Chicago, 2O24

Tre Dita

A refined dining destination in Chicago, Tre Dita showcases modern Italian cuisine within an elegant space. The amber palette is thoughtfully punctuated with reds and blues, creating a warm yet vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable culinary experience.

The studio used an organic colour scheme that includes earthy tones of terracotta, sienna, and maroon, alongside white and grey marble. The entrance features arched detailing and columns that nod to Italian architecture. The use of dark-stained, chequered flooring, timber panelling, and wrought-iron lighting adds a casual flair while also evoking the sophisticated yet relaxed dining style of southern Europe.

Tianna Williams, Wallpaper*

Lettuce worked with David Collins Studio to create an 8,600-square-foot space outfitted with grey Tuscan marbles, arched portals, dark-stained timber chequerboard flooring, walnut timber panelling, and wrought-iron light fixtures.

Ashok Selvam, Eater

Nestled on the second floor of the architecturally striking St. Regis Chicago, Tre Dita reimagines the charm of Tuscany within a contemporary urban setting. Designed by David Collins Studio in collaboration with Chef Evan Funke and Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, this refined Cucina Toscana draws on the vernacular of Tuscan architecture and craftsmanship, creating an immersive dining experience that celebrates sophistication and glamour.

Inspired by the interplay between the building’s dramatic architecture, Chicago’s waterfront, and Tuscan artistry, Tre Dita artfully balances rustic tradition with contemporary elegance. The interiors feature textured plaster walls, timber joists, and sun-faded linens, evoking the romance of Tuscany’s rolling landscapes. The dining space’s soaring double-height ceilings are tempered by architectural intimacy, with angled beams and patchwork glazing framing the interplay of light, colour, and texture.

Bar Tre Dita, adjacent to the main restaurant, offers a compelling visual narrative through Dean Barger’s striking 96-foot-long mural. Draped dramatically above the bar, this hand-painted artwork abstracts the Chicago skyline, integrating elements of the city’s river and iconic architecture with a Tuscan-inspired palette of sienna, deep red, and ochre. Paired with the bar’s Cipollino marble finishes, walnut timber panelling, and bespoke textured leather seating, the mural anchors the space in its unique context while adding a layer of artistry that harmonises with the broader design concept.

The journey into Tre Dita begins with the Gastronomic Tunnel, where guests transition from an intimate, enclosed entryway into the expansive main dining room. This play on volume heightens the sense of arrival, as the tunnel opens into a grand space filled with light and views of Chicago’s waterfront. Along the way, guests encounter curated displays of hand-crafted pasta and Tuscan delicacies, reinforcing the focus on craftsmanship that permeates the restaurant.

Tre Dita offers a harmonious blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and design, creating an elevated dining experience rooted in the heritage of Tuscany and the vibrancy of its urban surroundings.

Photography by Eric Wolfinger