ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in West Loop
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in West Loop
Best Trendy Restaurants in West Loop
Best Farm to Table Restaurants in West Loop
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in West Loop
Master Critic Review
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: Check website for updated information
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.