Unearth The Voyage
Craving something familiar yet excitingly new? Rose Mary in Chicago blends comforting Croatian roots with Italian brightness, turning humble classics into a must-try experience. From the first sip at the bar to the last bite of wood-fired goodness, everything feels thoughtfully crafted and delightfully modern. Come hungry, bring curiosity, and let the flavors surprise you.
The focaccia arrives warm, slightly blistered from the wood fire, and perfumed with olive oil. You tear into it and the crust crackles, releasing steam like a promise. Spread the whipped mortadella across the surface and it melts into the crumb, salty, plush, and nutty with crushed pistachios.
It feels like a hug disguised as an appetizer. The balance of fat, smoke, and herb lifts a simple bread into something you keep reaching for. A swipe of tangy Calabrian chile honey adds sparkle without overwhelming the savory depth.
Pair it with a spritz or a crisp Croatian white and you are off to a strong start. The texture contrast keeps every bite interesting. You will swear there is no way bread and mortadella should taste this elevated until you try it again.
This is the dish that makes you slow down. Stracciatella lands as a cool cloud, then the roasted peppers bring sweetness and gentle char. Anchovy threads a savory backbone, the kind of briny whisper you notice only after the second bite.
Drag grilled bread through the pool and watch the cheese ribbon and stretch. Olive oil pools like liquid gold while herbs flick brightness across the top. It is indulgent but never heavy, a perfect shareable plate that tugs you back for more.
If creamy things are your weakness, this scratches the itch without feeling one-note. Each bite swings from sweet to salty to silky. Order it early so the table gets quiet in the best possible way.
Cevapi here carry a gorgeous char, juicy and peppery inside, with that unmistakable Balkan comfort. Tear open the warm lepinja and tuck the sausages in like a pocket. A spoon of ajvar brings roasted red pepper sweetness and gentle smoke that ties everything together.
Onions and parsley add crunch and freshness, keeping the richness in check. You taste Chicago grilling confidence alongside Dalmatian soul. It is hands-on, a plate that invites you to build each bite exactly how you like it.
If you grew up with cevapi, this will feel like home. If you did not, the flavors welcome you like an old friend. It is the kind of dish you plan to share and then accidentally finish yourself.
Inky, glossy, and deeply savory, crni rizot is a love letter to the Adriatic. The rice sits perfectly al dente, each grain coated in squid ink that tastes like clean sea air and toasty depth. Tender morsels of seafood tuck into the rice like treasure.
A squeeze of lemon brightens the darkness with clean acid. You get garlic, butter, and a subtle peppery echo that lingers. It is striking to look at and even more compelling to eat, comfort food with a black-tie vibe.
Share if you must, but a bowl to yourself is pure bliss. Pair with a mineral Croatian white and let the brininess sing. This is the dish that turns first-timers into regulars.
Golden spirals shatter under your fork, revealing steamy layers of ricotta and spinach. The pastry feels impossibly flaky yet sturdy, buttery but light. Each bite is a swirl of nostalgia wrapped in delicate crunch.
A cool dollop of garlicky yogurt lifts the richness and adds tang. You taste dill, nutmeg, and a gentle pepper warmth threading through the cheese. It is shareable comfort that somehow stays elegant in this industrial-chic room.
Great as a starter or a light main, especially with a crisp salad and a spritz. The aromas alone will have your table leaning in. Expect a few crumbs on your shirt and zero regrets.
The branzino lands with juicy flesh and a crackling skin you can hear. Salsa verde cuts through with herbaceous zing, flickers of caper and lemon dancing on the char. It is simple on paper yet meticulously executed, the kind of dish that rewards attention.
Pulling flakes from the bone feels hands-on and celebratory. The fish stays moist from a confident grill and a final olive oil gloss. Every bite is clean and bright, a palate refresher between richer plates.
If seafood is your move, this is a no-brainer. Add a side of blistered vegetables and you are set. It tastes like summer even on a snowy Chicago night.
This bowl channels nonna energy with a chef-y wink. Short pasta and tender beans bob in a lightly smoked tomato broth that feels both homey and new. The smoke is gentle, like a campfire off in the distance.
There is parmesan umami and a peppery finish that keeps you spooning. A drizzle of olive oil brings silk and shine, while herbs add a green pop. It is hearty without being heavy, perfect for easing into the evening.
Pair with crusty bread and a glass of red and settle in. You will taste care in every simmered sip. Comfort food done with restraint is rare, and this nails it.
The chicken arrives bronzed and aromatic, the skin snapping when you cut through. Underneath, the meat stays juicy from careful roasting and basting. Torn bread soaks up pan drippings and becomes the real secret weapon.
Pickled onions add tang while herbs keep things bright. You get crunchy bits, soft soaked pieces, and everything in between. It is rustic and generous, the kind of plate that turns a table quiet.
Add a squeeze of lemon and watch the flavors lift. A side of charred greens would not hurt. You will think about this chicken the next day and want it again.
Little pillows of agnolotti burst with porcini depth, savory and woodsy. Brown butter wraps everything in a nutty cloak, while sage crisps on top like tiny leaves of perfume. The sauce clings just enough without weighing anything down.
Toasted hazelnuts bring crunch and echo the forest flavors. Parmesan drifts in with salty snow that melts on contact. It is a small plate that eats like a big moment, especially with a glass of earthy red.
Expect to pause after the first bite. The balance is that good. You might wish you ordered two, and honestly, that would be smart.
These ribs are sticky, smoky, and downright addictive. The pomegranate glaze walks a line between tart and sweet, cutting through the richness perfectly. Charred edges crackle while the meat pulls clean from the bone.
Herbs and sesame add texture and lift, keeping each bite lively. You get a whisper of spice that creeps in without stealing the show. It is a shareable plate that invites lingering and finger-licking.
Order with something bright on the side to reset your palate. A citrusy salad or pickled vegetables do the trick. You will watch them disappear faster than you planned.
The octopus is tender with a kiss of char, proof of careful cooking. Fingerling potatoes bring comfort, while olives add a savory snap. Lemon threads brightness through everything so it tastes clean and complete.
It is a classic Dalmatian combination presented with confident restraint. You will find yourself chasing the olive oil on the plate with your fork. The textures play well together, never mushy, always vibrant.
Ideal as a mid-meal reset between richer courses. Pair it with a mineral white to echo the sea. This is seaside nostalgia served in Fulton Market style.
Strukli arrives bubbling, a casserole of baked dumplings swimming in creamy comfort. The top is golden and just a bit blistered, hiding tender layers beneath. Pull a spoonful and watch the cheese stretch like a magic trick.
There is tang from fresh cheese and warmth from nutmeg. The edges crisp, the center stays custardy, and every scoop feels luxurious. It is the table favorite you keep reaching for even when you are full.
Share it, but guard your corner. A sprinkle of chives adds gentle bite. This is the definition of Croatian comfort delivered with downtown polish.
Earthy mushrooms pile high over a lake of creamy polenta. Thyme and garlic perfume the air while parmesan adds savory backbone. The textures swing from velvety to meaty, cozy without feeling heavy.
Pan juices gather at the bottom like a secret sauce. Drag your spoon through and you will understand why this reads like comfort food. It is vegetarian but deeply satisfying, especially on a cold night.
Pair with a bold red or a malty beer and settle in. You will finish the bowl and still think about another bite. Sometimes simple things, done right, feel like luxury.
Start with the Dalmatian Spritz, bright and gently bitter with a herbal kick. It sets the tone for the meal, playful and refreshing. The bar team keeps things balanced so you can sip without fatigue.
The wine list leans Croatian and Italian, with mineral-driven whites and savory reds. Ask for a pairing and you will learn a little while you drink a lot. Everything feels curated yet unpretentious, the kind of program that invites exploration.
Non-alcoholic options get equal care, which is a welcome surprise. Whatever you choose, it will make the food sing louder. Stay for one more round if you can snag a bar seat.
Rose Mary sits at 932 W Fulton St, right in the thick of Fulton Market energy. It is a stylish Croatian restaurant with Italian accents and a buzzy bar. Reservations are smart, especially on weekends when the room hums.
Hours skew evening focused, opening at 4:30 PM most nights and closed on Thursday. The vibe is industrial-chic, lively but still comfortable for conversation. Staff are warm, efficient, and happy to guide you through the menu.
Plan a little extra time for parking or ride-share. Bring friends who like to share plates and compare notes. You will leave plotting your next visit before you reach the sidewalk.
