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Italian · Pasta Bar · Fine Casual

Torchio Pasta Bar Menu Prices 2026: Full Menu, Pasta & Best Dishes

Torchio Pasta Bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood serves over 20 varieties of fresh handmade pasta alongside classic Italian appetizers, risotto, and a full bar with vintage and modern cocktails. Every pasta dish is made on premises daily, with options ranging from a classic Cacio e Pepe to luxe Seafood Fra Diavolo.

River North, ChicagoFresh handmade pasta20+ pasta dishesFull bar & cocktails
Jump to full menu Cheapest items
Sample · $$

Signature items

Braised Short Rib & Pappardelle$38
Seafood Fra Diavolo$39
Truffle & Fried Burrata Fettuccine$36
Spaghetti Carbonara$28
Jump to: Quick answers Full menu Cheapest items Most popular Compare prices About FAQ
Quick answers

What to order — at a glance

Cheapest item
Affogato $7
Most popular pasta
Spaghetti Carbonara $28

A classic done right with pancetta and Parmigiano-Reggiano

Best value pasta
Cacio e Pepe $27
Most indulgent dish
Seafood Fra Diavolo $39
Full menu with prices

Torchio Pasta Bar full menu and current prices

Prices shown are from Torchio Pasta Bar's published menu as of mid-2026. A 3% credit card processing fee applies. Confirm current prices with the restaurant.
Appetizers7 itemsSalads3 itemsPasta21 itemsRisotto3 itemsEntrees2 itemsSides2 itemsDesserts6 items
Budget picks

Cheapest items on the Torchio Pasta Bar menu

  1. 1AffogatoEspresso over gelato; add amaro for $7$6–$7
  2. 2Premium Gelato or Sorbet$6
  3. 3Mini Cannolis$9
  4. 4Torta di Cioccolato$10
  5. 5Broccoli Rabe$12
  6. 6Asparagus$12
  7. 7Tiramisu$11
  8. 8Arugula Salad$14
  9. 9Caesar Salad$14
  10. 10Meatballs$14
Price comparison

Popular pasta dishes: price at a glance

Torchio Pasta Bar's fresh pasta dishes range from $27 for Cacio e Pepe up to $39 for Seafood Fra Diavolo.

Pasta DishStylePrice
Cacio e PepeSpaghetti$27
Rigatoni Alla VodkaRigatoni$27
Spaghetti CarbonaraSpaghetti$28
Lemon Basil FettuccineFettuccine$28
Orecchiette, Sausage & Broccoli RabeOrecchiette$29
Midnight Pasta with ShrimpSpaghetti$29
"Torchio" PastaRadiatore$30
Giovanna's BolognesePappardelle$32
Sunday Meat SauceFresh pasta$33
Radiatore with Scallops & BaconRadiatore$36
Braised Short Rib & PappardellePappardelle$38
Seafood Fra DiavoloMixed seafood$39
Price comparison

How Torchio Pasta Bar prices compare to similar Italian restaurants

Like-for-like comparison of pasta, appetizers, and desserts against other Italian dining options.

CategoryTorchio Pasta BarOlive GardenCarrabba's Italian Grill
Cheapest appetizer$14 (Meatballs)$9 (Breadsticks incl.)$10 (Mozzarella Fonduta)
Classic pasta (carbonara/similar)$28 (Carbonara)$17 (Fettuccine Alfredo)$19 (Pasta Weesie)
Meat pasta entrée$38 (Short Rib Pappardelle)$21 (Tour of Italy)$23 (Lasagne)
Seafood pasta$39 (Fra Diavolo)$22 (Shrimp Alfredo)$24 (Spiedino di Mare)
Dessert$9–$12$6–$8$7–$9
About

About Torchio Pasta Bar

Torchio Pasta Bar opened in Chicago's River North neighborhood at 738 N Wells Street, bringing an upscale yet approachable Italian pasta bar experience to one of the city's most dining-rich corridors. The name comes from the torchio — a traditional pasta press — a nod to the restaurant's dedication to handcrafting every pasta shape on the premises daily.

The menu is anchored by more than 20 fresh pasta dishes, ranging from simple Roman classics like Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara to creative house originals like the namesake "Torchio" Pasta with radiatore, sausage, mushrooms, and brandy-thyme cream. The kitchen also offers risotto, seasonal appetizers, and Italian-American non-pasta entrées for guests who want something beyond pasta.

Torchio Pasta Bar's bar program matches the kitchen's ambition, with vintage cocktail recipes dating back to the early 1900s, modern original cocktails, an Italian-leaning wine list, and amaro flights. The restaurant has become a fixture in River North for date nights, group dinners, and anyone seeking a genuine fresh-pasta experience in Chicago.

1Chicago location
20+fresh pasta dishes
$$price range

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where is Torchio Pasta Bar located?

Torchio Pasta Bar is located at 738 N Wells Street in Chicago's River North neighborhood. You can call them at 312-643-0543 for reservations or questions.

Does Torchio Pasta Bar make pasta fresh in-house?

Yes. All pasta at Torchio Pasta Bar is made fresh on the premises daily. The restaurant's name comes from the torchio, a traditional Italian pasta press, reflecting its commitment to handcrafted pasta.

What are the most popular dishes at Torchio Pasta Bar?

The most popular dishes include the Spaghetti Carbonara ($28), Giovanna's Bolognese served in a Parmigiano basket ($32), the namesake "Torchio" Pasta with radiatore and brandy-thyme cream ($30), and the Braised Short Rib & Pappardelle ($38).

Are there vegetarian pasta options?

Yes, Torchio Pasta Bar has several vegetarian pasta dishes including Cacio e Pepe ($27), Rigatoni Alla Vodka ($27), Lemon Basil Fettuccine ($28), Truffle & Fried Burrata Fettuccine ($36), and Bucatini Arrabbiata Burrata ($32). The risottos are also vegetarian-friendly.

Does Torchio Pasta Bar offer gluten-free options?

Yes. Torchio Pasta Bar offers gluten-free rigatoni or spaghetti as substitute bases for most pasta dishes. The risottos and several entrees are naturally gluten-free. Check with your server for current options.

How much does a meal at Torchio Pasta Bar cost?

Pasta dishes range from $27 (Cacio e Pepe) to $39 (Seafood Fra Diavolo). Appetizers are $14–$24, salads $14–$16, risotto $28–$30, and desserts $6–$12. A typical dinner with an appetizer, pasta, and dessert runs $50–$70 per person before drinks. Note that a 3% credit card processing fee applies to card payments.

What cocktails does Torchio Pasta Bar serve?

Torchio Pasta Bar has an extensive bar program with vintage cocktails (Aviation, Sazerac, Original Martini, Boulevardier), modern original cocktails (Espresso Martini, Humo Y Fuego spicy margarita, Sicilian Siesta), and after-dinner cocktails. Amaro flights with three pours are $20. Cocktails range from $16 to $18.

Does Torchio Pasta Bar take reservations?

Yes, reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings. You can check availability and book through their website at torchiopastabar.com or through third-party reservation platforms. Walk-ins are welcomed based on availability.

What is the Pasta Alla Zozzona at Torchio Pasta Bar?

Pasta Alla Zozzona ($38) is a Roman pasta dish featuring rigatoni with guanciale (cured pork cheek), egg, Italian sausage, tomatoes, and Calabrian chilis. It is a spicy, rich dish that combines elements of carbonara and amatriciana — the name roughly translates to "dirty pasta" in Roman dialect.