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Tortello
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tortello
8.6
Chef Dario Monni's counter-service pasta shop produces some of Chicago's finest handmade pasta, crafted daily with imported Italian flour and Wisconsin farm eggs. The open kitchen lets diners watch artisans shape tortelli, tagliatelle, and bucatini while the signature tortelli di burrata with brown butter and sage has become a destination dish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tortelli di Burrata, Focaccia with Ricotta & Honey, Cacio e Pepe
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Daily handmade pasta crafted using Old World Italian techniques with eggs from a dedicated Wisconsin farm
Who should go: Pasta purists seeking authentic artisanal Italian
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid weekend crowds
What to order: Tortelli di burrata, focaccia with honeycomb, squid ink bucatini
Insider tip: Grab a bar seat overlooking the pasta-making station for dinner theater
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - can be difficult on weekends or during neighborhood events, plan extra time
Dress code: Casual - it's counter service, come as you are
Noise level: Moderate to lively - small space gets buzzy during dinner rush but conversation is easy
Weekend wait: Lines out the door common; owner Dario may open prosecco for the queue. Reservations now available via Tock
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, food arrives in ~10 minutes after ordering
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options including cacio e pepe, spaghetti pomodoro, and tortelli di burrata
Vegan options: Limited but thoughtful - fennel/orange salad, fagioli vento beans, olives; spaghetti pomodoro and aglio olio can be made vegan on request
Gluten-free options: No GF pasta available - only starters and salads are gluten-free
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, with caveats. The food is impressive and romantic (handmade pasta, Italian wine), but it's counter-service in a tiny 35-seat room that gets crowded. Grab bar seats overlooking the pasta station for better ambiance, or hit the sidewalk patio in warm weather for a more intimate vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but reservations are now available via Tock and recommended for dinner. Walk-ins work best for weekday lunch. Weekend dinner without a reservation means potential lines - arrive early or embrace the wait with a glass of wine.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - owner Dario explicitly welcomes families and kids. Counter-service format keeps things low-key, and the lumache (snail pasta) with butter and parm is a kid-approved favorite. Quick meal times work well for shorter attention spans.
Best For
Better for: Pasta obsessives who want to watch artisans hand-roll noodles while eating Michelin Bib Gourmand-quality tortelli at counter-service prices - cheaper than Monteverde with comparable quality
Skip if: You need gluten-free pasta, want full-service fine dining, or hate tight quarters - the 35-seat room can feel cramped during peak hours
Tortello
8.8
Tortello is a hand-rolled pasta counter where sheets of dough are filled and cut in full view of the dining room, giving families a front-row look at the process. Parents lean on it for fast-casual Neapolitan pasta, while kids dig into simple shapes, focaccia, and gelato without the formality of a white-tablecloth spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tortelli Burrata, Cacio e Pepe, Tagliatelle Bolognese
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Fresh pasta is rolled and stuffed in front of the dining room.
Who should go: Families craving handmade pasta without a drawn-out sit-down meal.
When to visit: Early evenings and weekend lunches before peak lines form.
What to order: Tortelli burrata, cacio e pepe, tagliatelle bolognese.
Insider tip: Grab counter seats so kids can watch pasta being made.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Wicker Park can be limited, especially evenings and weekends. Plan a few extra minutes to circle or use nearby paid garages.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — families and neighborhood diners fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — there’s steady energy but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours, especially 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Often little to no wait, though it can fill during prime lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas and sides are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — most dishes include egg pasta or dairy, but staff can help guide options.
Gluten-free options: Limited — the focus is on traditional wheat pasta, so choices are minimal for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something relaxed and low-pressure with great food — it’s casual, lively, and approachable rather than formal or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — the casual format means many guests walk in, though you may wait during busy weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — kids love watching pasta being made, and simple shapes and gelato keep things easy. Best for school-age kids and up due to the compact space.
Best For
Better for: Fresh, handmade pasta in a casual setting where families feel totally comfortable — especially if you want a quick, high-quality meal.
Skip if: You’re looking for white-tablecloth Italian dining, an extensive wine list, or a quiet, lingering dinner.
Tortello
8.1
Tortello is a hand-rolled pasta counter where dough is stretched and stuffed in full view of the small dining room, giving even casual dates a bit of theater. Couples share focaccia, fresh-filled tortelli, and simple spritzes at a price point that keeps it in regular rotation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tortelli burrata, Cacio e pepe, Tagliatelle bolognese
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Fresh pasta is rolled and stuffed in front of you in a tiny, stylish space.
Who should go: Casual dates who care more about pasta than white tablecloths.
When to visit: Early evenings or weekday nights to avoid counter-service lines.
What to order: Tortelli burrata, cacio e pepe, tagliatelle bolognese.
Insider tip: Grab a window seat to watch pasta-making while you eat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Milwaukee and nearby side streets can be limited during dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many diners lean a bit polished.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is doable, but the small room can feel lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes depending on time and weather, especially during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, except during prime lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several pastas and starters work well.
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and sides may work, but most pastas include dairy or egg.
Gluten-free options: Limited — fresh pastas are generally not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate space and pasta-making theater create a relaxed, conversational vibe without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially earlier in the evening or on weekdays, but expect a short wait during peak dinner times.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, but the space is small and better suited for older children who can sit through dinner.
Best For
Better for: Casual-but-romantic pasta nights where handmade dough and approachable pricing matter more than formality.
Skip if: You need gluten-free pasta, a large group table, or a quieter, more traditional white-tablecloth Italian restaurant.
Hours
Monday4:30pm - 9pm
Tuesday11:30am - 9pm
Wednesday11:30am - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 9pm
Friday8am - 9pm
Saturday8am - 9pm
Sunday8am - 9pm