flavors and food coming from meticulous work behind the kitchen table was above expectations. The wine pairing was perfect. The music playlist was adventurous and very good. Bamboleiro and vamos a la playa baby. Very great atmosphere. Grazie a tutti voi. Bravissimi!!”
“When I first parked near Carino, my immediate thought was: “Great, my car’s gonna get stolen tonight.” It’s definitely not the kind of neighborhood where you expect to find a Michelin-starred restaurant. But then Carino appears—elegant, glowing, and completely out of place in the best way possible. Inside, the space is intimate—just three tables and a chef’s counter with seven seats. I was fortunate to sit at the counter, and from the very first course, it was clear that this would be a memorable experience. One of the highlights was being able to watch the team assemble each dish right in front of us. It’s one thing to know, abstractly, that a Michelin-level kitchen puts incredible time and care into each plate—but seeing it up close, watching them work their magic with tweezers and laser focus, added a whole new level of appreciation. It’s an experience I’ve rarely seen outside of high-end Asian cuisine. The level of focus and refinement that Chef Norman Fenton and his team bring to each dish is remarkable. The plating, the balance, the pacing—everything reflects a deep command of technique. It’s rare to find that level of precision delivered in such an unpretentious, almost understated way. The flavors are unapologetically bold. This is not a menu designed to play it safe or cater to a bland Midwest palate. Chef Fenton embraces contrast and intensity, crafting a tasting menu that is confident, original, and deeply personal—an expression of a chef who knows exactly what he wants to say and has the skill to say it without compromise. Equally refreshing is the tone of the experience. Despite the technical finesse of the food, the atmosphere remains light and conversational. Chef Fenton is approachable, quick-witted, and refreshingly down-to-earth. He brings a warmth to the experience that makes the evening feel less like a performance and more like an invitation into something personal. It’s a rare balance: world-class execution with zero pretense. This is the kind of place you book two months in advance, and then spend the next two months looking forward to it. Carino isn’t just special for Chicago—it’s special, period. Chef Fenton is doing something here that feels rare: serious food that doesn’t take itself too seriously.”
“What an excellent tasting menu! I honestly still need time to process how good some of the bites were. The menu is elevated Mexican food that never loses sight of its roots. Even with theatrical touches, the bold flavors were still loud and clear. Sitting at the chef’s counter gave us front-row seats to the magic in action, which it made the experience so much more special. Service was well-balanced: warm, knowledgeable, and attentive without being overbearing. Restaurants at this caliber can often feel stuffy but the vibes here were refreshingly laid back and playful. Just from brief interactions and the way he moved in the kitchen, I could tell chef Norman is passionate about what he does. I left full, happy, and reminded of how powerful food can be when it’s made with heart.”
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