Torchio Pasta Bar
AI KN · 189 Google reviewsTorchio Pasta Bar — high-caliber italian in Near North Side. Expect noise, energy, and a full house. There's real intention behind the cocktail list. Gavin “GJM_reviews” Meichelbock: "The arancini was perfectly fried with expertly cooked rice and I loved that the sauce was actually spicy" [$$, patio]
What 572 diners keep saying
What 572 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“I have been going to Torchio Pasta Bar for the past 7 years, and it continues to be one of my favorite restaurants. The fresh, handmade pasta is truly the highlight of every visit — you can taste the quality and care that goes into every dish. The food is consistently amazing, and the menu always delivers that perfect combination of authentic Italian flavors and creativity. Beyond the incredible pasta, the staff is what keeps me coming back. They are welcoming, attentive, and make every visit feel special. The owner is incredibly friendly and always takes the time to connect with guests, which creates a warm and personal dining experience you don’t find everywhere. The drink specials are also fantastic, with great options that pair perfectly with the food. The atmosphere is amazing — cozy, inviting, and full of energy without feeling overwhelming. Another great bonus is the convenient street parking, making it easy to stop by. After 7 years of visits, Torchio Pasta Bar remains a place I highly recommend to anyone looking for outstanding pasta, great service, and a memorable dining experience.”
“Had such a great experience at Torchio Pasta Bar. The atmosphere was cozy, lively, and perfect for a night out. I ordered the “Sunday Meat Sauce” which is a rigatoni pasta with meat ragu, pork shoulder, pancetta, plum tomato sauce, topped with whipped ricotta and it was absolutely incredible — rich, flavorful, and the ricotta made it extra creamy and indulgent. We also tried the shrimp & calamari scampi and the Caesar salad, and both were delicious and fresh. To finish the night, I had an amaro which was the perfect ending to an amazing meal. The cocktails, food, and overall vibe were all 10/10. Definitely a spot I’ll be coming back to!”
“Best pasta I’ve ever had probably. Short rib pasta was 12/10.”
“The absolute BEST Italian food in Chicago. This restaurant is worth all the hype. The service is also incredible. They go above and beyond to ensure a positive experience. If you’re on the fence about where to eat for dinner, you will not be disappointed with Torchio.”
“Torchio is one of the best food experiences I've had in a long time. The staff was wonderful friendly and experienced. The way the owner moves about you would think he was one of the staff. I had the putanesca with a buccattinin pasta which had so many levels of flavor. My wife had the risotto which was on another level. This will be an annual stop every time we are in Chicago.”
“If I could give Torchio more than 5 stars, I WOULD!!!!!!! This restaurant was an amazing experience in every way. The atmosphere was cozy but also personal. The great ambience is curated by the attentive servers… so kind and helpful. The espresso martinis here are definitely the best I’ve ever had. We shared the braised short rib and pappardelle and it was, again, one of the best plates I’ve had. Not too heavy, the sauce was perfectly balanced and that hint of red wine… I LOVE THIS PLACE. 10/10 recommend.”
“Our group of 6 had the best time at Torchio! The service was top notch, we were never searching for someone to help us, everything we needed was ready to go. We started with a bottle of wine and cocktails, shared a couple of apps, and then each ordered our own pasta dish. Everything was so delicious, comforting, and unique. We finished up with dessert and espresso martinis. Overall a great time!”
“Amazing italian 10/10. We had 3 different pasta dishes: Orrechiette, capellini, Sunday Meat sauce. All were so good and well-balanced can’t go wrong with any depending on your preference. Arugula salad was a bit heavy on the lemon but still a good simple salad. Ambience was cozy good for groups/dates! Def recommend!”
“Torchio Pasta Bar was an amazing experience from start to finish. The Midnight Pasta was beautifully simple yet bursting with flavor. The wine pairing was spot-on, perfectly elevating the meal without overpowering it. Cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and a true appreciation for authentic Italian dining. Can’t wait to come back!”
“This place was absolutely fantastic!! Couldn’t not recommend this more - eggplant caprese, risotto and all things pasta were delicious. Cant wait to come back to Chicago to eat here again ❤️”
“The 5 stars isn't enough. The food is absolutely ridiculous, it's so delicious and every bite gets better and better. The service, the food, the wine, everything. It's the best meal I've ever had. We got the meatballs, the pizza pasta, the truffle pasta, the tiramisu, and the lemon olive oil cake and again - never had food like this. Don't miss out”
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