It's official: after nearly three years, Carmine's is finally open again!

After nearly three years of anticipation and sidewalk speculation, Carmine’s has officially reopened on Rush Street—and Chicago’s Gold Coast just got one of its most familiar dinner reservations back.

The Italian-American mainstay returned this week to its longtime address at 1037 North Rush Street following a $4 million renovation that stretched well beyond its original timeline. Carmine’s closed after final service in February 2023 for what was initially pitched as a roughly 15-month overhaul. Instead, the lights stayed off for almost three years, making yesterday’s reopening feel like a genuine homecoming.

Founded in 1994, Carmine’s Chicago has long been an anchor of Rush Street, playing equal parts neighborhood fixture, tourist magnet and celebratory Italian supper club. The restaurant operates as a flagship concept within the Rosebud Restaurant Group, and the renovation's goal was to modernize the space without losing the big-table energy that made Carmine’s a staple in the first place.

The newly reimagined restaurant now spans more than 10,000 square feet and sits above street level, accessed by a curved staircase that opens into a multi-room dining layout. Designed by Jackson Harlan Architectural Group and built by Aberdeen Construction, the interiors are timeless, with dark wood finishes, leather banquettes, brass accents and oversized windows overlooking the street and Mariano Park. There’s also a 40-seat private dining room and a fully enclosed four-season terrace.

On the menu, it’s a greatest hits situation in the best way. Carmine’s has brought back its signature pastas and red sauces, including square noodles, eight-finger cavatelli, meatball salad and a lineup of Parmesan classics. Steaks are still a big part of the experience, along with fan favorites like Brick Chicken. Gluten-free pasta and vegetarian and vegan options are also available. The beverage program sticks to the classics with Italian and American wines, Negronis, spritzes, martinis and other supper-club-appropriate cocktails made with Italian amaros and house infusions.

After years of construction delays and neighborhood curiosity, Carmine’s reopening marks the return of a Rush Street institution—updated, expanded and ready to slip back into Chicago’s dining rotation like it never left.