Carlucci Restaurants has become one of Chicagoland’s most iconic hospitality brands since its inception in 1984 with the opening of the first Carlucci on Halsted Street. Since then, the Carlucci brand has come to signify the finest in Italian cuisine, ambiance, and hospitality- a complete dining experience with an emphasis on value. Joe Carlucci has been impressing guests at his suburban locations for decades, and it’s long been his dream to bring his concept back to the city. Carlucci has remained committed to presenting his guests with an authentic Italian experience and is proud to introduce his newest restaurant concept to Chicago’s vibrant East Loop neighborhood, directly across from Millennium Park. Carlucci Chicago aims to appeal to neighborhood residents as well as serve as a destination for visitors to the city.
Carlucci is famous for providing his guests with a true immersive Italian dining experience. From the restaurant design to the Italian inspired food and wine, Joe Carlucci’s Italian heritage shines through in his passion for everything Italian. Carlucci Chicago showcases Italian culture at its finest, and no detail was spared in creating the new downtown restaurant. Joe Carlucci imported the restaurant floors and furniture from Italy, and guests dine under ceiling frescoes reminiscent of scenes from Pompeii, painted by local artist Mel Westmeyer.
Chef Dana Heffernan, who was formally trained in Sorrento, brings his passion for the Italian style of cooking to Carlucci. Featured dishes include Carlucci’s signature Bombonato, a wide-noodle prosciutto dish that is tossed tableside in the hollow of an aged parmigiana cheese wheel. Try the arancini, a classic Italian antipasti, or the whole grilled Branzino. Carlucci’s in-house sommelier and General Manager Robert Reinke have curated an impressive wine list comprised of wines from Italy, Spain, and California designed to pair with the different flavor profiles represented on the menu. To round out the ambiance, the restaurant playlist features many Italian American artists, from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga.
Above all, Italians are known for their hospitable manner and relaxed dining style. Carlucci strives to replicate this experience by making guests feel warm and welcome. Welcome in- relax and enjoy the ambiance, cuisine, attentive service, and attention to detail that has long been the standard of Carlucci brand hospitality. Since the pandemic has restricted travel, let Carlucci Chicago offer you an authentic Italian fix as the next best thing to traveling to Italy. The Carlucci legacy lives on in this newest venture, Carlucci Chicago. Salute!