Cariño
Fine dining restaurant · Uptown ·
Latin-inspired tasting menu & tacos, late-night taco omakase
Latin-inspired tasting menu & tacos, late-night taco omakase
"I found it to be one of Chicago’s most exciting fine dining destinations, a Michelin-starred Latin standout where Chef Norman Fenton balances deep respect for Latin American tradition with a drive to innovate. The seasonal tasting menu is a memorable splurge worth the price (starting at $200 per person), and standout courses include a ravioli filled with huitlacoche and bathed in corn foam, finished with fried corn silk, freeze-dried corn, popcorn, and cornflower over a truffle butter sauce; a playful michelada course that dresses an oyster with Clamato pearls and Modelo foam to instantly evoke the cocktail; and chicharrón dusted with barbecue spices served with a bowl of foamy esquites sauce for dipping. I recommend snagging a counter seat to watch Fenton and his team in action; his conversations with guests and an upbeat Latin soundtrack give the meal the feel of a lively dinner party. Insider tip: at 10 p.m. the restaurant shifts to a taco omakase—eight courses for $125 that highlight the in-house masa program and include alcoholic beverages—offering a more accessible way to experience the place." - Jeffy Mai
"In a cozy corner of Uptown where the train rumbles overhead, Chef Norman Fenton mines his history and his travels to celebrate Mexican cuisine in a distinct, ambitious manner. He lists out ingredients like an auctioneer, and his pace is energetic. Quickly, the courses compound: A stunning huitlacoche ravioli with fried corn silk, then a queso truffle quesadilla, and at some point, a lamb tartare tostada seasoned in the style of al pastor. Indeed, this tasting menu features boldness and creativity in spades, starting with “chips and salsa” in the form of salsa verde jelly and a tortilla crumble. The best seats are at the counter, which offer an up-close view of this small team, all of whom work diligently and engage with guests freely." - The MICHELIN Guide
"A michelada-inspired oyster cameos on both the $200 tasting menu and the $125 taco “omakase” at Cariño. It’s also the dish that captures Cariño’s best traits: playful, sophisticated, and delicious. At this intimate Latin restaurant in Uptown, a Bad Bunny playlist serenades couples while chefs in faded Nike caps crack jokes from behind the counter. With its casual-swagger approach to fine dining, Cariño is a refreshing change-up from stuffier spots that also love tweezers and edible flowers." - team infatuation
"A michelada-inspired oyster cameos on both the $200 tasting menu and the $125 taco “omakase” at Cariño. It’s also the dish that captures Cariño’s best traits: playful, sophisticated, and delicious. At this intimate Latin restaurant in Uptown, a Bad Bunny playlist serenades couples while chefs in faded Nike caps crack jokes from behind the counter. With its casual-swagger approach to fine dining, Cariño is a refreshing change-up from stuffier spots that also love tweezers and edible flowers. Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru
"The towering chicharron from Cariño’s 11-course tasting menu makes you gaze in wonder, like you’re reenacting the first scene of 2001: A Space Odyssey—or Barbie. It comes with a side of smoky esquites, and tells you everything you need to know about this Uptown spot: you’re in for a playful, fun-to-eat meal. Other courses follow suit, like huitlacoche ravioli that builds a world of corn on a plate or Tajin-topped oysters with a Modelo foam that channels the spicy, refreshing flavors of a michelada. And despite only having a few seats and its not-inexpensive $210 price, Cariño isn’t stuffy or overly formal—you could totally wear a hoodie and jeans to eat a tetela with a tiny hoja santa hat. Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru
