Looking for a great spot for authentic Italian trattoria? Head over to discover Il Tornello, the new restaurant that just opened its doors on Tournelles Street in the 4th arrondissement. The name isn’t accidental — it’s the Italian translation of the street where it’s located, a playful nod that combines Parisian charm with Southern Italian warmth. Just a few steps from the majestic Place des Vosges, this new address offers authentic Italian cuisine, simple but made with truly quality ingredients.
When it comes to quality, there's no cutting corners here. The pizzas are crafted with a blend of ancient flours, kneaded with natural leavening for improved digestibility. The secret to their perfect crunch? The dough is rolled in semolina before going into the Moretti oven, the gold standard among Italian pizzaiolos. This traditional technique gives the crust that characteristic thinness and crispness cherished in a genuine Neapolitan pizza.
The menu remains concise yet lively, characteristic of a restaurant that truly cooks rather than overloading itself with countless options. For antipasti, there's a selection of aged Italian cured meats (a small plate for €8, a large one for €16), burrata with figs (€14), arugula and parmesan bruschetta (€12), and the Trilogia Mediterranea (€14), which combines grilled zucchini and eggplant with artichoke hearts. We tried the burrata with figs, which is delightfully creamy, and the excellent Trilogia Mediterranea, where grilled vegetables add that quintessential Mediterranean touch one hopes to find in a genuine trattoria.
The fresh pasta menu showcases beloved classics with a modern twist: penne all'arrabbiata for €14, fusillonis with cheese for €14, the renowned grandma’s lasagna at €17, or a creamy truffle risotto available for €23.
The menu of naturally leavened pizzas features a carefully curated selection of classics and inventive specialties that stand out. For trusted favorites, there's the Margherita Extra at €14, topped with rich tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, fior di latte, stracciatella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. The Capricciosa, priced at €17, combines Parisian mushrooms, herb-seasoned ham, and Taggiasca olives, while the Napolitaine also at €17 embraces the Mediterranean vibe with red onions, anchovy fillets, and capers.
For cheese lovers, the 4 Fromages at €17 makes a strong impression, while the Verdura at €18 will delight vegetarians with its grilled zucchini and eggplant, roasted tomatoes, and marinated artichoke hearts. The Parma pizza at €18, which we sampled, combines Parma ham, shavings of Grana cheese, and basil cream on a thin, well-cooked crust. We also appreciate the fior di latte that replaces the usual mozzarella, giving these pizzas a touch of extra flair.
Among the standout dishes worth trying, the Tartufo at €23 indulges the taste buds with its rich truffle cream, Paris mushrooms, arugula, and speck ham. For truffle enthusiasts, there's also a seasonal fresh truffle upgrade available for €6. For a more inventive creation, the Due Salmoni at €18 combines fresh and smoked salmon with stracciatella, dill, and a splash of lime for a refreshing twist.
We sampled the spaghetti alla puttanesca priced at €15, and appreciated the al dente texture of the fresh pasta along with the richness of the homemade sauce. The portions are hearty, just as you'd expect in a genuine trattoria. For those craving more sumptuous dishes, the mezza luna stuffed with porcini mushrooms in a creamy sauce for €19 offers a tantalizing culinary adventure.
On the Italian dessert front, the house serves up a tiramisu for €12, a panna cotta at €10, and handcrafted Italian ice creams (one scoop at €6, two for €10) featuring classic flavors like fior di latte, pistachio, vanilla, chocolate, lemon, and red fruits. There's also a rich chocolate fondant priced at €12, served with vanilla ice cream. We wrapped up our meal with an outstanding pistachio-flavored sabayon for €12, which was truly a highlight.
For lunch on Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays, Il Tornello offers a €19 lunch special that includes an appetizer plus a main course or a main course plus dessert. It's a great way to enjoy the restaurant without breaking the bank. The establishment also caters to families with a kids' menu at €12, featuring options like a Margherita pizza or cheesy fusilli, a scoop of ice cream of their choice, and a glass of fruit juice. Perfect for children who want to dine like adults without any fuss.
The atmosphere aims to be warm and welcoming, featuring a private vaulted room that can host up to 30 guests. It's ideal for celebrating birthdays, team lunches, or family gatherings in a genuine setting. The terrace also offers a lovely spot to enjoy sunny days just steps away from Place des Vosges.
It's the place to go if you're after a straightforward menu featuring high-quality ingredients. Old varieties of flour, natural leavening—these choices make for easier digestion. The kitchen keeps it honest and unfussy, echoing the vibe of a genuine neighborhood trattoria. Prices are reasonable for the area: start at €8 for antipasti, €14 for pasta and pizza, and €10 for desserts.
In brief, if you're after a solid Italian spot in the Marais, Il Tornello is worth a visit. It’s not about reinventing the wheel, but it does everything right—serving quality ingredients with genuine passion for Italian cuisine. The restaurant is located at 24 rue des Tournelles in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, easily reached by the Bastille metro (lines 1, 5, 8) or Chemin Vert (line 8).
Open Thursday through Monday for lunch and dinner, with a €19 lunch set menu including a starter and main course or a main course and dessert. Prices start at €8 for antipasti, €14 for pasta and pizza, and €10 for desserts. The vaulted dining room can be reserved for private events of up to 30 guests. Reservations are recommended at 09 54 36 09 68 or 07 77 95 14 29. Find more information on their Instagram page
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Thursday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 03:00 p.m.
- from 07:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Friday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 03:00 p.m.
- from 07:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 03:00 p.m.
- from 07:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 03:00 p.m.
- from 07:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Monday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 03:00 p.m.
- from 07:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Location
Il Tornello, an authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of Paris's 4th arrondissement
24 Rue des Tournelles
75004 Paris 4
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.instagram.com















































