Torchio Pasta Bar image

Torchio Pasta Bar

Restaurant Italian restaurant

One of the Top rated Italian restaurants in Chicago


Address

738 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

Website

torchiopastabar.com

Contact

+1 312-643-0543

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (359 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: (Washington's Birthday), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 5 to 9 pm
  • Wednesday: 5 to 9 pm
  • Thursday: 5 to 9 pm
  • Friday: 5 to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 5 to 10 pm
  • Sunday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: pasta (26) great (16) restaurant (11) Torchio (11) amazing (9) experience (8) owner (8) Bill (7) recommend (7) delicious (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Steven P. 2 years ago on Google
    The dining experience here is incredible. The lighting is fantastic and the conversation from other diners creates a great background buzz. Sharing an appetizer, salad, pasta and dessert was the best choice and they so kindly split the salad and pasta into two plates for us. Bill, the owner, welcomes you and checks in without you at great times throughout the meal. Sophia, the server, has a great personality and is attentive. As someone who constantly drinks a lot of water, I greatly appreciated that Ricardo always kept the water glasses full. Please eat here!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victoria H. 2 years ago on Google
    Went here on a last minute whim but was so satisfied that I did. I noticed that their reservations were full online but after calling in and asking if there was any way to squeeze in a table for 2, I was able to score a slot within 15 minutes of calling! We received a nice high table next to their lit up sign, and we're attended to all throughout the evening during our stay. Our water glasses were never empty and we received free bread with our Burrata and Pesto appetizer. We ordered the Campanelle, Talleggio Cream & Truffle Oil Pasta and the Rigatoni & Chicken with Pesto Cream pasta, they were both creamy but I think I prefer the latter of the two. Would definitely return to reorder it. We additionally ordered the Torta di Cioccolato and split it- the tart raspberry sauce balanced the vanilla Gelato very well. Overall, enjoyed the restaurant environment, the friendly staff, and service.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 D “Juanito” H. 1 year ago on Google
    It was a perfect meal, I just needed to start with that. After all these years of traveling around the world and having experienced some of the best (and worst) food out there, this is on my top 10 for pastas, hands down. If I could, I would give Torchio 10 stars. We have tried pastas from many Italian joints in the US and overseas, including some of our unforgettable experiences in Italy, we know well that underneath all of that simplicity lies much love in those dishes. Handmade pasta requires dialy efforts from 5am, this is when everything starts. The rest takes fresh ingredients and balance in flavors, but what stands out a pasta dish is always the sauce, everything we have tasted was perfect, from the basic marinara sauce to the meat sauces. The handmade pastas were definitely one of the best we have tried, the texture, consistency and the perfect balance between soft and chew...yummmm. I feel bad for the non-gluten eaters, and people who think the food here is over priced. When was the last time you had a perfect Gnocchi an inch in diameter and in length. We are glad to have found this place after it opened in 2019, and seriously we will start coming here at least once a week and try everything on the menu. Thanks Bill!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Xiao M. 7 months ago on Google • 473 reviews
    Ordered 2 pasta and it’s more than enough for 2 people. The scallop&fettuccine and roasted mushroom Risotto. Both really good! The Scallop portion is huge and the Fettuccine itself is really heavy on lemon juice - but the combination somehow works. Average about 35/person.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cheryl L. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing service and good. I came alone and was worried that they may turn me away, since they are always fully booked. The wait staff and owner made me feel at ease and were very friendly. The scallop pasta smelled and tasted amazing. Generous amount of scallops. The bartender recommended a white wine that went very well with the pasta. Also had the lemon cake that was super moist. Again, the bartender recommended a liquor that went superbly with the cake. Can't recommend this place more. Would give it 6 stars if possible. PS the pics don't do the food justice, as the lighting was dim.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mizani B. 8 months ago on Google • 48 reviews
    9/10 Torchia Pasta Bar is a nice upscale restaurant to grab dinner. I ordered the Tuscan Chicken, it was so tender and moist. It came with a side of asparagus both were soaked in a zesty lemon sauce that was delicious. I also ordered a margarita that was spicy and strong just how I like them. The meals come out to $25-$30 per entree. I would highly recommend checking this restaurant out.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Meg L. 1 year ago on Google
    They don’t skimp on the proteins! I got the Seafood Fra Diavolo and it was loaded with shrimp, calamari & mussels. The spicy red sauce & spaghetti served with it was really flavorful. The gnocchi appetizer, scallop fettuccine & Torchio pasta were all solid picks as well. They accept reservations specifically for their outdoor patio too, which was a nice bonus
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tarek E. 2 years ago on Google
    We first saw Torchio while walking past it on a weekday on our way to Cocoro (our favorite Japanese restaurant in Chicago). It was packed and looked great. We checked the reviews and it had 4.9*. I couldn't believe it. Well, today we tried it and I'm happy to report the 4.9* rating on Google is 100% real and well deserved. This is the best pasta I've ever had on this side of the planet, bar none. They make all the pasta fresh, in-house, including the Campanelle, which I had with the mushrooms, taleggio cheese and black and white truffle. Simply exquisite, but nothing compared to my wife's seafood pasta with some of the best mussels I've ever had, which were melt-in-your-mouth good. Needless to say, her spaghetti had a perfect bite to it that alone earned a 5* review. The Burrata Pesto appetizer was great, but really needed a bread of some sort on the side. We were delighted with the wide variety of incredible choices on the menu and can't wait to try the rest of what they had to offer. We only hope there were more alcohol-free pasta options. Finally, we strongly recommend the flourless chocolate cake if you have room left for a dessert. What an excellent find, and it made sense that they were so packed late on a weekday. Ruined us for pasta anywhere else. PS - As a Urologist, I strongly approve of their diligence in making sure our glasses of water were full throughout our meal. Rest assured, you won't be asking for water during your meal!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Benjamin H. 2 years ago on Google
    Love every time we go to Torchio. Usually try to sit outside on the beautiful patio. I heard the flowers are done by the owner Bill’s wife. Our server is normally Eric and he is great. I get the rigatoni and sub the ham for crumbled sausage. They also make a great Last Word gin cocktail. Go check them out! Small family owned spot, great local joint!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ed 1 year ago on Google
    Phenomenal restaurant, All around The food was amazing great, delicious meal. Some people pay 20 or 25$ at Olive garden but complain about the prices here? I don't get it this place is worth every penny, the service was amazing, and they do a great job clearing your table and making sure you don't need anything. All around great service, I'm very picky with my pasta by this place really impressed me. Definitely coming back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cristian B. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was incredible, our waiter had amazing recommendations for pasta and the drinks were strong! Their outdoor seating is quiet and heated although the indoor seemed more lively if you’re looking for that sort of atmosphere.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony P. 11 months ago on Google
    I will be back to this spot, I enjoyed the owner, bartender, and wait staff…chatted with the owner who’s semi retired but slinging cocktails behind his vintage pasta bar. Unreal concept, old world feel. But new age pasta dishes. Great short rib. You should go to this spot. Do not second guess.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gabriela O. 9 months ago on Google
    Read before you order the scallop fetuccini. Came here for the scallop pasta and left kind of dissapointed. The pictures on their websites looked sooo good, big scallops, lightly roasted. I got smaller ones and fried in butter which I believe it was a lower temperature than it should because they were soggy and greasy, not grilled. The pasta in the dish was meh, I couldn’t finish it and was over cooked. DON’t fall for the pictures. On the other side the fried Burrata pasta with mushrooms and truffle is really great!!! That’s the reason why I’m not giving 3 starts.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 AI K. 4 months ago on Google • 150 reviews
    I just have to tell you about the most amazing dining experience I had last night in the heart of Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood! I stumbled upon a hidden gem - a rustic, cozy, and welcoming restaurant that exudes warmth and charm. The owner, Bill, has poured his heart and soul into creating this space, and it shows in every detail. The food was simply divine, and the friendly, attentive, and professional hostesses and waitstaff made me feel right at home. But what really blew me away was the hospitality of Bill and his lovely wife - they treated me like a VIP guest in their own home. Just make sure to reserve your spot in advance - even the bar seats are in high demand here! And trust me, you won't want to miss out on the homemade desserts crafted by Bill's wife. This place is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the Windy City!

  • 5/5 Chelsea A. 8 months ago on Google • 59 reviews
    This restaurant is incredible! The food is delicious and the service is spectacular. The serving sizes are enormous and dishes are creative and well balanced. The staff is extremely attentive and helpful -- they went out of their way to help us with accessibility needs. The only dis is the volume of the restaurant. It's a small space so it's loud anyway, but they have music playing overhead which adds to the noise level.

  • 5/5 Arulselvi S. 7 months ago on Google • 31 reviews
    Torchio is absolutely absolutely neighborhood restaurant with good food, superb liquer, and absolutely smash out of the park bartenders, Eric and Sophia! This is probably the most personable restaurant I've ever visited, and I would probably visit it every weekend if I were a Chicago native! They have comforting Italian food, and I would highly recommend the Arancini if you like spicy food, and risotto, if you love the feeling of luscious rice unraveling in your mouth, though it was little bit too sour for me. Apart from the food, if you're a fan of bitter and sweet things (contradictory, I know!) I would highly recommend you to try their Trini Sour, with a whopping 1.5 Oz of Angostura Bitters, that is surprising smooth as heck. I would also recommend you to try their Amaro flight, given their extensive collection of Amaro/Amari. If you're unsure, I'm sure Eric or Sophia would love to help you out! They're very knowledgeable, and are lovely to chat with! I cannot say enough wonderful things about this quaint little Italian place, and I can't wait to visit again!

  • 5/5 Bela 2 months ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    I went to Torchio with my best friend and my boyfriend for his birthday dinner! We sat at the bar! Eric and Sophia were amazing! We had the best drinks! The pasta was so delicious and flavorful!! The owner, Bill was really great at making everyone who walked in feel welcomed and comfortable. He was extremely kind! We will definitely be returning!!! Thank you Torchio for an amazing experience!!!

  • 4/5 Fumei J. 2 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    This place is fantastic! Went here last year and the food is seriously delicious, and our server was on point—super attentive and knew their stuff. They made my partner's birthday extra special which is always a classy move! The wine selection is pretty impressive, and the menu has a bunch of options to choose from. The vibe is cozy and nice, with just the right amount of lighting. Plus, the owner was mingling with guests, which gave the whole place a friendly vibe from the get-go till we wrapped up dinner. Only downside was we got stuck near the door. Every time it swung open, we got hit with a blast of cold air. So, we had this jacket shuffle going on. But honestly a minor hiccup. Overall, a seriously cool and memorable experience.

  • 5/5 Lauren B. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely loved this gem. Sophia was fabulous. To start, their offerings are incredible. We had the fried artichokes and burrata toast for apps. So delicious, especially the artichokes. We ordered the short rib parpardelle, caccio e pepe, and the bucatini arrabiatta burrata. All of them were amazing!!!! The olive oil lemon cake was great too.

  • 5/5 Nancy V. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this restaurant and their energy. The service was incredible! We loved the Torchio salad, and the meatballs were the best I had ever had. The pasta was delicious with very generous portion sizes. Absolutely will be returning!

  • 5/5 Kristin Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing food! Such a great experience. We had the Tucson soup which had so much flavor! We ordered the Torchio pasta and the short rib pasta both were fantastic! Highly recommend. We finished with the chocolate torte cake.

  • 5/5 Hanni S. 5 months ago on Google
    Torchio is absolutely amazing for Italian food, especially pasta!! I have been told by this place by a few friends, so I finally was able to slip in for a late reservation. I was amazingly surprised!!! The pastas there are truly some of the best in Chicago!! (I don't say this lightly). I really loved the experience, the waiter was awesome, and the Owner, who is the head chef (Bill? Bob?) came out to just be friendly and say hi t people. This is truly one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago!!

  • 5/5 Alysia R. 3 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    Just such a wonderful experience! In Chicago for one night and wanted to find somewhere to take myself to dinner and I am so glad I chose Torchio! The bar, bartender and food were so great. Definitely top 5 best Italian restaurants I have been to, in the US and in Italy! I had a hard time deciding on which dish I wanted to order but ended up with the bucatini arrabbiata and I am so glad I did! A little spicy, fresh and full of flavor.


Call +1 312-643-0543 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed outside
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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