The Cafe at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago Reviews

We had a late lunch which was terrific. The service staff was spectacularly attentive. The iced tea was brewed and fresh, a great rarity and symptomatic of the high quality of the food. Excellent soup, a delicious seasonal vegetable sandwich. Highly recommended for a peaceful and delicious retreat from the crowds on North Michigan.

A great place to have a relaxing breakfast in a elegant setting. We have been visiting the Cafe and have had dinner in the Dining Room for over 30 years. Never disappointed. More expensive han your average restaurant but worth it.

This is a very relaxing place to go. Very high prices. Very meager portions. Drinks were weak. But, it is so relaxing to sit here and have a nice lunch.

We were staying at the hotel and tried The Cafe two days in a row. The baked egg and baked oatmeal souffles were quite enjoyable. Lovely coffee and very open and airy, even with a breezy chill outside.

Being a Ritz fan I might be biased - but have to say this cafe is lovely. For breakfast the traditional croissants and muffins are available, along with creative (and healthy!) options such as greek yogurt and honey with a side of fresh figs, or some avo toast. In summertime, the gorgeous little terrace makes the place even more special

It has been a long time since my wife and I visited the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Chicago. We used to enjoy fine dining at its finest at The Dining Room. But it's gone. So is the 1970s fountain, the one-time centerpiece of the magnificent atrium. So is the koi pond. But the results of the 18-month, $100 million renovation that was completed in 2017 are awe-inspiring. Start with the Cafe, located in the elegant 12th floor atrium. The greenhouse-inspired space is flooded with natural light. There is plenty of comfortable seating and you still get a stunning view of the John Hancock Building across the street. We stopped by for a lunch break. But you might prefer breakfast or brunch or dinner. The Cafe features coffees from La Colombe, fresh squeezed juices, sandwiches, paninis, croissants and desserts. I had a char grilled Wagyu burger with Wisconsin cheddar cheese and bacon and fries. My wife had a steak sandwich with shallot marmalade and roquefort cheese. For dessert, we chose a plate of profiteroles with vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate sauce. We still miss The Dining Room and chef Sarah Stegner's cooking. But the Cafe brings back some wonderful memories.

Beautiful area to have a great breakfast with yummy food & people watch. The marble & large windows are a wonderful spot to have coffee.

The cafe and it's location right in the sun filled lobby was an unexpected highlight to our stay at the Ritz. We spent time both in the morning and the evening enjoying a beverage and treat. The ladies who worked at the cafe were so friendly. It's one of the reasons I hope to return to this particular hotel in Chicago

Elegant and comfortable

We were able to order breakfast at noon which suited all of us just fine. Our meals were cooked to perfection and our waiter was very helpful and fun.

I always found the lobby bar at the Ritz to be a place where a woman who is alone could stop for a drink and an appetizer and feel safe from unwanted attentions. This is still the case. The drinks are excellent, the appetizers tasty as always. The decor has changed dramatically. Truth be told I prefer the previous decor. It was more refined, quiet, and elegant. The new decor is very contemporary but that does not detract from the essence of the Ritz lobby bar. I recommend it as a pleasant escape whether you are on a shopping trip, a tourist, or just like to relax and people watch.

Excellent breakfast , 5 star service. Strongly recommend to any body who can afford to visit and enjoys great fresh cuisine and out of this world breakfast ! Dr. Pravin J Patel Atlanta, GA.

My recent breakfast was perfect at the Cafe. It is pricey but one should expect that as it is within the Ritz Carlton

Situated on the 12th floor of the Water Tower, surrounded by windows, tables and chairs that merge into the lobby, the counter at this cafe has an assortment of fresh pastries, yogurt parfaits, sandwiches etc. Prices are as expected for the Ritz Cafe.

Babs took good care of us. Even on a dark and dreary Saturday afternoon we were cheered up by the atmosphere and service of the lounge.

My husband and I decided a good breakfast in the lobby area was the right choice since we were checking out that day. As with most Ritz restaurant's expect to pay...but usually the food is well worth it. My husband ordered the omelet and I ordered the Belgium waffle. We decided to share and get the best of both worlds. The food was good however, you can get the exact same waffle at the mall atrium attached to the Ritz something like 20% of the cost. This is not the "Ritz" breakfast experience. We were satisfied overall but the biggest complaint we had was the waiter. He just wasn't friendly. He was borderline curt. Having stayed at several "Ritz" in the past I was shocked. His assistants were nice though. This restaurant/hotel is operated by the Four Seasons and bought this particular Ritz. This is something different than the regular Ritz Carlton and the service shows. Our bill was $52 plus the $8 or so tip we left. Like I said, the food was good and we received everything we requested but poor value and the waiter was not friendly.

Food superb, excellent ambience, service excellent. A fovorite place to visit when in chicago. Great selection of wine and food. Great atmosphere. Quiet and can converse without any noise.

The food is very good--but pricey compared to other comparable restaurants. The "palm court" across the lobby is a great place for a full tea and also it's great in the evening. The menu in the cafe is American and the breakfasts and lunches are great and worth the price--even though more as mentioned above

Overall a wonderful time. Attentive staff in a great setting. Very good food and you can relax and have a drink or two. Waiters will not rush you out. Highly Recommended.

Lots of good things for kids and adults. Very nice & attentive staff.

Pricey, but that is to be expected in a luxury hotel. Even my hard to please friend found something she enjoyed! Nice variety.

The food was out of this world. The service was the best.

Always a great experience is to be had at The Ritz Carlton Cafe. Always pristine. It is the Ritz after all.

The food was incredible. You can't have a bad experience here. The location is beautiful and able to see Lake Michigan.

We got to the bar just before they closed up at night. The waitress was clearly ready to get out of there and, after judging that we were younger (and perhaps poorer) than the other guests, our drinks were short poured and quite weak.

Partner and I stopped here for a glass of wine and an appetizer. Atmosphere - very light and open. Quiet - not many people as it was about 2:00pm. Shared the meatballs - quite tasty and warm on a cold winter's day.

The restaurant is convenient and the service was excellent, but the food is only okay. And very pricey.

A late lunch and an early breakfast both proved to be very satisfying both in terms of food and service. Different items were ordered by people in our party and all arrived quickly and at the appropriate temperature. Breakfast orders were the usual egg dishes, etc, but were done nicely and quickly. The staff was very attentive but didn't hover adding to the enjoyment. Recommend it for at least the breakfast and lunch menu.

The Deca cafe is very pleasant, the service perfect and the breakfast was prepared to perfection. Even though it is in the large open lobby, it was quiet and not noisy. Our server went above and beyond typical service.

My wife and I stayed at the ritz in March. Right after we checked in we went down to the restaurant .it was lunch time. We were met at once and shown to our table.the waiter was good took our order and kept checking back with us. Our meals arrived and both our our meals were very good. We were in and out in a flash.we ate here 3 times during our stay breakfast, lunch and a dinner all three were good. So if you don't want to go out in the weather this is a great choice. Hope you enjoy Tim&Tina G

We had time for lunch and thought the Ritz would be a nice spot for locals. The menu is delightful and the lunch sandwiches were creative and quite filling. Wine selection was excellent and service was friendly and knowledgable. Great food and not overpriced for the ambiance. This lobby restaurant is well situated to enjoy the fountain and the glass view to the sky. Comfortable seating at tables or a booth. The bar is superb with the outdoor area. An oasis still even for locals out for lunch. Definitely a worthwhile stop or enjoy the bar.

Food and service very well. Ambiance is perfect and nice vine cellar. After dinner you may have your desert and drinks at the lobby.

Food and service were excellent. The lobby location was a bit strange because it was in the open, but it did allow us to stay close with a baby in tow and the fountain kept him amused.

The restaurant was open and spacious. The portion sizes was plentiful and the service was very fast.

I loved the french onion soup and scallop risotto. Waite staff was very accomodating and attentive. excellent atmosphere.

I love the Ritz Cafe, the food and service are excellent. The Ritz is just around the corner from Watertower Place and close to many other fun spots.

If possible, with a small group, have their English tea experience. Oh my... you'd have to look far and wide for anything comparable. The English would be jealous.This was March 2009 and I am still in awe of their pastry chef.

This is a great place to grab a quick bite or a full meal. There is usually no waiting for seating and menu is more than sufficient for a quick bite or a business breakfast or lunch.

i am conflicted. High Tea for years was served by the fountain in the lobby, so when Downton Abbey resparked my interest in High Tea I started here as it is a sentimental favorite place for me. bestie and daughter and her bestie in tow we were disappointed that we would not be taking tea in the cushey armchairs by the fountain but rather table side in the cafe. The components of the tea itself were just fine, but i missed the fountain and armchair setting. Hey, I want it all! Disappointed:-(

The holiday tea at the Ritz Carlton was SUCH a let down. I should have been weary going into it as it was the only place I could get a reservation (Drake, Langham, Penninsula etc. were all booked solid), but i was excited for this Holiday tea. Needless to say, this experience was terrible. We were sitting at our table for 30 minutes before anyone came to take our order. We ended up leaving before even being waited on. We went up to the hostess twice to try to ask for a server. Both times, she was on the phone and told us to wait. I am SO disappointed in the Ritz Carlton. You would think that one of the most known establishments in Chicago would offer a nice afternoon but they do not even come close. I have lost all of my respect and interest in the Ritz. Please take my advice and DO NOT go here for tea, lunch, or anything else. You will be let down and leave unhappy.

There's no question the 12th floor lobby housing both the bar and Cafe at the Ritz-Carlton offers the weary traveler a serene setting over downtown Chicago. Though the afternoon tea service may be lacking a star in food quality, it's still a nice way to spend an afternoon. The tea service offers a triple-tiered tray of sweet and savory treats, certainly adequate, but lacking in imagination especially with the sweets. Though a few of the savories were excellent, one was way below average. Overall I would have expected a higher level of culinary magic from an establishment of this caliber.

Excellent place for a business breakfast. I met a business partner there and we enjoyed a lovely breakfast and attentive service. Certainly ideal for our needs

We were looking for a quiet place to have a night cap and take in the view. Neither is to be found at the Ritz as we found the Cafe to be quite noisy and with a limited view from select seating.

Excellent service and a wonderful fresh menu. Very easy to grab a bite and have a cocktail while not having to leave the hotel.

Tasty food, delightful, courteous ,efficient wait staff Gentleman who showed us to our table was friendly, and made us feel like family, pulled out our chairs as he seated us

This is pricy but the service and atmosphere are superb. I had traditional bagel and lox. I have definitely had better bagels and better lox.

Exceptional service (as to be expected at the Ritz) with a decent wine menu and food options. Met some friends from out of town here. It's quiet enough to have a good conversation but not too quiet. Good view of the lobby/centerpiece fountain. There's also an outdoor area overlooking parts of Chicago.

It was my birthday weekend it was wonderful all of the staff were very attentive. When we arrived there was the most scrumptious chocolate cupcake in our room. The new outdoor patio was fun everybody out there were aware of my special weekend the food was delish. The inside bar was fun that evening with entertaining live music. The rooms are inviting along with the comfy beds The showers are soothing and they had adequate lighting for women to put on make-up you don't feel squished when in the bathroom together. All in all a wonderful stay Thank you to all of the super staffers there that made my weekend a success

High Tea was very special....the staff was really helpful...good selection of teas and goodies. Though the goodies were over $50 per person. Guess that is the price for luxury. Salad was exceptionally tasty as were the various scones, etc of the goodies. The room is glorious...A special treat!

Dined here twice while staying at the hotel, once for brunch and once for lunch while meeting family. Both times the food and the service was great. Food was served in a timely fashion and as requested.

Expensive but excellent food from a very attentive staff. Enjoy the rest from shopping here.

We stopped in for some drinks during the rain. We had been shopping and sightseeing. We sat in the bar area, which felt like we were outside with so much natural light. You can sit outside during nicer weather. It was a fantastic place, to have some drinks and relax. Fairly priced, good drinks and great service.

What a special place to try unique food. We were there for lunch recently during a shopping excursion. I had the vegetable sandwich - filled with sweet potato and other goodies. The menu is filled with a variety of options for any appetite. Their dessert menu is also quite impressive. And, the service was first class.

We ate lunch at Deca earlier this year, during Chicago Restaurant week: It was great for the price, and the service was super friendly and helpful. The food is above average for such a restaurant in Chicago, and the setting is beautiful. It is a good place to go to lunch and feel pampered, if you're shopping in the neighborhood. The second time we came, we sat outside in the cafe, where we had a very nice salad and again the super-friendly staff. It's very quiet, classy, clean, at least at the time of day we were there. This is now my go-to place for a break from the bustle of Michigan Avenue.

In my view, The Cafe at the Ritz Carlton excels in everything: the choice of baked goods, fresh fruits, various types of coffee (Starbucks coffees are served in this cafe) and other beverages, seasonal gift packages -- is abundant, the service is very customer-friendly and personable, the staff members Ashley and Mariela couldn't be nicer. The location of The Cafe on the 12th floor of the hotel is very convenient, the contemporary decor is stylish and now very festive sparkling, the layout of the seating areas is welcoming and comfortable. The views of the city are stunning, and my whole experience in this cafe was utterly enjoyable and pleasant. Hot Espresso and the warmed up Apple Danish were delicious, and the small gift package I bought -- Pine Cone Pralines -- was much appreciated. I also got extra three pastries to go, that were excellent for snacks at home. I simply can't find any word of criticism or discontent to apply to my gratifying experience in this wonderful Cafe. Looks like, it is just one of those exceptional cases, when everything is properly arranged and works just great. Many Thanks & Happy Holidays!

Great Food and Great Location. I Highly recommend eating here. The food is amazing and the portions are generous.

Ordinary options without exceptional skill in the kitchen. Presentation is prized over flavor. Only had one meal there.

Often joke about this frequent traveler expression, but certainly true in this case. Lovely and expensive hotel in prime Chicago location. Cafe is marginal at best and not worth it in a city of remarkable restaurants. Chicago has some of the best eating establishments in the US, so no reason to eat here. Easy walk to any number of fine restaurants, at variety of price points. Service was hurried, yet slow - rush to take orders, missed some in our party, yet slow to serve and clear. Food marginal, especially for the price. Restaurant Week Menu, yet each item contained one "too cute" ingredient - trying too hard to be chic. Location lovely, could not be nicer, but just not worth the outlay. Frankly stunned that maitre d' and captains were in sport coats and tie-less. Love business casual, but not at the Ritz and not at these prices. Incongruent.

Not only was the service exceptional the food was as well. Their Veal Schnitzel was pounded thin, lightly breaded and seasoned perfectly. We added Duck Fat Fried Potatoes which were quartered potatoes with a delicious crisp skin and had grilled vegetables. All in all a great meal.

Good food and conveniently located at the Ritz if you're staying there. Food is good and nice variety but expensive if you're only looking for a quick breakfast or bite to eat.

Grab a quick breakfast to go. Nice selection; good service but slow if busy; food go; a little on the pricey side.

The dinner we had with friends at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago was excellent, service a bit slow but the food was outstanding, Foie grasc wild salmon and the fraisier are very good, same taste like in France !So if you want perfect French food, try this restaurant at the 12th floor !

Conveniently located in lobby by the fountain the Cafe serves all meals. The salmon was superb with great service.

Try the Cafe in the Ritz C. Hotel. It's fun just sitting there and being a people watcher. Try some of their delicious entrees too. Their prices are a little steep, but really worth it. We left Full and happy as we continued our sightseeing. Lake Michigan is just around the corner too.

What a great deal for happy hour. Monday thru Friday you get wine for $5 and appetizers that are Ritz standard. Great service and a great time. We stopped by after a day of shopping. Definitely worth going. The Mac and Cheese was excellent. Loved the blue cheese too.

Everything you would expect from a Ritz. The service as well as the food are always excellent.For a business meeting or a date.

We LOVED the breakfast there. If it's not on the menu, ask them and they'll make it for you. Great wait staff there. Nothing else to say...it's the Ritz level of service one comes to expect. It can be a bit pricey though.

Nice refined dining with a great atmosphere. Service is exceptional and the food is outstanding. The Ritz has a new chef in from China and his menu is fantastic. Prices are moderate but the value is excellent.

We were looking forward to our late afternoon Holiday tea at The Ritz, unfortunately the service was shaky and the servers were confused on what to do? At one point we had 3 different servers bring us four glasses of water for a party of four! Fodd and tea were good, but service was not there!

This is an open air type restaurant on the 12th floor or the Watertown Mall/Ritz Carlton building. We had 7 meals here over 4 days and it was consistently terrific. There is a nice fountain and a piano player at dinner. Give it a try.

The bar area covers a large area. You can sit on couches and have a drink or order from the cafe. We had great service from a server named Landon. Food was perfectly prepared in the mode of Paris.

As a vegetarian, I was able to find different menu items that I could enjoy. The customer service from the Waiting Staff were great! The food was excellent and the beautiful decoration only made the atmosphere more pleasant!

From the soups, comfort burgers to desserts, the food preparation, presentation and quality were excellent.

The lovely surroundings, the food and the service all added up to an excellent meal! We highly recommend this Cafe!

We stopped by for cocktails and snacks and once off the elevator didn't think we were in the right place. The Ritz totally remodeled the entire grand entrance lobby, restaurant and check in areas including what was once a palm and plant filled sunroom/lounge. The food is still excellent as is the service but it happens in a more sterile environment that has a hard edge and is noisier than it was even with the fountain. It too is history. Still a great view up the side of the Hancock building, check out the Ritz.

A beautiful, peaceful environment..with superb service, excellemt food...unpretentious elegance. It is the Ritz and you know it...in the finest sense of the feeling.

The only place I can say about this restaurant is the excellent service. But the food is not as good. The choices were limited and the food was not good consider it is at the Ritz Carlton!

Great service good food comfortable place to eat and relax

Solid eatery in the beautiful Ritz lobby. We went during restaurant week so we got a great deal on a 3 course meal. Attentive staff and solid food.

my boyfriend took me here for valentines day, we ate dinner at Deca in the Ritz Carlton. the waiter was incredible, super nice, friendly and helpful. it's an absolutely BEAUTIFUL place, and the food was incredible. we're still talking about it now!

This is a good restaurant but there was an error on the wine list. In my view, it was a significant mistake. I pointed it out to the server and suggested some small recompense would be in order. I was summarily dismissed. This place is really OK but does not merit the accolades it receives in Zachy's.

I spent a wonderful weekend at this location and it was amazing the place is fabulous and Ashley Klinger made it the Best time ever.

The food was okay, we definitely didn't think it was worth the money, but the service was good and was convenient, since we were staying at the hotel.