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Restaurant Reviews List > Chicago / Illinois Restaurant Reviews > North Suburbs Restaurant Reviews > Highland Park Restaurant Reviews > Contemporary French Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Reviews for Carlos

Carlos

429 Temple Avenue
Highland Park, IL 60035

Debbie & Carlos Nieto opened their restaurant in November 1981. From the start, Carlos has received many accolades from the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times & North Shore Magazine. Carlos has also been in Food & Wine's top 25 restaurants in North America, Zagat's top 5 restaurants in Chicago & Gourmet Magazine as a top restaurant.

Dining Style: Fine Dining
Price: $50 and over
Parking: Valet
Cross Street: Waukegan
See more Carlos details
Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating 4.5 out of 5 4.5 out of 5 (40 Reviews)
Food 4.6 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.3 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.5 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.5 out of 3 (Moderate)
Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

  • special occasion (30)
  • notable wine list (26)
  • fit for foodies (24)
  • romantic (24)
  • neighborhood gem (14)
  • good for groups (2)
  • hot spot (1)

Carlos Reviews List
Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"A little disappointed on the food considering the high Zagat food rating. Their featured escargot & lobster appetizer sounded wonderful but didn't live up to the expectation (tiny bits of escargot and lobster overcooked). Tasting menus choices overall didn't seem too appealing. But they did honor our request to turn two tasting menu courses (squab & venison) into a main entree (which was the highlight of the meal). Lots of desert options. Had the chocolate bomb which was good. The bill turned out a bit high relative to the quality of the food ($80 per person, and sharing a desert). Maybe it was the Mondays. Would probably be worth another try. Service was friendly and atmosphere was nice."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 03/15/2010
(review submitted 03/18/2010)
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Review 2 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"The experience here is always wonderful. We were warmly greeted and seated in a lovely booth. An amuse bouche was delivered and enjoyed. I selected their 3 course prix fixe menu with wine pairings while my husband selected ala carte choices. His parsnip soup was smooth as silk and the escargot had rich flavors. Both entrees were great - walleye and beef tenderloin. The warm chocolate lava cake was absolutely heavenly! Wines went well with each course. Can't wait to go back!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 03/06/2010
(review submitted 03/07/2010)
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Review 3 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"what is not to love about Carlos..."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 03/05/2010
(review submitted 03/07/2010)
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Review 4 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"My boyfriend surprised me by taking me to Carlos for our Anniversary. We had never had French Cuisine before. What a great place to experience this for the first time! The food was outstanding, and the service was impeccable. It was very romantic! I will say that the crowd was a little older, and it was expensive. But I think for a very special occasion this is a great place."

Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 03/05/2010
(review submitted 03/07/2010)
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Review 5 for Carlos

Overall Rating 1.0 out of 5 (Poor)
"Carlos was the WORST meal we have had in a "top" restaurant in years. It was a Valentine's Day fixed menu, and everything seemed to have been pre-cooked and reheated and the plate presentations were awful. A dish of heart-shaped pasta was simply inedible, as the pasta were totally dried and hard. Inexcusable for any restaurant, much less one which cost $400 for 2 with wine pairing, tax and tip. The Carlos menu mentioned they were a Zagat top-choice in 2006-7. It is a strange thing to highlight success from years earlier -- maybe they also realize they have lost it."

Food 1.0 out of 5 (Poor)
Ambiance 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/14/2010
(review submitted 02/25/2010)
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Review 6 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Everything was great. Carlos always does a wonderful job. One of my favorites..."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/20/2010)
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Review 7 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"How can one describe perfection in so little space. Carlos continues to be the best restaurant in the Chicago-land area, maybe even the entire midwest, or even the country!"

Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/15/2010
(review submitted 02/20/2010)
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Review 8 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"We dined on our 24th wedding anniversary and had a very pleasant dining experience with great food and wonderful service."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/05/2010
(review submitted 02/11/2010)
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Review 9 for Carlos

Overall Rating 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
"We have been to Carlos a few years ago and found that the service as well as the food was not what it used to be. Has the chef changed. It was not busy at all but we were not asked for wine or served any bread till I asked for some. Even towards the end of the meal it looked like the wait staff were done with their day and stood around chatting while we waited for our check(after having asked for it). I am not sure if I want to go back and pay this much for food and service that did not come to my expectations."

Special Features: special occasion

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/06/2010
(review submitted 02/08/2010)
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Review 10 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Food and service were fantastic, and the room is very comfortable. All portions are medium size, but enough to satisfy. Had an escargot/lobster appetizer which was off-the-charts good (used a piece of bread to soak up the excess sauce). Main course (small piece of rib-eye steak) was just 'very good', a bit dry, surprising for that cut of meat. My wife's appetizer (mushroom ravioli) was also incredible, and her main course was excellent -- I'd almost like to see an appetizer-tasting menu. It's quite an expensive evening, excellent for a special occasion (everyone at the restaurant seemed to be celebrating something, given the frequent singing) -- but not as expensive as many other top spots in Chi or NY, and certainly just as good."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/06/2010
(review submitted 02/08/2010)
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Review 11 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Always an excellent worldly event. Nothing like it for 500 miles. The service makes the food complete. An experienced and dedicated staff that have been there for years (Luis). Right down to the parking (how do they know which car is mine? -and then warm it up and bring to the door when I leave?)."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/31/2010
(review submitted 02/02/2010)
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Review 12 for Carlos

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"The staff was not as personable I would have thought. At one point our waiter came across as almost rude when discussing etiquette about eating one of the dishes. Probably cost Carlos repeat business.

A friend walked out almost 10 years ago after receiving similar treatment. However, food was very good."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/23/2010
(review submitted 01/25/2010)
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Review 13 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Delicious and high quality food under a romantic and hospitable setting."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/30/2009
(review submitted 01/04/2010)
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Review 14 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Debbie and Carlos are spectacular hosts, they made us very welcome and the New Years Eve experience is something we will become a regular of... Fabulous atmosphere, food amazing and great company all around..."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/31/2009
(review submitted 01/02/2010)
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Review 15 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Carlos and his staff are absolutely the best!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/23/2009
(review submitted 12/28/2009)
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Review 16 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Christmas Eve menu was delightful, as expected. A prix fixe menu with a couple of choices to make everyone happy. The wines were equally well selected. Carlos never disappoints."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/24/2009
(review submitted 12/27/2009)
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Review 17 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Great Place, its always a great experience..."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/18/2009
(review submitted 12/22/2009)
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Review 18 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Wonderful, interesting food...nice ambience."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/18/2009
(review submitted 12/22/2009)
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Review 19 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Carlos is wonderful. It is a holiday tradition with my son and I to go to lunch. This is the only time Carlos is open for lunch - during the Holiday Season!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/18/2009
(review submitted 12/21/2009)
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Review 20 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Although very expensive, the food and experience is worth every dime! You can have a relaxing time; enjoying fine food and service as it should be."

Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/18/2009
(review submitted 12/20/2009)
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Review 21 for Carlos

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Carlos never fails to deliver the absolute best food in Chicago with the best service. Carlos, himself, is the ultimate restauranteur, shaking hands with all patrons, thanking them for coming. He poured us free champagne as we were celebrating our 28th wedding anniversary and brought a complimentary plate of dessert with a candle.It's the little touches that keep us coming back not to mention the amazing food."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/28/2009
(review submitted 12/02/2009)
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Carlos Based on the average of (19) ratings-only reviews
Overall Rating 4.4 out of 5 (Very Good)
Food 4.6 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.2 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.3 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.7 out of 3 (Moderate)
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