Carnivale

Carnivale is a fun, high-energy spot with a lively South American vibe—music and Brazilian dance performances make it feel more like a celebration than a quiet dinner.
We did the Komal chef tasting menu ($149/person). A few dishes stood out, especially the charcoal-grilled prawns, the yuca con mojo (almost like grilled fries), and the vaca frita beef which was surprisingly tender. However it’s not amazing enough for me to think it’s worth the price.
Service was attentive, and the chef was genuinely accommodating—he listened to feedback and adjusted to our preferences. However, it’s a bit too stressful for people who just want to enjoy food without too much talking.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

BS New Year's Eve event, totally mislead what tickets were for

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The food was good, but nothing spectacular. I expected more atmosphere-wise. Of course it wasn’t very busy when I was there. The service was excellent. And there were live dancers, which was fun. They mostly hung out in the private rooms.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

This is a first time reviewer. I feel it is important to alert the restaurant and customers and share our unfortunate experience on New Year’s Eve at Carnivale. We booked this experience having had a wonderful, engaging, interactive, New Year’s Eve at Carnivale last year. We opted for the 9:00 pm show/countdown experience having booked that last year. At 100.00 a ticket we expected to be seated at a table at 10:00 pm and to have some sort of “show” or MC as it is advertised, like last years gala. We did not sign up for the 6:00 pm
“Buffet”- last year you were a given an option to order off a menu at 10:00pm. This is not the complaint. We were met with a very overwhelmed staff who greeted us with”just so you know, there is no food, you can’t NOT enter until 10:00 pm and it’s first come first serve for a table.” Very cold greeting, and first red flag.
We waited until 10:00 and could clearly see there were no tables available, and very random limited “performers”. The whole venue and vibe was open bar, you are on your own, dance floor, and no seating for those who paid 100.00 a ticket for countdown and show. We were clearly duped. Unfortunately, we brought our 88 year old mother and family member with serious illness and ended up leaving by 10:45 pm when it was clear we would not have seating or an organized performance like last year. What was most frustrating and disappointing was the lack of customer service. Very cold vibe. And very poor communication and overall dark experience. Even in the waiting area, the atmosphere was alcohol infused ie open bar and some sort of 360 photo opportunity with a snake. NOT the delightful energy and performers who were present in the lobby last year. I was surprised when my three calls/voicemails I left prior to the evening were not returned. I had some basic inquiry questions but figured the restaurant was busy leading up to New Year’s Eve. I went ahead and purchased 7 tickets through TOCK, believing that the evening would be similar to last year’s. A total of nearly one thousand dollars was spent for a poorly advertised, organized, and extremely disappointing non experience. I learned a huge lesson moving forward- NOt to purchase anything via TOCK and unfortunately we will not be returning or recommending this restaurant. Management ie leadership clearly failed and i am not sure how they can make their error right having disappointed many customers who spent way too much money and were misled. Buyer Beware.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

DO NOT GO THERE FOR NEW YEARS EVE party was ok, nothing special but one star is for how security treated people, they've been kicking people out by force, if I'd know I've experienced something like that I would never go there and for sure I wouldn't go there for dinner even though I wanted since long time. No shame, pathetic, don't go there!

New years sucks, website wasn’t clear at all. Not food, nor seat. Don’t waste your money!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The food is always delicious and steak is cooked perfectly. The halal options are super appreciated! Excellent service. We look forward to our next visit.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was delicious and presentation was beautiful. Our server, Valentino was wonderful and gave us some great suggestions, as the menu is full of amazing options and difficult to narrow it down. The decor is very colorful and fun. Overall a fantastic dining experience!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Carnival is not just dinner.... it’s a full-on experience!!

Walking in feels like stepping into another world. The lights, the music, the energy — everything is vibrant, bold, and alive. This is the kind of place where the night instantly feels exciting before you even sit down.

The food is just as fun as the atmosphere. Colorful, creative, and packed with flavor, every dish feels like part of the show. Even on a lighter visit, everything we tried was memorable and beautifully done. And the drinks? Unreal. Playful, dramatic, and absolutely part of the experience (cotton candy cocktails included).

What really sets Carnival apart is the vibe — it’s loud in the best way, social, celebratory, and perfect for date night, group dinners, or any night you want to feel like you’re out out. It’s not a quiet meal — it’s a party, and that’s exactly the point.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that’s immersive, energetic, and genuinely fun, Carnival Chicago delivers. One of the most entertaining dining experiences I’ve had in the city!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great place.Great.Customer service atmosphere was really nice.Also like the performance.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Organic and Grass Fed food!! You don’t get that a lot in restaurants.. This place is a gem! The food is amazing….. everything about this place is.💯💯 5star all the way!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

There was a mix up with our reservation while we were celebrating my father’s milestone bday. What could have been an unpleasant evening was turned around by Cody, the director of operations. His grace under pressure and superior customer service ensured we had everything we needed to celebrate my father. Oscar, our server really made the evening a great success. My father enjoyed his bday and our family created a special memory. Highly recommend this place for their service and the food was delish!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Slow getting table ready

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

I wish I had more food photos to share. Great first time dining at this place. Very inviting, festive looking inside which I find exciting. The beef empanada, shrimp ceviche and, guacamole were delicious! My husband and I shared Lechon Al Pastor and Carne Asada and we could only say that both are incredibly good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

There for a company party. The food and drinks were great!