Celebrate National Tortellini Day at These Restaurants

National Tortellini Day, celebrated on February 13, honors one of Italy’s most cherished pasta varieties. These small, ring-shaped dumplings, traditionally filled with a mixture of meat, cheese, or vegetables, have been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries. Originating in the Emilia-Romagna region, tortellini are often served in a rich broth or paired with flavorful sauces. Whether crafted by hand or enjoyed in restaurants, this day is the perfect occasion to appreciate their texture and taste.

The city of Bologna is widely considered the birthplace of tortellini. According to legend, the pasta’s distinctive shape was inspired by the navel of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Traditional fillings include a blend of prosciutto, pork, and Parmesan, carefully wrapped in thin, hand-rolled dough. Over time, tortellini has evolved into various forms, including larger tortellacci and different regional adaptations, yet its essence remains the same—a perfect balance of flavor and craftsmanship.

Try this dish on National Tortellini Day at these restaurants.

A legendary restaurant founded in 2007 by renowned chefs Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali, and Joe Bastianich. This is not just a restaurant but a true temple of Italian cuisine in Los Angeles. The specialty here is refined Italian pasta, especially tortellini, which are made with almost a sacred ritual.

What makes Osteria Mozza unique is that most of its ingredients are house-made. At a dedicated cheese station, expert artisans prepare unique cheese fillings for the tortellini daily. The restaurant also owns a dairy farm and greenhouses, supplying fresh ingredients. The restaurant has an open kitchen, allowing guests to watch the cooking process.

Tortellini Dish

    Tortellini with Burro di Luigi Guffanti & Parmigiano: This dish features handmade tortellini filled with a mixture of braised beef (brasato) and served with a luxurious butter made by Luigi Guffanti, a renowned cheese maker from Italy. The tortellini is complemented by a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano cheese.

Recommended Pairings
Consider ordering the following items alongside the tortellini:

    Mozzarella Tasting: A selection of fresh mozzarella options, including burrata and mozzarella di bufala, which provide a creamy contrast to the savory tortellini.
    Ricotta & Egg Raviolo: Another pasta dish that features a delicate raviolo filled with ricotta and egg, served in sage brown butter. This dish showcases the restaurant's expertise in handmade pasta.
    Grilled Octopus: A popular appetizer that is tender and flavorful, providing a nice seafood option to start your meal.
    Tagliatelle with Oxtail Ragù: A hearty pasta dish that pairs well with the tortellini's richness, offering a different flavor profile while maintaining the Italian theme.
    Bombolini: For dessert, these warm Italian doughnuts filled with cream are a delightful way to end your meal.

Recommendations: Visit on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for special tasting events. Pro tip: If you order the full tasting set, you'll receive a 20% discount on the wine list. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Ideal time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, when the kitchen is at its best.

A cozy Italian restaurant in Houston, created by chef Sandra Cesare. Giacomo's Cibo e Vino was born from her love for classic Italian cuisine and the desire to bring authentic Italian flavors to Texas. The tortellini here is a true highlight of the menu, made using her grandmother's family recipes from Northern Italy.

What sets the restaurant apart is its honest approach to ingredients. Most of the products are imported directly from Italy: flour, cheeses, olive oil. The tortellini here is made in a miniature format, almost like a work of art, with unique fillings that change according to the season. Each piece of pasta undergoes almost jewel-like treatment — the dough is rolled thinner than a sheet of paper.

Tortellini Dishes at Giacomo's Cibo e Vino

    Tortellini Al Sugo Rosa: This dish features tortellini served in a creamy tomato sauce, combining rich flavors with a smooth texture.
    Tortellini Al Panna: Tortellini served in a rich cream sauce, providing a comforting option for pasta lovers.
    Tortellini in Brodo: A classic dish where tortellini is served in a flavorful broth.
    Tortelli Di Bietola: Although technically not traditional tortellini, this dish consists of ravioli stuffed with ricotta and goat cheese, served in a white sauce.
    Tortellini Al Sugo: Another variation featuring tortellini in a traditional tomato sauce.

Recommendations
To complement your tortellini dish, consider pairing it with:

    Gamberi Al Diavolo: Spicy shrimp that can add a nice kick to your meal.
    Pollo Guido: A chicken dish that offers a hearty option alongside your pasta.
    Roast Eggplant Rolls: A great appetizer to start your meal with fresh vegetables.
    Gelato for Dessert: A refreshing way to end your meal with a sweet treat.

RPM Italian is an elegant restaurant in the heart of Chicago, founded by celebrity couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic. Tortellini here is not just a dish, but a true art form, where every ingredient is carefully considered and selected.
The restaurant's kitchen is a mix of classic Italian techniques and modern culinary experiments. Special attention is paid to pasta preparation: tortellini dough is kneaded by hand, and fillings are created using ingredients from local farmers and specially imported products from Italy. The restaurant's interior resembles an elegant Italian living room with an open kitchen where guests can watch the cooking process.

Housemade Pasta

    Black Truffle Tortelli: This dish features Perigord truffles, leeks, and Cacio di Roma cheese. It is priced at $341.
    Prosciutto Tortelloni: Prepared with ricotta, rosemary, and black pepper, this dish is priced at $242.
    Lemon Burrata Cappelletti: Made with Bruna Alpina cheese and Controne pepper.

Other Popular Pasta Dishes

    Mama DePandi's Bucatini: Prepared with pomodoro and Genovese basil, this dish is priced at $181.
    Rigatoni alla Vodka: Includes imported Burrata and Calabrian chili for $241.
    Short Rib Bolognese: Served with pappardelle and rosemary for $27.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/rpmitalian/

Firenze By Night is an old-school Italian restaurant in San Francisco that's been around since 1987. It's a cozy, family-run place with a big mural of Florence on the wall. They serve classic Italian food, but one thing they're known for is their Tortellini alla Romana. It's basically cheese-filled pasta in a creamy sauce with peas and ham – pretty simple, but people seem to love it. They've also got other stuff like steaks and seafood, plus a whole bunch of wines. Think of it as a reliable, no-frills spot for a comforting Italian meal.

Highlights:

    Tortellini in Brodo: Tender meat-filled tortellini served in a light chicken broth.
    Tortellini alla Romana: Tortellini with peas and prosciutto in a creamy sauce.
    Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomato and basil.
    Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.
    Grilled Vegetables: A variety of seasonal vegetables, lightly grilled.
    Green Salad: A mix of fresh greens with a simple vinaigrette.

Recommendations:

Pair the Tortellini alla Romana with a glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, try the Tortellini in Brodo with a crisp white wine or sparkling water. Consider adding a grilled vegetable side or a green salad to balance the richness of the dishes. End your meal with their tiramisu or panna cotta for a classic Italian dessert.

Tortellino Bistrot, located at 6584 Superior Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231, is a small, family-owned Italian restaurant specializing in homemade pasta. Chef Otman creates fresh pasta dishes, including tortellini and ravioli with various fillings, as well as fettuccine and spaghetti that pair perfectly with seafood or Bolognese sauce.

Tortellini Menu Highlights:

    Tortellini in Broth: Cooked in vegetable broth.
    Tortellini Bolognese: Traditional tortellini with Bolognese sauce.
    Classic Tortelloni Bolognese: With classic Bologna meat sauce.
    Tortellini Alfredo.
    Tortellini Carbonara.
    The restaurant prepares homemade tortellini with various fillings.
    Ossobuco with two types of tortellini on the side.

Recommendations:

    Consider the Ravioli Bolognese or Lasagna Bolognese, both frequently praised.
    Veal Parmigiana is another popular dish.
    Start with the fresh bread and marinated eggplant "spaghetti."
    For dessert, try the homemade lemon cake or tiramisu.
    The wine list is 100% Italian, offering a range of flavors and price points.

Carbone Vino opened in Coconut Grove in 2022 as a sister project of the renowned New York restaurant Carbone. The restaurant occupies a two-story space: the first floor features the main dining area and an open kitchen, while the second floor houses a wine bar and a terrace with street views. The interior combines classic Italian elements with modern design—dark wood, soft lighting, and large windows. The restaurant is known for its impressive wine collection, which boasts over 500 selections.

The tortellini here is made by hand daily using a traditional recipe. The signature dish, Tortellini Tartufo Nero, features thin pasta filled with veal and Parmesan, served with a black truffle-based sauce. Each portion is garnished with freshly grated truffle just before serving. This dish has been a permanent menu item since the restaurant’s opening and quickly became one of the most popular selections.

Recommendations:

Consider the Ravioli Bolognese or Lasagna Bolognese, both frequently praised.
Veal Parmigiana is another popular dish.
Start with the fresh bread and marinated eggplant "spaghetti."
For dessert, try the homemade lemon cake or tiramisu.
The wine list is 100% Italian, offering a range of flavors and price points.

Pizza and Pasta Bar is located in Seattle's historic Post Alley. The restaurant's highlight is its massive window-front where, from 7 AM, pasta masters hand-roll and cut fresh pasta—a daily spectacle that draws passersby. The space features 12 tables and an 8-seat bar counter overlooking the open kitchen.
Owners Marco and Luca Rossi brought their grandmother's vintage pasta machine from Bologna, Italy, which they still use daily for all pasta varieties. Their tortellini stands out for its larger-than-traditional size (about 1.5 inches), allowing for more generous filling portions. The menu offers three filling options:

Signature Tortellini

Classic: Veal, parmesan, and nutmeg blend
Mushroom: Porcini mushrooms with ricotta and black pepper
Pumpkin: Pumpkin with amaretto and sage (seasonal)

All sauces are made fresh in small batches each morning. The signature tortellini sauce is a creamy white wine and saffron blend.

Recommended Pairings
Starters:

Arugula salad with shaved parmesan
Grilled artichokes
Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes

Wines:

House Pinot Grigio
Verdicchio
Prosecco

Photo Credit: instagram.com/pizzaandpastabar/