Torali At The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton is the best place to have a relaxed afternoon tea in Chicago. The surroundings are relatively casual, located on the top floor of the hotel adjacent to the lobby and alongside a Starbucks (which, fortunately, is closed on Saturday and Sunday when tea service is available). Instead of dealing with tourists, you’ll be treated to a calm space with skylights, big windows, and exceptionally deep chairs you can sink into while enjoying creative snacks—like a lobster roll stuffed into a cannoli shell or a lemon buttermilk tart decorated like a baby chick. Presentation is important here, from the artfully designed food to the attentive but not intrusive service. Despite not having a large tea selection (only six options to choose from), the Ritz is one of our favorite spots for tea.