Longtime Italian restaurant Carmine’s has reopened after more than two years of renovations. A flagship concept of the Rosebud Restaurant Group, the restaurant reopened Monday, January 19, with a refreshed interior and an updated menu.
Carmine’s Reopens After Two-Year Renovation
Nestled at 1037 North Rush Street, Carmine’s has been a staple destination for the Chicago community. The restaurant was founded in 1994 and is known for its classic Italian-American dishes.
Carmine’s serves as one of the flagship concepts within the Chicago-based Rosebud Restaurant Group.
Carmine’s closed after its final service on February 26, 2023, to begin a $4 million renovation initially expected to last about 15 months.
The new restaurant space was planned to span more than 10,000 square feet and feature multiple dining rooms, bar areas, and a large all-weather outdoor terrace overlooking the Gold Coast. The reopening was originally planned for 2024 but was later delayed.
Alex Dana, founder of Rosebud Restaurants, previously said that customers are always the company’s top priority and that the reconstruction would help the brand reach new levels of success upon reopening by creating a better, more memorable dining experience.
Inside Carmine’s Newly Updated Space
The newly opened Carmine’s is located on the second floor above Rush Street and is accessed by a curved staircase. The space was designed by Jackson Harlan Architectural Group and built by Aberdeen Construction.
The interiors of the restaurant feature dark wood finishes, leather banquettes, brass accents, and large windows overlooking Rush Street and Mariano Park. The layout includes a main dining room, a 40-seat private dining area, and an enclosed four-season terrace with year-round views of the neighborhood.
Currently, the operations are led by a team of longtime Chicago hospitality professionals, including General Manager Stephen Oakes, Steven Harris, and Marco Silva.
Signature Dishes, Italian Wines, and Classic Cocktails
The menu brings back many Rosebud and Carmine’s signature dishes, including Square Noodles, Homemade Eight-Finger Cavatelli, Meatball Salad, Mama Maria’s Braciole, and a range of Parmesan specialties. However, steaks remain a central focus, sourced locally and cut to Carmine’s specifications. Offerings include an 18-ounce USDA Prime strip steak and a 48-ounce Steak Florentine prepared tableside. Other highlights include Brick Chicken, seasonal Italian dishes, and house-made red sauce prepared daily at the Rosebud commissary.
Gluten-free pasta and vegetarian and vegan options are available. Menu prices are expected to range from approximately $31 to $90.
The beverage program features a curated list of Italian and American wines, along with classic cocktails such as Negronis, Spritzes, and martinis, made with Italian amaros and house infusions.
Carmine’s returns to Rush Street, marking a new chapter for a Chicago classic that has served the city for more than three decades.
