Great tasting menu from start to finish. Excellent variety of flavors and textures with beautiful presentations throughout.
Anoop
What makes Cariño special for vegetarians is the intention behind every dish. The team clearly does more than “remove the meat”; they rethink each course so the vegetarian version has its own personality and depth. Thoughtful use of seasonal produce, umami-rich elements, and bright, layered sauces means you never feel like you're getting a compromise.
Brian
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Baydoun Baydoun
Cariño is an outstanding modern Mexican restaurant with beautifully layered flavors and remarkable balance. Each dish carries depth without losing the heart of traditional Mexican cooking. The masa work, in particular, is exceptional. Service is warm and polished, and the room has an inviting atmosphere that matches the cuisine. A well-deserved five stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Skeleton
I don't know what to say but will recommend 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
R S
Artist and the chef is a great man
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dana Kachler
An amazing experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Daniel
While the area didn’t seem that safe, this is a hidden gem. I loved the way different dishes were presented, and even though some dishes weren’t to my liking, the atmosphere and service was top notch.
I’d definitely be open to trying other restaurants owned by this chef as well.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
pillowsofwanderlust
This was my second Michelin-starred experience during my latest visit to Chicago; Oriole was the first. Located in Uptown (that's a few L stops past Wrigley Field), this unassuming little spot underneath the L tracks serves a Latin American tasting menu with much complexity and originality. Executive chef/owner Norman Fenton has an impressive culinary resume and spends a lot of time in Mexico, where he met his wife, where his children were born, and where he has a restaurant in Tulum. Carino's dining room hot spot is the 7-seat chef's counter facing the kitchen. There are also about 6 tables. The counter tasting menu has one extra course vs. the table tasting menu. It seems there are 3 reservation times for the tables, while the chef's counter has one seating each night. Afterwards at the counter for 4 nights a week there is a taco omakase experience that I would have to stay up well past my bedtime to try (a definite possibility). Carino's menu is full of dishes that sound familiar---chips and salsa, chicharron michelada, aguachile, ravioli, taco tostada, quesadilla---but they definitely are not! Each dish has many ingredients, often unique, and many steps in preparation. The menu probably changes slightly every so often, so I won't list what I had. I'd say my favourite plates were the ravioli with huitlacoche (a new taste for me) and corn (most likely to be a menu mainstay), the chicken liver taco, lamb tartare tostada, and the lamb with beets. Chef Fenton is not an Executive Chef who merely supervises; he's definitely hands-on and clearly the eye of the storm in the kitchen, whirling about with purpose and yet still purposefully conversing with counter guests. The choreography of the entire staff was quite impressive; service was of course excellent. Overall a wonderful discovery and experience. It's nice when Michelin recognizes smaller-scale places that aren't necessarily French or Japanese, but have a purpose, plan and vision that are worthy of rewards.
866TaylorB
Don't mind the noise, the frequent rumbling of a train passing overhead. This is a Michelin-starred restaurant with all the bells and whistles, including the best tasting menu this side of the three Michelin-starred Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia. Each plate is a work of art. Located at 4662 North Broadway, near Lawrence, in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, chef Norman Fenton and partner Karen Young have created an upscale restaurant that celebrates Mexican cuisine. Sit at the counter for an up-close-and-personal view of Fenton and his small team at work while engaging with guests. Open from 6 to midnight Wednesday through Sunday, Carino delivers a Latin-inspired tasting menu with many delicious Mexican flavors. I enjoyed chips and salsa, Ora King salmon, ravioli, chicken liver, pasta, truffle quesadilla, lamb tartare tostada, beets, dulce de leche and strawberry and coconut ice cream. If you are a drinker, which I'm not, sommelier Denisse Sota will be only too happy to pair your various plates with iconic tequila-based cocktails. Tasting menus aren't for everyone but Fenton, like Patrick O'Connell at Inn at Little Washington, seems to know how to put the right selections together.
I haven’t dined there yet, but watching Chef Norman on Knife Edge makes me so happy to see him achieve his first Michelin star, truly well deserved! The effort, dedication, and sacrifice he’s put in are incredible. As a chef and restaurant owner myself here in England, I’ll definitely visit his restaurant when I’m next in the USA, his food looks amazing. Keep it up, Chef, and congratulations once again! 👏✨
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dyneshea Preston
Im from Detroit, but I've been living in New York for 9 years, and I Im making plans to go to Chicago just to eat here!!! I was so happy to see Chef Norman win his 1st Michelin 🌟…!! His Food looks out of this world and I can't wait to try it!!!… 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽
Sidebar/… This will be my first time spending close to $400 per person on a meal.. And im 100% sure that it’ll be worth every penny!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🌟
Can't wait to meet you, Chef Norman!Congratulations! I see a 2nd star 💫 In your future..!!🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾💯
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eldarbek “Eldar” Kamchybekov
Cariño delivers a unique and memorable experience through its creative tasting menu and taco omakase. Each course is thoughtfully prepared, offering delicious flavors that highlight the chef’s talent and passion. The wine pairing and cocktails complement the dishes perfectly, enhancing the overall experience.
Service is attentive and friendly, making you feel welcomed throughout the evening. The chef’s interactive approach adds a personal touch, making the dinner feel intimate and engaging.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marcos Pimentel
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
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cody K.
The tasting menu is out of this world, combing authentic ingredients with innovative ideas and modern style. If you like smokey drinks, the mezcal cocktails are a must try.
Great tasting menu from start to finish. Excellent variety of flavors and textures with beautiful presentations throughout.
What makes Cariño special for vegetarians is the intention behind every dish. The team clearly does more than “remove the meat”; they rethink each course so the vegetarian version has its own personality and depth. Thoughtful use of seasonal produce, umami-rich elements, and bright, layered sauces means you never feel like you're getting a compromise.
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cariño is an outstanding modern Mexican restaurant with beautifully layered flavors and remarkable balance. Each dish carries depth without losing the heart of traditional Mexican cooking. The masa work, in particular, is exceptional. Service is warm and polished, and the room has an inviting atmosphere that matches the cuisine. A well-deserved five stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I don't know what to say but will recommend 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Artist and the chef is a great man
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
An amazing experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
While the area didn’t seem that safe, this is a hidden gem. I loved the way different dishes were presented, and even though some dishes weren’t to my liking, the atmosphere and service was top notch.
I’d definitely be open to trying other restaurants owned by this chef as well.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
This was my second Michelin-starred experience during my latest visit to Chicago; Oriole was the first. Located in Uptown (that's a few L stops past Wrigley Field), this unassuming little spot underneath the L tracks serves a Latin American tasting menu with much complexity and originality. Executive chef/owner Norman Fenton has an impressive culinary resume and spends a lot of time in Mexico, where he met his wife, where his children were born, and where he has a restaurant in Tulum. Carino's dining room hot spot is the 7-seat chef's counter facing the kitchen. There are also about 6 tables. The counter tasting menu has one extra course vs. the table tasting menu. It seems there are 3 reservation times for the tables, while the chef's counter has one seating each night. Afterwards at the counter for 4 nights a week there is a taco omakase experience that I would have to stay up well past my bedtime to try (a definite possibility). Carino's menu is full of dishes that sound familiar---chips and salsa, chicharron michelada, aguachile, ravioli, taco tostada, quesadilla---but they definitely are not! Each dish has many ingredients, often unique, and many steps in preparation. The menu probably changes slightly every so often, so I won't list what I had. I'd say my favourite plates were the ravioli with huitlacoche (a new taste for me) and corn (most likely to be a menu mainstay), the chicken liver taco, lamb tartare tostada, and the lamb with beets. Chef Fenton is not an Executive Chef who merely supervises; he's definitely hands-on and clearly the eye of the storm in the kitchen, whirling about with purpose and yet still purposefully conversing with counter guests. The choreography of the entire staff was quite impressive; service was of course excellent. Overall a wonderful discovery and experience. It's nice when Michelin recognizes smaller-scale places that aren't necessarily French or Japanese, but have a purpose, plan and vision that are worthy of rewards.
Don't mind the noise, the frequent rumbling of a train passing overhead. This is a Michelin-starred restaurant with all the bells and whistles, including the best tasting menu this side of the three Michelin-starred Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia. Each plate is a work of art. Located at 4662 North Broadway, near Lawrence, in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, chef Norman Fenton and partner Karen Young have created an upscale restaurant that celebrates Mexican cuisine. Sit at the counter for an up-close-and-personal view of Fenton and his small team at work while engaging with guests. Open from 6 to midnight Wednesday through Sunday, Carino delivers a Latin-inspired tasting menu with many delicious Mexican flavors. I enjoyed chips and salsa, Ora King salmon, ravioli, chicken liver, pasta, truffle quesadilla, lamb tartare tostada, beets, dulce de leche and strawberry and coconut ice cream. If you are a drinker, which I'm not, sommelier Denisse Sota will be only too happy to pair your various plates with iconic tequila-based cocktails. Tasting menus aren't for everyone but Fenton, like Patrick O'Connell at Inn at Little Washington, seems to know how to put the right selections together.
Restaurantji Recommends
I haven’t dined there yet, but watching Chef Norman on Knife Edge makes me so happy to see him achieve his first Michelin star, truly well deserved!
The effort, dedication, and sacrifice he’s put in are incredible.
As a chef and restaurant owner myself here in England, I’ll definitely visit his restaurant when I’m next in the USA, his food looks amazing.
Keep it up, Chef, and congratulations once again! 👏✨
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Im from Detroit, but I've been living in New York for 9 years, and I Im making plans to go to Chicago just to eat here!!! I was so happy to see Chef Norman win his 1st Michelin 🌟…!! His Food looks out of this world and I can't wait to try it!!!… 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽
Sidebar/… This will be my first time spending close to $400 per person on a meal.. And im 100% sure that it’ll be worth every penny!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🌟
Can't wait to meet you, Chef Norman!Congratulations! I see a 2nd star 💫 In your future..!!🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾💯
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cariño delivers a unique and memorable experience through its creative tasting menu and taco omakase. Each course is thoughtfully prepared, offering delicious flavors that highlight the chef’s talent and passion. The wine pairing and cocktails complement the dishes perfectly, enhancing the overall experience.
Service is attentive and friendly, making you feel welcomed throughout the evening. The chef’s interactive approach adds a personal touch, making the dinner feel intimate and engaging.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
The tasting menu is out of this world, combing authentic ingredients with innovative ideas and modern style. If you like smokey drinks, the mezcal cocktails are a must try.
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