Torino

For residents across the Illinois region, particularly those on Chicago's North Shore, Torino stands out as a true culinary jewel, renowned for bringing an authentic taste of Japan to Wilmette. More than just a ramen shop, Torino has evolved into a comprehensive Japanese restaurant, garnering acclaim for its expertly crafted ramen, incredibly fresh sushi, and a delightful array of izakaya-style small bites. Opened in 2017 with a focus on traditional, authentic ramen, it has quickly become a beloved and bustling spot, offering a dining experience that caters to both casual outings and special occasions.

Torino's philosophy extends beyond just a bowl of noodles, embracing a broader spectrum of Japanese culinary artistry. Patrons consistently rave about the "amazing" food, emphasizing the "fresh melt in your mouth" quality of their sushi and the comforting richness of their ramen. From the first bite of a perfectly balanced curry ramen to the delicate flavors of a spicy tuna roll, the commitment to deliciousness is evident. The restaurant also offers unique experiences, such as Japanese whiskey flights, which have been a particular highlight for many, allowing them to explore premium spirits like Yamazaki and Hibiki at a "decent price."

Beyond the food, Torino strives to create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. The ability to dine outdoors on a warm evening adds to the charm, and the staff, like the attentive and friendly server Kyle, consistently receive praise for their service. While some feedback mentions minor issues like occasional noise or delayed entree service during busy times, the overwhelming sentiment remains highly positive, with many considering Torino their go-to for Japanese cuisine and a place they "can’t wait to go back and try out some of other sushi rolls and ramen."

Torino is ideally located at 1162 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA. This central location in the charming village of Wilmette makes it highly accessible for residents throughout the North Shore and the wider Chicago metropolitan area. Wilmette Avenue is a well-known street, ensuring that finding the restaurant is straightforward for both locals and those visiting from further afield.

The restaurant's setting in a vibrant village center often means convenient parking options are available nearby, contributing to a stress-free visit. For those who prefer public transportation, Wilmette is served by Metra's Union Pacific North Line, and local bus routes also operate in the area, offering alternative ways to reach the destination. The ease of access, coupled with the pleasant surroundings of Wilmette, enhances Torino's appeal as a top dining choice for authentic Japanese flavors in Illinois.

Torino provides a comprehensive range of services designed to offer flexibility and convenience to its customers in the Illinois region.

• Dine-in: Enjoy the elegant and modern ambiance of the restaurant for a full sit-down meal. Outdoor seating is also available, providing a lovely option for warm evenings.
• Takeout / Curbside Pickup: For those who prefer to enjoy their Japanese favorites at home, Torino offers convenient takeout and curbside pickup services. Online ordering is available directly through their website, allowing for scheduled pickups.
• Delivery: Torino partners with popular third-party delivery platforms, including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates, making it easy for customers to have their food delivered right to their doorstep.
• Online Ordering: Their website features a user-friendly online ordering system for both scheduled deliveries and pickups, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
• Reservations: Torino accepts reservations for indoor dining, a recommended option, especially during peak hours or for special occasions, to ensure timely seating.
• Gift Cards: Gift cards are available, making it easy to share the Torino experience with friends and family.
• Full Bar / Japanese Whiskey Flight: Torino boasts a selection of Japanese whiskey, offering unique whiskey flights that are a significant highlight for many patrons. They also serve a variety of sake and other beverages.

Torino shines with several distinctive features and highlights that firmly establish it as a premier Japanese dining destination in Wilmette, IL.

• Authentic and High-Quality Ramen: Torino's roots are in authentic ramen, and it continues to be a major draw. They offer a variety of ramen bases, including signature chicken soup (Torino Chicken Ramen), spicy chicken ramen, mild pork tonkotsu, spicy tonkotsu, and veggie miso ramen. Options like Curry Ramen, with house curry and broth, are also highly praised for hitting the spot.
• Exceptional Sushi Selection: Beyond ramen, Torino is also celebrated for its sushi, with customers raving about the "amazing food" and "fresh melt in your mouth fish." Their menu includes small sushi trays, classic rolls, and unique options like the Mango Tango Veggie Roll, indicating a commitment to both traditional and innovative sushi creations. They have also been voted "North Shore's Best Sushi Restaurant."
• Unique Japanese Whiskey Flight: A standout feature is their offering of a Japanese whiskey flight, allowing enthusiasts to taste premium whiskeys like Yamazaki and Hibiki at a "decent price." This adds a sophisticated and unique element to the dining experience.
• Diverse Small Bites and Appetizers: The menu includes a delightful array of starters such as Takoyaki (octopus puffs), Pork & Shrimp Bao, Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Edamame, Gyoza, and more. These are perfect for sharing and exploring different flavors.
• Attentive and Friendly Service: While individual experiences can vary, many customers consistently praise the staff for being "attentive, friendly and great throughout our meal," contributing significantly to a positive dining atmosphere.
• Elegant Ambiance with Outdoor Seating: The restaurant offers an "elegant and modern ambiance," with the added benefit of outdoor seating on a "gorgeous warm Friday night," enhancing the dining experience during pleasant weather.
• Special Events like Kaiseki Cuisine: Torino occasionally hosts special events, such as a Japanese Kaiseki progressive dinner by Chef Hayashi, featuring seasonally inspired menus. This offers a unique, high-end culinary experience.

Torino regularly offers various promotions and special features to enhance the dining experience for its patrons in Illinois.

• Happy Hour: Torino offers a happy hour at their bar from Tuesday to Thursday, between 4 PM and 7 PM. This is an excellent opportunity for locals to enjoy a selection of drinks and potentially discounted small bites.
• Lunch Specials: While not explicitly detailed as "specials" in the provided reviews, the menu does feature various Donburi (rice bowls) and Bao Bento boxes, which are typically well-portioned and priced for a satisfying lunch, making them de facto lunch specials.
• Kaiseki Cuisine Events: As a unique offering, Torino periodically hosts special Kaiseki progressive dinners, which are premium, multi-course meals crafted by Chef Hayashi. These events provide an exclusive culinary journey.
• Online Ordering Convenience: While not a discount, the robust online ordering system for scheduled deliveries and pickups simplifies the process and provides transparency on delivery areas and minimums.

For the most up-to-date information on any current promotions, seasonal menu items, or special events, locals are encouraged to check Torino's official website or contact them directly via phone.

To experience the culinary delights of Torino, reach out using the following contact details:

• Address: 1162 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA
• Phone: (847) 920-5075
• Mobile Phone: +1 847-920-5075

You can also visit their website to explore the full menu, place online orders for pickup or delivery, and make reservations for dine-in.

Torino is an exceptional choice for locals in the Illinois region, particularly on the North Shore, due to its commitment to delivering an authentic, high-quality Japanese dining experience. Its core strength lies in its dual mastery of both rich, comforting ramen and incredibly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth sushi. This diverse offering ensures that whether you're craving a hearty bowl of Tonkotsu or a delicate nigiri, Torino has something to satisfy your palate, making it suitable for a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Beyond the food, the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere, complemented by attentive and friendly service, creates a welcoming environment for all occasions, from casual family dinners to celebratory outings. The availability of unique features like a Japanese whiskey flight adds an extra layer of sophistication and makes it a destination for culinary exploration. The convenience of online ordering for both pickup and delivery, along with the option for outdoor dining, further enhances its suitability for the modern local lifestyle. Despite minor service challenges that can be typical of popular establishments, the overwhelming positive feedback regarding food quality and overall experience firmly establishes Torino as a beloved and highly recommended Japanese restaurant in Wilmette, a true gem for the Illinois community.

Torino

1162 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA