The Accolades

3 ½ Stars
The mood is soothing, the food stimulating in Carlos and Debbie Nieto’s elegant dining room, still going strong after 25 years and not resting, even for a second, on its laurels – or on its celeriac-black truffle ravioli, either.  Chef Ramiro Velasquez’s imaginative, seasonally astute cuisine shows off every ingredient to great advantage, pairing poached baby pears with assertive cheeses, in one case, and pine nut-dusted turbot with creamy sea urchin emulsion in another.  Starters may include anything from succulent grilled squab breast with a blackberry reduction to a morel soup that’s an earthy wonderment.  Tender rabbit loin wrapped in prosciutto and buttery pan-seared Atlantic halibut with a light, bright carrot-ginger emulsion are typical of the ever-changing, artful entrees.   Desserts are as pretty as subtly complex as what precedes.  Unobtrusive service is formal, yet hospitably tuned-in.  Superb wine list.

—Chicago Magazine, August 2006

4 Stars
Carlos' has a reputation as one of Chicago's finest restaurants, serving high-level cuisine with a decidedly French twist. Carlos and Deborah Nieto preside over the intimate dining room with grace and warmth; there are also three small private dining rooms available. Diners can order from an a la carte menu or choose the chef's degustation. For the last several years, Wine Spectator magazine has awarded Carlos' top honors for having "one of the greatest wine lists in the world." Vegetarians are taken seriously as well, with dishes such as the roasted vegetable terrine with garlic carrot emulsion. For contemporary dining at its unintimidating best, Carlos earns high marks.

— Phil Vettel –

Antique china, gold upholstered banquettes and French-themed paintings make for a charming and romantic dining room. Add ever-present Debbie and Carlos, and you suddenly feel like you're dining in an exquisite private home.

— AOL City Guide

French, French and more French.
The chef's tasting menu consists of seven fabulous courses and is accompanied by spectacular wine. Carlos' is said to have one of the "greatest wine lists in the world" by "Wine Spectator." Look for menu items like seared yellowfin sprinkled with crushed macadamias and perched on a caramelized onion, escargot in brioche swimming in a Roquefort cream sauce, and sweetbreads with grilled asparagus and sauce of smoked figs. The desserts are the added perfections that rounds out this restaurant's menu. Reservations essential. Jacket required.

— 10Best.com

One of Chicago's best French restaurants is actually in its suburbs.
Service is particularly good -- owner Carlos Nieto even gets involved in the front-room operations. Dishes are mainly contemporary French: you might find squab ravioli with garlic sauce or rabbit tournedos with creamed leeks and truffles. The substantial wine list includes some magnificent vintages, although at eye-popping prices. The main dining room is dark and woody; mismatched antique china plates lend character.

— The New York Times