Carlos & Carlos Restaurant

Just outstanding.
I didn't realize that almost every restaurant closes their kitchen at 8pm in downtown Arlington Heights.
Carlos & Carlos did not, and I decided to sit at the bar. I was dining solo, which I do often, and I am a proud resident of Arlington Heights. Yet somehow I had never brought myself to Carlos & Carlos. I ordered a grey goose martini, and it was made to perfection. I then ordered the beef carpaccio as an appetizer, and the Fettuccine and Short-ribs for entree. Both dishes were incredible, and the fresh cheese, and warm bread just made it all come together. The ambiance was a fine dining, yet comfortable space for those who are looking for a truly exceptional dining experience.
I won't be frequenting anywhere else in Downtown Arlington Heights and I'm pleased to know that Carlos & Carlos is a restaurant establishment in the town that I live. 5 stars across the board.

Just got back from Carlos and Carlos in Arlington Heights and wow, what a dinner! From the get-go, the staff were super welcoming - felt just like home.

I went for the spaghetti and meatballs, the black pasta, and got the kids' chicken Alfredo for my little ones. Everything was top-notch. The meatballs were just the right mix of juicy and flavorful, and that black pasta? Absolutely unique and delicious. Even the kids’ Alfredo was a hit – creamy and perfect.

The service really made our night. Everyone was on point - friendly, quick, and genuinely caring. It’s clear they really love what they do.

And the owner? He’s great, right there in the mix, helping out and making sure everyone’s having a good time. That kind of vibe makes a place special.

Definitely recommend Carlos and Carlos. Great food, awesome service, and just a fantastic experience all around. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!

Excellent Italian food. Service is quick and efficient. This place is distinguished by its authenticity. No bar food here, just a full range of Italian dishes designed to satisfy every palate. One odd thing..only time I have had a wedge salad with a vinaigrette dressing (not bad, but ask for blue cheese). The deserts are something else...leave room because they are made on site and delicious. I was so full I just ordered Tiramisu to go It looked so tasty.

Went here with the wife after looking up restaurants in downtown Arlington Heights and this place was awesome. We went at 7:30 on a Friday night and it was pretty packed. We started off trying our best not to eat the tapenade that came with the bread and failing. Then we had the mussels and clams appetizer which was the bomb. We could have just drank that sauce by itself. Then my wife got the black pasta, and I got the pasta with short rib. Both pastas were super delicious but the black pasta took the cake. The sauce was so decadent it was loaded with seafood. We finished off with the creme brûlée which comes topped with berries. Overall a great experience and we will be coming back.

I just loved this place:) very nice place. Grilled calamari were different from I usually get in the rich tomato sauce, full of flavor, big portion. my husband ordered that night special lamb dish, he loved it 100%. I had veal Carlos, which was in creamy sauce I did not expect was very tasty. Tiramisu is really good, nice and creamy. Friendly atmosphere, very good service from our very friendly waiter, guy from Guatemala, very good suggestion for food and wine pairing. Thank you

Very delicious food. We had to wait for some time, but it was worth the wait. They serve fresh bread. Unfortunately, they don’t have any herbal tea, we were dying to have tea after the meal.

Great atmosphere and staff! Overall, amazing value for the price. Highly recommend the lamb chops and salmon ravioli appetizer.

Friendly and efficient staff, wonderful dishes.
Service was brisk but never rushed.
Though honestly, highlight of the evening is the digestifs trolley.

I stumbled upon Carlos & Carlos Restaurant while exploring the downtown area, and we were immediately drawn in by the restaurant's elegant atmosphere and the professional, elegantly dressed staff. We're both big fans of Italian cuisine, so we knew we had to stop in and give it a try.

We started with some wine and the bread they brought out, which was delicious. Then we ordered the LANGOSTINO, homemade ravioli filled with chunks of lobster meat, ricotta cheese, fresh basil, sundried tomatoes, with lobster cream sauce. It was absolutely amazing and definitely a dish we would order again. We also tried the GNOCCHI DI CASA, homemade gnocchi served with chunks of filet mignon, broccoli, shaved garlic, sundried tomatoes, and mushrooms in an olive oil sauce. While it wasn't our favorite dish, it was still well-prepared and tasty.

The table next to us ordered the POLLO VESUVIO, which looked and smelled amazing. If we have the chance to go back, we will definitely try it. Overall, the food, service, and atmosphere at Carlos & Carlos Restaurant were all exceptional. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for an upscale Italian dining experience. Five stars all around!

Lovely place that serves amazing italian food
They serve a complimentary freshly baked bread which is amazing
The pastas are good i loved the capreese salad
Due to covid they had beautiful outdoor seating arrangements with great quality of food n sanitization

Delicious food, big portions. Service ok, they make you feel very rushed there, don’t give you time to enjoy the food.

My husband and I frequent this place when we used to live in Arlington Heights. We loved the meatball pasta and the seafood salad/appetizer and I can say they are definitely one of the best I’ve tasted. The pasta was perfectly al-dente while meatballs were juicy and flavorful, oh and the sauce was garlicky and deliciously balanced.
We have moved away for several years now and I still think about them every now and then. A must-go if you are in the area!

Oh, so so delicious! First time back here after COVID-19 and the service and quality of food was spectacular! I will definitely be back to support and will bring my entire family for a real authentic Italian meal.

The food was spectacular!
Service was great. Every person was working hard to meet our needs.
The atmosphere was nice

Amazing service, and great food. Love what they have done to downtown Arlington Heights! so cute

Carlos is one of the friendliest human beings i have ever met. So happy and loves what he does. Shows through the food as well.

Dinner on a Thursday with 2 great friends, wine and the most delicious penne in a white creme sauce with chicken and pancetta. So good with the fresh parmesan sprinkled on top. My friends enjoyed the gnocchi dish and a wonderful seafood black pasta dish. Still full as I write this and look forward to the leftovers tomorrow!

C&C are at the top of our Italian list and that's saying something in Chicagoland. Their Beef carpaccio is zesty and a must for the carnivores. The Veal Carlos (a signature dish) is made with mushrooms and a champagne cream reduction sauce. It is one of my favorite veal dishes of all time. I am getting hungry just thinking about it. While chicken parm isn't on the menu they are happy to make it for you. Their marinara has just enough zip and the portion was huge. It's plenty for two regular sized folks for sure. This was our second visit eating El Fresco under the stars. It felt like a cafe in Europe. Downtown Arlington Heights is just a great place to eat outside in general. Go while you still can before the weather turns back to fall!

Food was amazing. We had the lobster ravioli, veal parmigiana, and the calamari. Everything was delicious!! We are definitely coming back.

This place is awesome! Starting with the fresh bread, tapenade (the best), and seasoned butter that they bring out to the table their food is delicious. I especially like the black pasta which has the most delicious lobster cream sauce. Carlos is always friendly and usually stops by your table to see how you are doing. They also have great drinks and desserts. I highly recommend this restaurant.