A very solid Italian restaurant with beautiful views of the city, but with areas to improve.
Food and drink: For appetizers, our group split the schiacciata bianca (one of the focaccias) and the fiori di zucca (squash blossoms). The schiacciata was more like a roll rather than a focaccia in terms of texture. It tasted freshly made. The fiori were perfectly crisp on the outside with a cheese filling, but I did find them to be a little oily and lacking in flavor. While neither of the appetizers was bad, they didn't stand out to me.
For my entree, I had the rigatoni con guanciale e pomodorini, which was very delicious. The pasta was clearly fresh, the guanciale was perfectly cooked, and the pomodorini brightened the dish. For drink, I had the Sober Siren, which definitely exceeded my expectations. It was one of the best mocktails I've ever had. This and the pasta were the highlights for me.
Service: unfortunately we had some hiccups with our service. First, when I called to make our group's reservation, the host made clear that our table would be in the bar lounge, directly against the window. However, our table ended up being on the other side of the room, away from the window. I understand that things come up and sometimes reservations must be moved to different tables, but I wish they had at least acknowledged this change with us when we arrived. Fortunately, our waitress was very attentive and gave us great service. At then end of our meal, a food runner offered to box my food, as well as the food of another member of our group. When they returned, they handed one bag to my friend with his food, and simply set my bag on the floor next to me without a word. This was pretty surprising to me. For a restaurant located in the St. Regis hotel, I fell the overall service provided missed the mark.
Atmosphere: the main dining area is stunning. The bar lounge where we sat was also very nice, but felt lacking when compared to the other dining area. While the music being played was at a perfect volume, it wasn't the genre I would've chosen for this restaurant. It sounded like techno.
Despite these shortcomings, the pasta served here is some of the best I've tried in Chicago, and the atmosphere felt very sophisticated overall. I hope some of the service issues I mentioned can be resolved for the future. I would...
Read moreTre Dita in Chicago has quickly become a culinary landmark, offering an upscale Italian dining experience that's both luxurious and deeply satisfying. Here's why it's worth your visit:
Pasta Perfection: The pasta at Tre Dita is not just food; it's an art form. With Chef Evan Funke's reputation preceding him, the pasta here lives up to the hype. Each dish, from the cacio e pepe to the tortelli di taleggio e patate, showcases a balance of flavors and textures that's hard to find elsewhere. The pasta lab, visible from the dining area, adds a theatrical element, letting diners witness the meticulous craft behind their meal.
Atmosphere: Located in the St. Regis Chicago, Tre Dita's setting is as much a draw as the food. The restaurant's design, with its dramatic lighting and views of the Chicago River, creates an ambiance perfect for a special night out or a business dinner where you want to impress.
Service: The staff at Tre Dita are not just servers; they're culinary guides. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to guide you through the dining experience adds a layer of sophistication to your meal.
Menu Diversity: While pasta might steal the show, the menu offers a range of dishes that cater to different tastes. The steaks, for instance, are prepared with the same care and attention to detail, making it a steakhouse in its own right.
Innovation with Tradition: Tre Dita manages to blend traditional Tuscan flavors with innovative twists, like the schiacciata rossa, which might just redefine what you think of as Chicago deep dish.
The Experience: From the moment you step into the hallway leading to the restaurant, where you're greeted by the sights and smells of fresh pasta being made, to the last bite of dessert, Tre Dita ensures every part of your dining experience is memorable.
In sum, Tre Dita isn't just about eating; it's about experiencing Italian cuisine at its finest in a setting that matches its culinary ambition. Whether you're a local looking for a special night out or a visitor wanting to taste Chicago's culinary scene, Tre Dita stands out as a must-visit. The combination of exquisite pasta, an elegant setting, and impeccable service makes it not just great but...
Read moreTre Dita was an amazing dining experience. My wife has been eyeing this place as a dinner for many months and we decided to go for her birthday. The atmosphere was beautiful, very large, open space with great views of the city. Most of the guests were dressed fairly nicely, but no strict dress code. We were here for the food, and they did not disappoint. We started with the Schiacciata Blanca, very soft bread with a nice, airy firm crust on the outside. HUGE loaf also, maybe could've used a little oil for dipping, but it was great on it's own. We also had the Burrata which was a nice presentation and honestly the best burrata and prosciutto that I have eaten. We also ordered the short rib meatballs, this was my wife's favorite and my second fav. Could honestly say that I have never had a short rib meatball, but it was so tasty, great texture, amazing flavor. We ordered the gnocchi as well, THIS was my favorite. I wish I could eat gnocchi like this all the time. I joked that I could just sit on the couch and eat a bag of these things, they reminded me of cheese curds. I'd come back just for those alone! We had to get some handmade pasta as well, went with the linguine al limone. I loved it, the lemon adds a nice little zing to the pasta and I wish I had more (and still had an appetite after all the other food!). We also ordered the filleto di manzo, such a soft, easy to eat piece of steak, great flavor. We finished with dessert by ordering a Tre Dita Gatto, again presentation was great. I did not want to cut into it because it looked so pretty. Our waiter did the honors, which I appreciated cause I would've made a mess! My wife was given a small cup of some kind of caramel mousse, idk, but whatever it was, it's not on the menu, and my wife wished it was, because it was SO decadent. I wish I remembered our waiter's name, I believe it was David, he was fantastic with recommendations and attentiveness. One last item to mention, the drinks. Garibaldi Banger and Il Tempo Vola were my absolute favs, love their take on the Old Fashioned. My wife thinks she found her favorite Espresso Martini as well from this evening. All in all, expensive dinner, but the amount and quality of the food is definitely worth it for a...
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