Carlucci - Chicago

My sister and I enjoyed a delightful dinner at Carlucci on a recent visit to Chicago. Salad was large enough for us to split, and carote (roast carrots) a savor... read more My sister and I enjoyed a delightful dinner at Carlucci on a recent visit to Chicago. Salad was large enough for us to split, and carote (roast carrots) a savory/sweet treat. We hit the jackpot with the evening's special, cinghiale (wild boar) served on tagliatelle authentic and absolutely delicious. Our server, George, treated us like returning friends. The restaurant decor is beautiful, a touch of Italy in the city. When I'm in Chicago again, I'll be sure to come back for more. And maybe this time I'll have room for their tiramisu.

All four of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals. We started with our usual drinks. We each had Arancini, which are fried saffron risotto balls with fresh mozzarella... read more All four of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals. We started with our usual drinks. We each had Arancini, which are fried saffron risotto balls with fresh mozzarella. Mrs. Q had never tried this dish before, but she found it absolutely delicious. Our daughter-in-law ordered gnocchi, while our son had Bobonato. The Q tips shared a Pollo Piccata.

Carlucci's on Randolph has hit its stride after a somewhat shaky start and is a solid addition to the neighborhood. The Salmon Pentamente special was very good... read more Carlucci's on Randolph has hit its stride after a somewhat shaky start and is a solid addition to the neighborhood. The Salmon Pentamente special was very good good sized portion, nice spinach base. The Lasagna was nicely done. Their cocktails are good, although the orange in their margarita came as a bit of a surprise. Good wine list.

The staff was incredibly accommodating when we arrived just before opening, seating us at the bar while they prepared. The Pork Chop Vesuvio was excellent—it's... read more The staff was incredibly accommodating when we arrived just before opening, seating us at the bar while they prepared. The Pork Chop Vesuvio was excellent—it's a unique dish that tasted amazing. The pasta was also delicious, and everything was prepared to our taste and served quickly. The service was very attentive throughout our visit.

We walked in at 7:10 pm and were told they don't take walk ins. Reservations were available on OpenTable for 7:15 pm, 7:30 pm, 7:45 pm and after. We made reserv... read more We walked in at 7:10 pm and were told they don't take walk ins. Reservations were available on OpenTable for 7:15 pm, 7:30 pm, 7:45 pm and after. We made reservations and went back and said we now have a reservation for 7:15 pm. The hostess was very rude, gave us a look and said:”You still have to wait a few min for the table!” Finally sat us, we ordered a salad and bread to start with and two pizzas. The waiter brought us pizzas, but no salad or bread. When we asked, he said he forgot. Then, when he was cleaning the table and picking up the silverware, he dropped a fork in my drink and smiled, apologized, and left it in the drink. Did not take it or offer another drink. Weirdest experience ever.