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Rose Mary
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Rose Mary
8.9
Top Chef winner Joe Flamm's MICHELIN-recognized tribute to his Italian heritage and Croatian coastal cuisine creates what he calls 'Adriatic drinking food.' The charcoal hearth delivers smoky lamb and grilled meats while housemade tortellini djuvec and burek showcase the unique fusion that earned multiple 'Best New Restaurant' accolades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tortellini Djuvec, Lamb with Blitva, Burek with Beef and Mozzarella
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Unique Italian-Croatian fusion from a Top Chef winner with centerpiece charcoal hearth
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking beyond-typical Italian
When to visit: Book 2+ weeks ahead for prime dinner slots
What to order: Tortellini djuvec, anything from the hearth, rosewater fritule
Insider tip: The lepinja bread is perfect for sopping up every sauce on the table
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet - street parking only in Fulton Market. Reserve nearby lot via ABM Parking app for guaranteed spot during peak hours
Dress code: Smart casual - elevated but not stuffy. Jeans work, but lean dressy for date nights. No formal requirements
Noise level: Lively-to-loud - the 'boisterous' space fills with energy as night progresses. Request main dining room corner for conversation; avoid back room and bar if noise-sensitive
Weekend wait: Very difficult without reservation; book via Tock 2-4 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: Dinner only - opens at 4:30pm (Mon-Thu) or 5pm (Fri-Sun)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple vegetable-forward options and staff will modify dishes. Zucchini fritters and veggie pastas are standouts
Vegan options: Limited but accommodating - no dedicated menu, but kitchen modifies dishes on request. Communicate needs to server upfront
Gluten-free options: Available but menu unmarked - alert server immediately and they'll guide you. Not ideal for severe celiac due to shared prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The plant-filled konoba-style space feels romantic without being fussy, shareable plates encourage interaction, and the unique Croatian-Italian menu provides natural talking points. Book early seating (5pm) for better conversation before the room fills. Request main dining room over bar for a quieter table.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating is reserved for walk-ins - arrive at or before 5pm opening for best odds at a seat. Otherwise, weekend walk-ins are nearly impossible. Reservations release monthly on Tock and go fast; book 2-4 weeks ahead for prime slots.
Is it kid-friendly? Families do bring children, especially for early seatings. No kids menu, but shareable pastas and lepinja bread work well for less adventurous eaters. Peak evening hours get loud and lively - early dinner (4:30-5:30pm) is best for families.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous eaters seeking beyond-typical Italian. The Croatian influence (burek, djuvec, cevapi) and charcoal hearth set it apart from every West Loop Italian. Eastern European wine list is a hidden highlight.
Skip if: You need a quiet, intimate setting - it's intentionally boisterous. Also skip if you want clearly marked allergen menus or traditional red-sauce Italian. This is 'Adriatic drinking food,' not spaghetti and meatballs.
Rose Mary
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Joe Flamm’s debut blends Italian and Croatian influences into what he calls Adriatic drinking food, served in a loud, lively Fulton Market room. It’s a go-to for birthdays and friend groups who want big flavors, shared plates, and a serious spritz and wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stracciatella with lepinja, Grilled pork ribs, Skradin-style risotto
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Adriatic-inspired menu where Italian and Croatian flavors meet in a buzzy room.
Who should go: Groups who like passing plates and adventurous flavors.
When to visit: Peak weekend evenings for full energy and bar scene.
What to order: Stracciatella, pork ribs, a seasonal pasta or risotto.
Insider tip: Anchor your order with bread and spreads, then build outward to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited; plan on nearby paid garages or rideshare during peak times.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean stylish and a bit dressy.
Noise level: Lively and loud — conversation is possible, but expect an energetic room.
Weekend wait: Often booked out; walk-ins may wait 60–90 minutes or more.
Weekday lunch: Generally less crowded; shorter waits if reservations are unavailable.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options including pastas, salads, and spreads.
Vegan options: More limited, but a few dishes can be adapted — ask your server.
Gluten-free options: A number of dishes can be made gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable and accommodating.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the space feels buzzy and celebratory, ideal for a fun, social first date. Just note the room skews loud rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — arrive early or late for the best shot. Peak weekend hours usually require a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older teens. There’s no kids’ menu and the vibe leans celebratory and cocktail-driven.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous, shareable plates with bold Mediterranean-Adriatic flavors in a party-leaning dining room.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner or very traditional Italian without Croatian influence.
Rose Mary
8.4
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Date Night Magic
Rose Mary blends Italian and Croatian influences into what the team calls Adriatic drinking food, served in a loud, lively Fulton Market room. Locals lean on it for birthdays and friend-heavy dinners where shared plates, spritzes, and a deep wine list carry the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stracciatella, Pork Ribs, Seasonal Pasta or Risotto
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Adriatic-inspired menu where Italian and Croatian flavors share the table.
Who should go: Groups that like sharing plates and trying new flavors.
When to visit: Peak weekend evenings for full buzz and bar energy.
What to order: Stracciatella, pork ribs, a seasonal pasta or risotto.
Insider tip: Anchor the table with spreads and bread, then fill in hot plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited in Fulton Market; nearby garages are the most reliable option during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean stylish and slightly dressy.
Noise level: Loud — expect a lively dining room where conversation may require speaking up.
Weekend wait: Expect a long wait without a reservation — often 60–90 minutes or more.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not the primary focus here — when open, waits are typically minimal.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas, spreads, and vegetable plates work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many dishes can be adjusted or are naturally gluten-friendly; notify your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want high energy and shared plates. It’s lively rather than intimate, so better for fun, conversational dates than quiet romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins may be accommodated at the bar or with a wait, especially early evening or late night. Peak weekend times are tough without a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens will be fine, but the space is busy and loud. It’s not designed for toddlers or stroller families.
Best For
Better for: Celebrations, group dinners, and adventurous eaters who like sharing and trying new flavors.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, need many vegan options, or prefer traditional Italian over modern Adriatic-inspired cooking.
Rose Mary
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Top Chef winner Joe Flamm’s Rose Mary blends Italian and Croatian influences into what he calls Adriatic drinking food, leaning heavily on seasonal produce, olive oil, and wood-grilled meats. The room feels loud and celebratory, and the menu is built for sharing pastas, vegetable plates, and larger plates alongside spritzes and Croatian wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stracciatella with seasonal accompaniments, Pork ribs, Seasonal pasta or risotto
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Adriatic-inspired share plates that treat seasonal Midwestern produce like wine-bar snacks and feast dishes at once.
Who should go: Groups and date nights who like passing plates and trying lots of flavors.
When to visit: Peak weekend evenings for the fullest buzz or later weeknights for a slightly calmer room.
What to order: Stracciatella to start, pork ribs, one seasonal pasta or risotto to share.
Insider tip: Anchor your table with a couple of vegetable plates so the richer meat and pasta courses don’t overwhelm the meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited in Fulton Market; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished and put-together.
Noise level: Lively — conversation is possible, but it’s a buzzier room than a quiet date spot.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait without a reservation; prime times often book out well in advance.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service isn’t the main focus here; evening dining is busier and more common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several pastas and vegetable-forward plates work well.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be adjusted, but options are fewer.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes are naturally gluten-leaning; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you like a lively room — the energy is upbeat, shareable plates keep things fun, and it feels celebratory rather than formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but don’t count on it during peak evenings. Weeknights or early seatings give you the best shot.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens will be fine, but it’s designed more for adults, celebrations, and date nights than family dining with young children.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous, flavor-driven small plates with a uniquely Adriatic-Italian lens and a celebratory vibe.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, traditional Italian dining or want a very fast, casual meal.
Rose Mary
8.5
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Joe Flamm’s Adriatic-inspired restaurant blends Italian and Croatian flavors in a boisterous Fulton Market space with a flexible private dining room configuration. Groups use it for shareable, family-style feasts built around vegetable plates, pastas, and meats that feel celebratory without tipping into white-tablecloth formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stracciatella, Pork Ribs Pampanella, Zucchini Fritters
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Adriatic drinking food and a true private room that still feels buzzy.
Who should go: Groups wanting shareable plates and modern wine-driven dinners.
When to visit: Peak evening slots when the room feels celebratory and loud.
What to order: Stracciatella, pork ribs pampanella, zucchini fritters.
Insider tip: Ask events staff about half-room versus full-room setups for different group sizes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited in Fulton Market; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option. Rideshare is common on busy nights.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished and dinner-ready.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is possible but expect a buzzy room.
Weekend wait: Usually requires reservations; walk-in waits can exceed 60–90 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is calmer, and waits are uncommon when open.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetable dishes and pastas that work well meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited but possible with guidance from staff and a few adaptable dishes.
Gluten-free options: Several menu items can be prepared gluten-free; notify staff when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want an upbeat, stylish setting with great food — though the energy level leans lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but it’s risky on weekends. Walk-ins may be seated at off-peak times or at the bar depending on availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens are fine, but this is primarily an adult-leaning dining room geared toward groups and celebrations.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory group dinners with shareable plates in a stylish but relaxed setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal or strongly prefer ultra-formal fine dining.