Since opening its doors in July, Tortello has quickly gained a loyal clientele, and in a dining-centric city like Chicago, that’s really something to boast about. The kitchen focuses on house-made pasta and uses traditional family recipes from owner Dario Monni’s nonna back in Venice. 

You can choose from the kitchen’s signature dishes (ciusoni with saffron, sausage, onions and cream, for example, or classic lasagna bolognese), but the menu is constructed in a way that allows for a bit of creativity, too. You are free to mix and match pasta and sauce styles to create a custom dish of your choosing. Start by selecting fusilli, orichette, casarecce, or linguini, and simply add your favorite protein and sauce (pesto with grilled chicken, or parmigiano reggiano). Whatever you choose, regulars say you can expect top quality, fresh flavors, and quick service, as this place has a reputation for all three.