Cariño

Cariño reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. B

   Bruce VIP

   Chicago11 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The Taco Omakase experience was great. Every aspect: food, drink, service, atmosphere, value. The staff and chef were very accommodating, personable, and fun. Will definitely go again.
   

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2. K

   Kent

   Houston1 review

   3.0

   Dined on April 21, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   Overall Carino was a decent experience. One thing I appreciated was that they accommodated my avocado allergy without fuss, even being a restaurant serving a cuisine that relies so heavily on avocado. The one time the wrong dish was brought out an immediate swap was made, and I felt that Carino cared a lot about their patrons. While there were some dishes that I felt needed more workshopping in terms of ingredient balance, and that there was an overall too heavy reliance on gels that didn't have much flavor besides an unpleasant collagenous taste, I thoroughly enjoyed the huitlacoche ravioli, and there were some other dishes that were fun and pleasant as well. In our "taco flight", the crab dish only had filling on one side, leaving most of the dish unsatisfyingly imbalanced. I was a little saddened that despite me choosing to have my second anniversary with my girlfriend here, nothing in particular was done to make us have a special experience. I do see however that it might be a bit hard to stick a candle in any one of the desserts served here.
   

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3. L

   Linda VIP

   Chicago10 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Taco experience was an absolute delight. 2 cocktails included. Great value for a fine dining experience.
   

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4. J

   Jennifer VIP

   Chicago140 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Best meal we have ever experienced!! Inventive and delicious with perfect pacing and service. The only negative was the noise level-perhaps in part due to a table of 6 celebrating a birthday and the restaurant space is very small. We were a party of 2 and had a difficult time having a conversation without repeating almost everything we said. We also would have liked having the chef/owner come out, especially as we sent him a glass of our 34 year old Chateau Mouton Rothschild wine which we brought
   

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5. M

   Molly VIP

   New York City1 review

   4.0

   Dined on April 18, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Incredible food. Incredibly rushed experience. No proactivity at all on drink orders. Had to constantly flag down servers to be served drinks. I was really surprised by the lack of service in that regard.
   

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6. N

   Nina

   Chicago3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 13, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   What an exceptional experience, truly inventive and delicious food, can’t wait to be back!
   

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7. G

   Gareth VIP

   Cleveland65 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 10, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   A wonderful experience and a great way to celebrate a landmark birthday. The food was excellent, being Latin influenced with some delicious taste combinations all the way from amuse bouche to the final bite. it is difficult to chose a favorite course as all were fantastic. Would definitely return and have already recommended to a dozen friends.
   

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8. M

   Monica VIP

   Chicago24 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 3, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Superb! Everything! The chef was so personable, which is not always the case in fine dining restaurants. It was so nice to sit at the bar and watch the preparation and talk to the chef. We loved every minute of our experience. Because we were so interested in the food, I would suggest that the chef try to slow down in telling the diners what each dish is comprised of. Thank you for this fabulous addition to the Chicago dining scene!  We will be back… Again and again! 
   

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9. A

   Abdallah

   Chicago37 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 3, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Outstanding chef menu, I can’t decide which part was my favorite. Great presentation. Eclectic drink menu (it will be great to retain some of the traditional options on the menu: vodka etc). It was such a treat. Would highly recommend
   

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10. S

    Scott

    Chicago45 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 24, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4

    Very intimate dining experience in Uptown. Sat at a table rather than the bar. I understand the bar experience is somewhat different in that there are more courses at the bar and the price is a bit higher. Latin-inspired food is both innovative and delicious. There are about 14 small plates on the tasting menu when you sit at the table. All are wonderful, as well as the bar offerings. If you like an Old Fashioned don't miss Carino's smoky version. The two wines recommended by our server were also excellent, including a surprising Mexican red. Pleasant ambiance in a small space with an open kitchen. Although the space is limited, there is sufficient space between tables so you don't feel cramped. Also liked the playlist. Service is mostly competent but not at the same level as the food. On one occasion we needed to track our server down to order wine but she didn't notice and walked away. Also there wasn't any excitement about the food when it was presented, and there should be. If you have $200 to spend and you appreciate Mexican food taken to the next level, I'd recommend Carino.
    

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