When Chef Norman Fenton closed Brass Heart in 2023, the Chicago dining world held its breath. What would the talented chef do next? The answer came with Cariño, a Latin American fine dining destination in Uptown that has quickly become one of the city's most celebrated restaurants—and earned a coveted Michelin star.
Cariño stands out for its perfect balance of playful innovation and deep respect for Latin American tradition. The $200 tasting menu takes diners on a journey through Fenton's experiences in Mexico and Central America, each course building on the last.
The signature dish? A huitlacoche-stuffed ravioli that has achieved legendary status among Chicago food lovers. Bathed in corn foam and finished with fried corn silk, freeze-dried corn, popcorn, and cornflower, it's a full celebration of corn enhanced by truffle butter sauce. "It's both striking and comforting," one reviewer wrote. "A true celebration of Latin American flavors."
Fenton's creativity shines in unexpected moments. A michelada course transforms the beloved beer cocktail into a single oyster dressed with Clamato pearls and Modelo foam. Slurp it down, and the flavors of the classic drink flood your senses. Chicharrón dusted with barbecue spices comes with foamy esquites sauce for a savory, sweet, and spicy combination.
The experience transcends the food. Book a seat at the counter to watch Fenton and his team in action. His conversations with guests and an upbeat Latin soundtrack give the meal the feel of a lively dinner party rather than a stiff fine dining experience.
For those seeking a more accessible entry point, Cariño shifts to a taco omakase at 10 p.m., offering eight courses for $125 that highlight the restaurant's house-made masa program.
Fenton was recently named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Great Lakes, recognition that his peers believe is long overdue.
"Norman has always been one of the most talented chefs in the city," says a fellow chef. "Cariño lets him show the world what he's capable of."