Tortello - Chicago

We visited for the first time and had a great experience! We arrived around noon on a Sunday and found plenty of outdoor seating. There was ample space inside t... read more We visited for the first time and had a great experience! We arrived around noon on a Sunday and found plenty of outdoor seating. There was ample space inside too, and the store design was very airy and cute.It’s worth noting that you place your food order at the counter before being seated (where you can also purchase freshly made pasta). As for our meal, we tried the Focaccia with Ricotta Honey, Roasted Eggplant Salad, and Cacio e Pepe. The focaccia was delicious and paired wonderfully with the ricotta and honey. The roasted eggplant salad was decent, and the Cacio e Pepe had an exceptional pasta texture.The service and ambiance were both delightful, and the food was well-prepared. Overall, it was a satisfying dining experience.

Only had the tiramisu to go from here. It was incredible and I highly recommend getting it.Staff was super friendly and I was in and out within two minutes.Wond... read more Only had the tiramisu to go from here. It was incredible and I highly recommend getting it.Staff was super friendly and I was in and out within two minutes.Wonderful little place that is expanding to other areas and hopefully will be around for a while.

Menu is very limited. You’re not able to choose your pasta sauce (which they only offer 3 sauce options). It’s pretty basic to expect an Italian restaurant to a... read more Menu is very limited. You’re not able to choose your pasta sauce (which they only offer 3 sauce options). It’s pretty basic to expect an Italian restaurant to allow you to order any pasta with a variety of sauces. That’s not the case. You have to order how the menu reads, no alterations. That was very disappointing. My daughter wanted the spaghetti pasta with butter and we were told no. Focaccia bread was over done and almost burnt. They also don’t have any regular soda products, basically only Italian sparking and water. Expectations were pretty let down. The building itself is nice with some cool decor. The cooks in the visible kitchen never smiled back, seemed to have aggravated attitudes. Also disappointed there was no Italian music playing. We didn’t hate it but also wouldn’t go out of our way to return.

The pasta dish was quite fresh, but the prices do not line up with the experience. If I’m ordering at a register with just a food runner dropping off my food an... read more The pasta dish was quite fresh, but the prices do not line up with the experience. If I’m ordering at a register with just a food runner dropping off my food and getting exactly four tortelli, $25 for the plate is absurd. Either increase the portions, decrease the prices, or change the format— something’s gotta give. Food: 4 Service: 2 Atmosphere: 3 Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Recommendation for vegetarians: Somewhat recommend Vegetarian offerings: Large vegetarian selection

This place has been on my list to try for over a year. No reservations, walk ins only, which is totally fine. I put in a table for 3 at 7:22 p.m. I was told 1 1... read more This place has been on my list to try for over a year. No reservations, walk ins only, which is totally fine. I put in a table for 3 at 7:22 p.m. I was told 1 1.5 hour (did not know/was not told my employee they close at 9). I got a text my table was ready around 8:20. When we arrive, we were told to order at the counter. The employee (not wearing a Tortello shirt) appeared to be rushing us. My friend had a few questions about the drinks he was clearly not happy about it. When we paid, we got a for the table but no direction on where or how seating works I had to ask. He said anywhere there is an open table, however, no open tables inside we didn’t know the outside was still open. It should be noted if you order drinks, you carry them back to your table. I spilled some of my drink going from inside to outside table (full hands raining outside). We ordered bread for the table had to ask for it twice; we got our pastas before. We also had to ask for water twice. The service set up is interesting because there isn’t one waiter dedicated to your table. I understand they close at 9 p.m. but we felt very rushed. Employees kept coming to our tables to see if we were done eating/drinking. An employee lingered around our table while we finished the tiramisu and even said “They are looking for the last plate back there” as a joke. I totally get it, they were trying to wrap things ups but if they were going to rush us, they should not take names for tables after a certain time or give a warning that it will need to be a quick turnaround. We didn’t even take long, we sat down around 8:45 left at 9:30. If anything, we waited for water bread longer than expected. Overall, the odd counter ordering non dedicated server feeling rushed made for not so great service. Food wise, excellent. The focaccia ricotta was the best part. The tiramisu espresso martinis were the perfect amount of sweet chocolaty. I would go back but not anytime after 7 p.m. Food: 4 Service: 2 Atmosphere: 2 Price per person: $30–50