Review: Torchio

Torchio is an upscale Italian pasta bar in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. I dined here with my husband and two friends on a busy Friday night and enjoyed delicious meatballs, pasta and dessert.

The Food and Drinks: 8/10

For starters, I enjoyed the whipped ricotta and tomato fig jam crostini alongside their beef and veal meatballs in house-made tomato sauce. The crostini may have been one of the best bites of the night. It was slightly sweet and packed with flavor, and the acidity of the tomato jam balanced well with the creaminess of the ricotta.

However, the gnocchi appetizer was strange. The marinara that it came with was bright, fresh and flavorful, but the texture of the pasta was grainy and reminded me of a dense ricotta. I was not a fan.

The bucatini with smoked bacon and onion was the standout entree of the evening. It was delightfully salty, and the texture of the pasta was exactly what you'd expect: bouncy and slightly al dente. The peas added a bright sweetness that complemented the rich saltiness of the bacon.

Although the scallops on the scallop fettucine were DIVINE — a perfect, thin crisp on the outside with a rich, salty flavor — the pasta it came with left some flavor to be desired. The sauce was thin and didn't stick to the noodles, and it was lacking salt and herbs. I would pay for the scallops themselves, but I wasn't impressed with the pasta it came with.

All the desserts were good, but nothing to write home about. Cannoli, flourless chocolate cake, and gelato are all classics that were executed well. They weren't overly sweet, and I enjoyed them overall, but they were fairly standard.

The Experience: 10/10

Walking into Torchio, you notice an oblong restaurant shape with moody lighting and a beautiful bar. It's upscale without feeling stuffy, and it's adorned with a large "Torchio" light-up sign on your way in. It's small and boats an intimate dining experience.

The service at Torchio was some of the best I've ever experienced. Our water glasses were never less than half full, our cutlery was replaced promptly and everyone we came into contact with was friendly. It's clear that teamwork makes the dream work here, as multiple servers and server assistants come by the table to make sure all your needs are cared for.

The Value: 9/10

Torchio is not a budget-friendly outing, but it is worth it. For the price, the portion sizes and quality of dishes are top-notch. We spent less than $50 per person, and by the end of the meal, our group had a bit of leftovers to take home.

Overall: 9/10

At Torchio, the food is fresh and the service is impeccable. Some of the highlights include the tomato jam crostini and the scallops, which were delicious and unique. There are some skippable dishes — like the gnocchi appetizer — but you're still sure to find a meal that is satisfying and well-thought out. It may not land as the best restaurant in Chicago, but it's worth a visit.