Torali Italian-Steak Awards

Torali Italian-Steak Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant and décor: There’s nothing stodgy about what could be just another Italian steakhouse at another high-end hotel in Streeterville. Torali is a jewel on the Mag Mile: open, airy and modern with curvy booths, marble floors and an atrium that streams light in. An oversize globular chandelier and whatever well-heeled business group is milling about in the bar area compete for attention, but the space is wide enough, and partitioned off, that neither is a distraction to diners. Service is on point. For every server taking your order, there’s another staffer awaiting with a fresh pour of water or wine. A rooftop terrace overlooking the John Hancock building is a great escape for pre- or post-dinner cocktails.

Food & Drinks: House-made pastas, wild fish, seafood and prime-aged steaks satisfy the expense account set inside The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago. Surf gets earthy in the PEI mussels laced with escarole, tomato and ’nduja served with grilled bread for dipping. Smoked eggplant, black garlic and chickpeas add a deeper flavor profile to burrata, a strong antipasti option. Pasta can’t be ruled out; the gemelli packs richness with wild boar ragù, and roasted duck agnolotti is pure decadence with ricotta impastata. A bone-in rib-eye is ideally charred and tender on the inside. Finish with fluffy hazelnut mousse plated with a bomb of chocolate gelato. A global wine list and cocktails such as a Negroni Bianco and Sbagliato (featuring Hendrick’s Gin) make for a well-rounded spirits program.