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Torali Italian - Steak

160 East Pearson Street At Water Tower Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
$$$
Italian

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Torali Italian - Steak 8.0
Magnificent Mile
Set on the 12th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Torali blends a modern steakhouse with Italian pastas and sweeping city views. It’s more about polished ambiance, cocktails, and composed plates than rustic red-sauce comfort, drawing hotel guests and special-occasion diners.
Must-Try Dishes: Torali Mafalde Bolognese, Pappardelle Bolognese, Prime Flat-Iron Steak Frites
Scores:
Value: 6.5 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 9 Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Ritz-Carlton steakhouse with Italian pastas and 12th-floor city views.
Who should go: Travelers and locals planning upscale, view-driven Italian steak nights.
When to visit: Dusk or later for skyline views and full dining room ambiance.
What to order: Torali Mafalde Bolognese, a prime steak, seasonal antipasti.
Insider tip: Plan a pre- or post-dinner drink in the lounge to maximize the view.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available at The Ritz-Carlton with garage/self-parking options in the same complex; street parking in the area is scarce and competitive in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy β€” jackets and dresses feel appropriate, but polished jeans with nice shoes are generally acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively during peak hours β€” you can hold a conversation at most two-tops, but the room gets buzzier around sunset and dinner rush.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins are limited and may require 45–60+ minutes in the lounge when the hotel is busy.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, though convention and hotel-guest traffic can create occasional bumps.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes β€” several antipasti and pasta options can be ordered vegetarian or prepared without meat on request.
Vegan options: Limited β€” a small number of dishes can be adapted, but it is best to confirm with the kitchen ahead of time.
Gluten-free options: Yes β€” steaks and many mains are naturally gluten-free, and some pastas can be substituted or modified; staff is accustomed to dietary requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes β€” the polished service, skyline views, and quieter two-top seating earlier in the evening make it a strong choice for an upscale first date or milestone dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes β€” the lounge and bar may seat walk-ins, but dining-room availability is limited during prime hours; call ahead or join the waitlist through the host stand if you’re nearby.
Is it kid-friendly? It skews adult-oriented and special-occasion focused; older kids and teens are fine earlier in the evening, but it’s not designed for young children or stroller-heavy parties.
Best For
Better for: Scenic skyline views, polished hotel-level service, and composed Italian-steak plates suited to celebrations, business dinners, and out-of-town guests.
Skip if: You want casual red-sauce comfort food, large family-style portions, or a budget-friendly night out β€” a neighborhood trattoria will be a better fit.
Torali Italian - Steak 7.7
Streeterville
On the 12th floor of the Ritz-Carlton, Torali is an Italian-leaning steakhouse serving prime cuts, handmade pastas, and polished desserts with partial city and lake views. It functions as a slightly more relaxed fine-dining option where hotel guests and locals mix over martinis and ribeye.
Must-Try Dishes: Prime ribeye with roasted garlic, Housemade tagliatelle bolognese, Torali Triple Chocolate Layer Cake
Scores:
Value: 6.3 Service: 7.7 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 8.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A hotel Italian-steakhouse hybrid where prime steaks and house pastas meet a terrace-ready twelfth-floor setting.
Who should go: Guests wanting polished steakhouse fare without classic steakhouse crowds.
When to visit: Golden-hour dinners to catch views before the room fills.
What to order: Prime ribeye, tagliatelle bolognese, Triple Chocolate Layer Cake.
Insider tip: If weather cooperates, request terrace seating or bar-adjacent tables for the best balance of views and service pace.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ritz-Carlton hotel valet is the most reliable option (premium pricing; validation not guaranteed). Limited street parking nearby and garage availability varies during events.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy β€” jackets and dresses fit the room, polished jeans acceptable but avoid overly casual attire.
Noise level: Moderate β€” conversation is comfortable at most two-tops, but bar and terrace areas get livelier during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Typically advisable to reserve β€” walk-ins may face 30–60 minutes depending on hotel traffic and terrace demand.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait, especially outside convention and business travel peaks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes β€” several pasta and appetizer options can be made or ordered vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited β€” a few sides and salads may be adaptable; best to notify the server in advance.
Gluten-free options: Yes β€” staff offers guidance on gluten-free substitutions and steak/seafood options, but cross-contact is possible in a hotel kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes β€” the refined hotel setting, view-adjacent tables, and polished pacing make it a strong choice for a relaxed but elevated first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes β€” the bar and terrace area may have limited walk-in availability, but prime dinner hours and weekends are safer with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens β€” the room skews adult and business-leaning, but the hotel setting and service style can accommodate well-behaved families.
Best For
Better for: Polished hotel-style service, quieter fine-dining energy than classic steakhouses, and the bonus of twelfth-floor partial city and lake views.
Skip if: You want a high-energy, traditional steakhouse experience, large-format portions, or a budget-minded dinner outside a hotel environment.

Hours

Monday7am - 2pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday7am - 2pm