Caro Mio
1825 W Wilson Ave
(at Wolcott Ave)
Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 275-5000
- Nearest Transit:
Damen (Brown)
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: None
14 reviews
Neighborhood: The Loop
"Atmosphere: Theatrical Price: Lunch expensive Bathrooms: Very Clean Food: Excellent We went here for lunch after a meeting in the area! No…" read more »
62 Reviews for Caro Mio
I went based on the wonderful yelps and my love for BYOB and was a little disappointed. I was there at 8pm on a Saturday night with a party of four and was seated fairly quickly which was a nice surprise. I was thinking we might have a long wait. The service was decent but nothing special. The food was average I had the pollo arrabiata and was disappointed. The chicken wasn't good, it had way too much sauce and wasn't spicy. We had the eggplant ap which wasn't anything special. Because it's BYOB and conveniently located with lots of parking I may check it out again to see if the foods better but I don't have high hopes.
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A coworker recommended Caro Mio as a quiet, romantic neighborhood spot, and I've been back several times under many different circumstances. I've never been impressed with any of the chicken or fish dishes, but the pasta here is phenomenal: homemade and perfect, filled with amazing, covered in unbelievable. Get any pasta with mushrooms: you won't regret it. I can't account for their desserts because I don't usually have room after their massive entrees, and I don't like tiramisu at all.
I don't think they take reservations, and they won't seat you until your entire party is there--sometimes you luck out with the wait, and other times you're stuck in the tiny waiting area drooling over the nearest table's gnocchi (which I've heard is great, although I can't personally testify). Service otherwise is pretty good. You might wait a bit for your food (especially for big groups), but this has been one of those places where, thanks to the food, I'm willing to forgive slow service.
Price is okay: entrees are a bit on the expensive side, but since it's BYOB, it balances out.
Been to this place a number of times now and I've never been let down. The food is really quite good and the service is great even when it's busy. They aren't afraid to use garlic, and I love that. The only couple drawbacks with the place is that the seating is cramped, and it can be a long wait during prime hours. If you do end up having to wait a bit, PLEASE do not go next door for Cuban. That place is so bad, but I'll save the explanation for another time. Prices for Caro Mio aren't wacky either...pretty reasonable. Bring a bottle of something and have a great time.
Yummy Yummy pasta in my tummy. And bruschetta. and some bread dosed in garlic and oil and cheese. In reverse order.
I was here on Friday with a large group and have frequently heard rave reviews from my sister about this pace. I had the paperdelle con porchini, and i totally agree with everyone else here. So very tasty. Mushroom goodness. Amazing.
Our waiter was a funny guy too. Don't remember what his name was, but funny.
Fun atmosphere, great food, fun times.
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Really good small italian joint in the middle of ravenswood! I went to celebrate a new job with my boyfriend and a friend of ours, as it was highly recommended. It is a bit pricey yet the food is good and you get a lot of it! There menu has a lot of good options and they have good specials as well. My boyfriend had the chicken parm and I had a dish with linguine and shrimp with some veggies. I will be stopping by again sometime!
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The first time I went here, I had the chicken piccata - I almost didn't go back - it was terrible (too much garlic). I am glad however that a friend talked me into going back. I like the BYOB aspect, it is never more than $30 pp with apps, entrees and desserts. I tend to stick with what I know here: homemade rigatoni with parm is always the special and unbelievable! The lasgna is GREAT too. They always 'act' like they are out of tarimisu - that excuse is old...they should just take it off the menu.
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This place is AMAZING. It's so cozy, you feel like you're at your grandma's house! There were 5 of us and we just got a few things to share since the portions are pretty big. We had the bruschetta that was on the specials menu for the first appetizer. It's got tomatos, basil, a hint of garlic, and a slice of fresh mozzarella on top. Then we got the fried calamari. It's in a light crisp batter that is excellent as well. For entrees, we got the gnocchi. That was made with asiago cheese and it was in a creamy tomato sauce. We had the the chicken breast with portobella mushroom ravioli. That was delish as well. The last dish we got was the saffron risotto. That was the only thing that was ok. Kinda tasted like paella to me. Other then that, everything was fantastic. And don't forget it's a BYOB! We polished off 4 bottles of wine as well.
I'm totally torn on Caro Mio: The one time we were able to get a table there, it was a truly awesome dining experience. The food was terrific, the waiter was awesome, and the atmosphere was delightful.
However.
This was one of maybe four times we've tried to eat there. There have been caveats to all the unsuccessful attempts: The first time, there were four of us and our one-year-old son, and we didn't have a reservation (even though the last time I tried to call for a reservation I learned they don't take reservations for parties smaller than six). But the place was *completely empty.* Not a soul around, except maybe four employees shooting the shit, which I totally don't have a problem with. And yet, when I asked them if they could fit us in (to their, again, completely empty restaurant, at like 5:03 p.m.), they looked at me like I'd asked to visit some horrific act on their mothers, one by one, as they sat helplessly by and watched. Showcase Showdown winners on The Price is Right react with more restraint. So yeah, we went next door to Sabor a Cuba instead, which was awesome and seated us immediately despite already being pretty busy.
And yet! That one magical dining experience keeps me thinking the other times were flukes! Gaaaaaah. I don't know, people. I just don't know. Except I do know I'll probably take another run at it sooner or later, sucker that I am.
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Once again I am in the minority of people reviewing Caro Mio. I read the rave reviews and have a friend who adores CM. I stopped last night to pick up some food to go. I got the special gnocchi and the chicken piccata with linguine. The gnocchi was over-sauced with what tasted like Campbell's tomato soup and the chicken had way to much garlic so no other flavor was discernible. I also got the Caprese salad which was good, but it's hard to ruin one of those.
I was disappointed to say the least, but I usually try to give places at least two tries before I totally cross them off my list.
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A really cool thing about this place is the art work. I spent the majority of the time looking at the paintings and wishing I could buy one (they are for sale). The food was gamazing and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. The bruschetta was packed with flavor and I had a sea food pasta dish that was delish.
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If you like enormous portions of great food, this place is for you.
The sun-dried tomato ravioli alla panna (a special) is the candy version of pasta. Homemade, yummy goodness.
The risotto gamberi was perfectly made.
The linguini all' arrabbiata showed up in what would more accurately be called a cauldron than a bowl.
I got the gnocchi gratinati and I'm still thinking about it. I can eat a lot, and I only got halfway through this thing.
The service was great and it's BYOB with no corkage fee. If you haven't been here, go. You won't be disappointed.
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This place is cozy, inviting and quite tasty...all the good qualities of a favorite neighborhood Italian place.
I'd highly recommend the eggplant parmesan and whatever gnocchi they're offering that day. I read somewhere once that gnocchi means tiny pillows in Italian, and if that's true, then that's exactly what they look like! Plus, you get lots of food...enough for lunch the next day.
Also, it's a BYOB...what's not to love!?
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I went to Caro Mio based on the favorable reviews from Yelp. My impression is that the reviewers must have been joking! The staff was wonderful and friendly, but the food was mediocre at best. The pizza bread appetizer resembled the quick concoction I make my two year old for a snack. The pasta was just okay for the hefty price tag. Don't even get me started on the overwhelming chemical smell of the bathroom...
Omigod!!! I LOVE this place. More specifically, I LURVE the pappardelle con porcini (when I was eight, my friends convinced me that "lurve" is a higher form of love...true or not, I like the sound of it). Anyhoo, back to the pappardelle, SO AMAZING!!!! It's rich and not for anyone watching calories or fat. I can't say enough about this dish. I would simply lie down and die if they ever discontinued it from their menu. On a side note, Caro Mio has a great atmosphere to just hang out with a group of friends for a leisurely dinner or for an aphrodisiactic (probably another made-up word) experience.
This place is truly a hidden gem. From outside looking in it seems to be a jungle of houseplants, but the crowds on Friday nights should tip you off to the deliciousness of the cuisine inside. I once had a seafood pasta dish with a pesto sauce which was a "special" for the day. It was the best Italian food I have ever had. When we returned a few months later, it was (understandably) not on the menu, but when I requested it they made it for me anyway! In my opinion, Italian food doesn't get better than this - except maybe in Italy itself.
I am officially upgrading to 5 stars.
This
Place
Does
NOT
Disappoint
The servers, while not the most amazing service ever, are funny, pleasant and accommodating. They really create a great atmosphere and seem to be having fun, while still taking care good care of their guests. And the food. The food is amazing, plus its BYO with No Corkage....
Fiction, you say? I swear it is not.
I was here a couple of weeks ago for a friend's birthday and ate some kickin stuffed gnocci. Then, last Friday, had lobster & sun dried tomato raviolis in a marscipone cream sauce. If I ate like this on even a weekly basis, I would have a heart attack in a month. Its certainly not healthy, but DAMN its so good! Great appetizers, homemade pasta, amazzzzing cream sauces & mushroom sauces, decadent desserts, great coffee. I think this may be my favorite place. Ever. Literally. Yum. What else can I say... trying to use words to describe the cream sauce is absolutely futile. Just go.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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08/06/2007
Very Very good. This place is an excellent choice for Italian BYOB. The service was friendly and… Read more »
Here is how to order at a great place like Caro Mio:
Step 1-Thank hostess for the menu.
Step 2-Place unopened menu on your lap.
Step 3-Say hello to the waiter and address him with a smile by his first name.
Step 4-When its your turn to order, smile and tell him to bring whatever he suggests.
Step 5-Enjoy the satisfation of having a fantastic dish
Went here for my wife's graduation with both our parents. Really great place!!! It didn't seem like you could go wrong with anything on the menu. The veal in the porchini mushroom sauce was amazing!!!
I'd recommend reservations cause it is on the cozy side.
The best part...BYOB!
Love, love, love this place! Both times we've been there we had Jean Pierre as our waiter. He is the BEST! Both times he suggested an off the menu dish for my husband and was dead on. The ambiance is romantic and inviting, the staff is friendly and the food is phenomenal. We just went there and I can't wait to go back. And the best part..no BYOB corkage fee. I have found me a home!
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How do you know you have a Yelp problem? When you already know what you are going to order before you get to the restaurant, but you've never been.
Thanks to the wonderful reviewers out there, I was already sold on the gnocchi special (if they had it, which they did) and the pasta with mushroom sauce. My better half and I each ordered one, and both were fantastic. You could tell both noodles were homemade - so good. We each had enough leftovers for a second meal. We also had the bruschetta at the server's recomendation (I would venture to guess the same flamboyant individual from others' reviews). Now, we didn't realize when we ordered that this appetizer was $11. $11 for bruschetta? That's pretty steep. Well, I will say it was unequivocally the best damn bruschetta I have ever eaten. It is a little pricey, but well worth it.
They were unfortunately out of the chocolate tartuffo so we had to suffer through the lemon version. Oh the humanity. I'm not a big lemon fan, but I wouldn't hesitate to order this plate of refreshing deliciousness again.
I'm on quite a roll with Italian places impressing the hell out of me. Add Caro Mio to that list.
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It just happened to be the perfect night, at a perfect place...
Well ok, so it was 14 below zero, snowing, and the night BEFORE Valentine's Day, but I have grown a bit more "amenable" in my old age. :) It was still pretty damn close to perfect.
I should preface this review with the fact that I generally do not like to "go out" for Italian, unless it is pizza, which I think should actually be a different genre. I feel it is usually too filling, and that we could cook it at home (which we wouldn't do, in reality, but...whatever).
But my boy is Italian, and no one does romantastic dinners like Italians, so off we trudged to Caro Mio, highly recommended on Yelp.
I can see why. Cute, cozy little restaurant with neighborhood locals chatting over wine (that they brought themselves, AMEN!). Animated Italian staff/family bustling around. The only thing I didn't like was all the plant life in the windows...I just don't get that choice for decor, but it was a minor flaw...
OMG. And the food...so. GOOD. We both had the specials, I indulged in the chicken and ravioli in mushroom porcini sauce. (Thank you Chris M.) It was earthy, rich and downright sinful. My date had the gnocchi special, heavenly in tomato cream sauce. We split the cappuccino tarfuto for dessert....divine. Seriously (Julia W gets the cred on that one...holy amazing, but they were outta chocolate.)
Service was excellent even though the place was busy for a Wednesday night. Food arrived promptly, we got an ice bucket for our wine, and all was well with the world.
5 stars: Quaint locale, BYOB, excellent food, great service...and Lord, the food again.
Great place for a date. :) Suggest reservations for dinner if you have a larger group near the weekends. Street parking is pretty good...definitely a place you could go casual OR dressy, depending on your mood!
Run, go! Indulge.
Many, many kudos to Julia W and Chris M for this fantastic recommendation!
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On this foggy, chilly night in February, my cousin and I strolled into Caro Mio for a quiet meal together.
The walls of the restaurant are a vibrant red-pepper color, with lovely local art hanging by the light of candle-powered chandeliers. Lovely and cozy, very Chicago, and just the right atmosphere to melt away the drabness of the day.
The crowd was small when we arrived, though we got the last 2-top in the dining room. Around 7 p.m., the tables really started filling up, and by the time we got our food the place was packed. That's always nice to see on a Monday!
Based on the heavy traffic, I thought our food would be stellar. Our server, who was flamboyant, wildly gesticulatory and SLOOOOOOOOW as molasses in January, had plenty of good things to say about the food. We ordered... And waited. And waited some more. Half an HOUR later, our meals finally arrived. They must have gone to buy the cheap, flavorless chicken for our dishes in Italy.
I'm sad about it. I had pollo alla parmigiana, sort of my Italian litmus test: rubbery, heavy on the breading and DROWNED in cheese and sauce. My cousin's chicken piccata was much prettier and tasted better (than mine), but she still wasn't terribly happy with it.
We finished our food, and 15 minutes later, our very gay and adorable server came over and asked us if we wanted dessert. By that time, we'd been there more than an hour and needed to get my cousin's Zipcar back to its home, so we just wanted to leave. Another 15 minutes later, we'd signed our credit card receipts and headed back into the fog.
Le sigh.
Just looking for that really special restaurant experience in Chicago...
The search continues.
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Truly amazing! I won't rehash what's been said more eloquently by others, but:
- the calamari is on the short list for the best i've ever had; perfectly cooked, not over breaded (so often the case), and incredibly fresh and flavorful
- the gnocchi special is indeed a thing of beauty, catch the fever!
- my stepmother's lobster mascarpone ravioli were amazing; she saved the sauce separate from her leftovers to use on some pasta at home
- both the lemon and chocolate tartufo desserts were simply stellar; if they weren't out of the tiramisu I would have loved to have tried that, but I do not feel like I settled by any stretch
BYOB, etc., all great, can't recommend it enough, esp. for a great date. Try it for lunch, they have all the same specials but they drop the price.
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Decent Italian food in a cozy atmosphere. It is a BYOB place, which is super nice! I have been here twice and the food is fresh and decent! The last time I had the mushroom risotto, which was just a tad too mushroomy and a tad too salty. I would go a different route next time. It wasn't the best Italian I have had, but you can't beat the proximity! And, you don't find many Italian places that are BYOB.
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I joined some friends here for a Groundhog Day dinner. The 5 of us met up with a few bottles of red wine. It had been years since I've been here and we were all anxious to try it again. The meal didn't disappoint. It was an amazing meal. It was a longer wait than I had anticipated to get a table. But I suppose it was 7 on a Saturday. Even with reservations some groups had to wait along with us. We waited so long that a member of our group drove to get some beer on Western & Lincoln and made it back before we were seated. Still it was worth the wait.
The service was spotty because it was so busy but when you had the staff's attention you had their complete attention. We never felt rushed to leave the table. There were several groups there celebrating birthdays that gave it a very festive atmosphere. There were people waiting for tables throughout the meal.
I had a very lovely risotto. It was the perfect texture. Everyone else at the table had one of their lovely specials. It was such a great time.
It was all going well until we got our check. We were offended that they had added a gratuity to the bill. We were surprised that there wasn't a corkage fee. Was it supposed to make up for that? We would have tipped at least 20% for the service especially since it is a BYOB. I had to knock off a star for that. I think their service speaks for itself and if they don't have enough faith in that I don't know if I should. Are people usually bad tippers?
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I joined some friends here for a birthday dinner and had a great time. We all brought wine because of the BYOB factor. The food was, for the most part, great! We had stuffed mushrooms and bruchetta to start. I had the chicken parm, which was an awesome amount of food, but only tasted okay, not great. Thankfully, my husband was willing to share his gnocchi, which was freaking amazing.
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I absolutely love this place. We are big fans of BYOB anyhow, but pair it with terrific food, and I'm in! I especially love the garlicky green bean salad (special) and the food is incredibly rich and flavorful.
Dining here for the first time on a blustery and wet November evening, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. The calamari appetizer was well prepared but was pushed to a new level with a good dose of chopped garlic (garlic makes everything better). I had the lobster ravioli in a cream sauce, which was nicely done, except for the few strips of sun dried tomatoes. The tomatoes were out of place texturally, and I felt their intensity clashed with the subtle taste of the lobster filling. I just avoided eating them (although I do love sun dried tomatoes).
For dessert, I had their lemon tartufo. This was a very light lemon gelato ball with limoncello. Very delicious, even if it was served without the meringue crumbles.
I have mixed feelings about the service. Let me explain: when I arrived, a few minutes early, I was greeted immediately and when seated, asked if I would like something to drink. Good thing, because I wanted coffee, which I received promptly. My friend arrived a few minutes after me, and not seeing me sat on the other side of the (very dark) restaurant. No one greeted her initially -- she said she stood at the entrance for at least a minute -- nor was she asked if she wanted anything after sitting. The difference in the level of service was confounding. (We found each other when she called me, wondering where I was, since I'm rarely late.) It's possible that she seated herself in a section that wasn't being utilized, but even so she should have been greeted. I moved myself over to her table, and after that things went smoothly.
Another little problem: I just discovered that they wrapped up my friend's leftovers instead of mine. Great, I'll get to try the stuffed gnocchi! Good thing she's a CLOSE friend of mine, otherwise, ewww.
Still, overall, it was a fine experience, with good food. I'll be back to try their other dishes, for sure!
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Amazing!! My sister took my whole family (including my grandparents) here last week and we loved it!!! Great place for dates too, although it can be a bit pricey even though it's BYOB.
My suggestions:
-Share entrees if your with a special someone, or bistro style if your with a large group.
-Order ANYTHING with the gravy looking Porcinni Mushroom Sauce.
-Take suggestions from the wait staff (Caesar is awesome!!!)
-Bring Chianti, a nice red, or Pinot Grigio if you like whites. Red wine will totally enhance your meal here, especially if you're trying multiple dishes.
Go soon, while you still can. Weekdays are best. This place has just been recently reviewed in the Red Eye, and they also turned down Check, Please! b/c they don't want to have outrageous wait times....Good for you, Caro Mio!!!
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I have been to Caro Mio twice now, but I can not believe the two experiences took place at the same restaurant. Our first time to Caro Mio, my fiance and I both had pasta dishes. We had calamari as an appetizer and shared the lobster ravioli and the gnocchi for the main dishes. For dessert we made on the fly lemon dish which featured limoncello and sweet lemon meringue crumbles. I am not a huge fan of calamari, but the dinner was a celebration dinner in her honor. The dish was cooked perfectly, tender, breaded perfectly and seasoned well. Both pasta dishes we delicious. The sauces were great, a little rich but great. The dessert, especially for an improvised dish, was nice and refreshing.
Last night we had a completely different experience. We ordered the green bean salad for an appetizer, and it was by far the best part of the meal. The beans were served with tomatoes, a hint of garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar and fresh mozzarella. Our main dishes were the linguini all' arrabbiata with a side of meat balls and beef tips in a white wine and marinara sauce. The linguini was pretty good, but the meatballs were a disappointment. They lacked flavor and were slightly over cooked. The presentation of the beef tips was the first turn off to this part of the meal. The dish looked a bit like slop. There was way too much sauce on the plate. The beef was a bit stringy, but not horrible. The sauce was lackluster. Overall, the dish would have benefited from the addition of onions and peppers. I am on the quest for the perfect Tiramisu, so we order it for dessert. The presentation was nice, but the lady fingers were soaked too long. This caused the dish to be soupy and grainy. This was definitely on the lower end of the scale for Tiramisu.
We love the atmosphere and the BYOB aspect. We will definitely give the place another shot, but I think we will stick to the pasta dishes.
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This place is so darling that I often do not even notice how sub-par my pasta selection is. The staff is warm and helpful, the decor bright and uplifting but tame and intimate. I have been here a few times and must admit that I have some bad luck choosing a dish. The first time I went with the Risotto con Porcini, quite literally, it tasted like a salt lick. The manager was very apologetic and tried the dish himself and assured me it was very off that night. After the ptsd has subsided, I may give it another shot. The last time I went I tried a beef tenderloin dish and though it was good I was not totally wowed by it, if you are looking for something more home-style this will be a good bet, but I like to take risks myself. Here is what I discovered, my boyfriend always, without fail, orders the Paperdelle con Porcini and it really, truly is heaven on earth. Their anti pastas are wonderful (the mozzarella is fresh and delicious) and their ravioli specials look very interesting. Though I have not had the best of luck, I would highly recommend this place for the following reasons; A) The Paperdelle B) Its A-freaking-dorable C) BYOB and D) In Ravenswood (which speaks for itself). Just don't be afraid to protest if you aren't finding your meal to meet your expectations, they are very eager to please and willing to accommodate.
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Oh, Caro Mio! Mi amore!!!! Not only did I love the food, but I couldn't get enough of our fantastic waiter, Cesear, calling me "mi amore." I felt so special. :)
This place is intimate and warm. So much, I almost wished there were drape covered booths to snuggle with my date and feed him gnocchi. Caro Mio can ooze with romance, especially with the right trance music playing in the background.
We went on a weekday as soon as it opened (the best time to go). We were completely catered to; the company of our waiter was a delight. I didn't even look at the menu! You basically tell your waiter what you like and poof he brings back this delictable meal that is exactly what your tastebuds were craving.
The gnocchi porticcino mushroom dish is my favorite. I honestly wanted to lick the plate. The pumpkin risotto was a girl's creamy dream. I am a creamy girl, what can I say. The green bean ensalda was also delcisiouso. The portions are generous, I have lunch for today!!
Truly a great first date, second and for life-r date spot. If you feel like partying up a bit, there is a backroom that can accomodate larger groups, but book ahead. I hear that Caro Mio gets crazy packed on weekends. People must know where the great food and ambiance is at!!
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so i've been to cara mio three times. based on the first time i would maybe give it 5 stars. but i have to base it off all of the times and that brings it down to a 3 star type-of-deal. the first time i really enjoyed the special gnocci...delightful. i love the waitstaff, decor and the fact that is a no charge byob. however....the food has taken a turn for the worse in my opinion. everything is over creamed now...meaning they just add heavy cream and cheese to everything. maybe i just need to branch out and get something else. i crave homemade pasta but the flavors are just not doing anything for me there anymore. go to buona terra for amazing italian.
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Just unbelievably great! I don't know what their secret is but it is the TASTIEST italian food I've ever had. Get the gnocchi or lasagna.
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Thanks you fellow yelpers and also to my hairstylist Lou for recommending this wonderful spot! My husband wasn't in the mood for Italian as he usually get sick from it, but I was cranky and wanted it, so he obliged. Parking was a little tricky, but once we found one we headed to what appeared to be a tiny restaurant. When we got inside, we were really impressed by the decor- red and gold colored walls, fresh flowers (something that more restaurants needs to do), tea lights, and nicely folded napkins that looked like candles. Our waiter was the infamous Ceasar and we took the advice to order what he recommended. We told him up front that we didn't eat seafood and that my husband wanted a chicken dish. He on the spot created a dish for my husband that was not on the menu- Chicken in a porcini wine sauce with mushroom ravioli. It was fantastic. He sold me when he told me he would make it Nicea, nice (my italian relatives do that and it felt like home). For myself he recommended a few dishes and I went with the pesto cavatilli with sausage. I would have never thought pesto and sausage would go together, but this is the BEST pasta dish I have ever had- period!! We had the polenta for an appetizer and it was very good. For desert I had asked him about the chocolate souffle and he said "Don't get it- get the tiramisu" and we did and we liked it a lot. My husband did NOT get sick- this is a first for him, and we are really looking forward to going back. My advice- ask for Cesar and listen to what he says, but let him know what you are looking for- you won't be disappointed.
Just went for lunch. Turned out to be a really big lunch. They do have a lunch menu, but the portions were so big that only one out of five finished it all.
The food was great, excellent if you factor in that we did not wait long for our food at all. The place was not crowded (noon on a Wednesday), so that probably helped speed things up a bit.
I had the gnocchi special - stuffed with asiago cheese and a little spinach with a creamy tomato sauce. Awesome. Others had the veal parm and said it was good but nothing special.
The bread seemed homemade and came with the triumvirate of red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and parmesan. Mixed with olive oil, it was a treat, but probably added to the still-full feeling I have now.
$14 for the lunch is not bad, especially when you factor in the service and quality. Did not take advantage of the BYOB as I was at lunch with co-workers. But good to know it is there if it is an especially stressful week.
I give it 4 stars with room to grow.
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This is our Italian place now. The best parts are BYOB and fresh homemade pasta.
We tried this place because I love homemade pasta. It really makes such a big difference! We had the gnocchi (tomato cream sauce filled with basil and gongozola) and the pasta with creamy carbonara. They were so delicious that I want to go back now!
I also really really like the bread where they give you garlic, red pepper and grated parmasan cheese. What a great idea and it was so good.
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I've only ordered delivery from this place. I don't even know how I stumbled upon this or what made me decide to try this place for delivery (probably some powers from the dear sweet lord in heaven), but what ever delicious italian god made me do it... this place is amazing. I legitimately have a love affair with the chicken tortellini... be careful because it will put you into a food coma... but everything I've sampled from Caro Mio has been fresh fresh fresh as the dickens and really flavorful. The bread is always freshly baked, just dont' order the calamari unless you really REALLY love garlic because it's garlic with a side of squid.
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Can't believe I haven't been here sooner; since I moved into the Ravenswood neighborhood in May. Ambiance is small, quaint, romantically decorated and lit. Italian food served is wonderfully diverse and interesting; and, all seemed excellent. What more could ask for -- how about BYOB for an Italian Restaurant?? Believe it or not, it is (and, even harder to believe, with NO corkage fee). But, you doubters say, don't they just raise their prices to make up for it. Nope -- prices seemed average for fine Italian dining. ($15-17 for pasta dishes; and, 18-22 for chicken/meat/seafood dishes). How wonderful.
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I absolutely love this place! I've been to a few Italian restaurants in the city but this one is my favorite...not to mention BYOB with no corkage fee! I always bring visiting friends and family here for dinner. the portions are huge so if you can find someone to share...you should. Unless of course, you want leftovers!
I always order the half-moon pasta with tomato cream sauce, the calamari, or the linguine with lots-o-seafood and a garlic/olive oil sauce...not necessarily in that order! :)
The wait can be long on the weekends but is 100% worth it. I love the waitstaff, too! Trying this restaurant is a must!
Great find for northsiders. The number of menu options and specials are a little overwhelming. My wife had a special homemade gnocchi stuffed with asiago pesto, and in a creamy red sauce. This might have been the single best item of food I've ever placed in my mouth.
My entree was a large elbow pasta (also homemade) with creamy meat sauce, and chicken Parmesan on top. I think we'll probably have 3 more meals with the leftovers, because we also had garlic bread and salad, but that's fine by mee! Oh yea- service was good, and there was no wait at 7:30 on Thursday night. This will be a neighborhood favorite for a long time.
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