Knife Italian Steak

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Where Italian Tradition Meets the Steakhouse

Knife Italian Steak is Chef John Tesar's latest expression of a culinary vision that has already produced celebrated steakhouses in Dallas and Plano, and the Michelin-starred Knife & Spoon at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes. Situated at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas in Irving, Texas, the restaurant brings together two distinct identities — the Italian table and the American steakhouse — into a single, cohesive experience rooted in family-style dining.

Tesar traces the concept back to his upbringing on the Upper East Side of New York City, where his affection for both American and Italian cooking took shape early. That personal history is present throughout Knife Italian Steak, giving the menu a sense of authenticity that goes beyond stylistic borrowing. As Tesar puts it, when he created Knife Steakhouse a decade ago, the aim was to build a steakhouse for everyone. Knife Italian Steak extends that ambition, responding to diners who want something that feels simultaneously fresh, familiar, and distinctive.

A Menu Built for Sharing

The menu is designed to move — deliberately — from lighter, more vibrant dishes toward heartier, more robust ones. Handcrafted pastas and expertly aged steaks anchor the dinner experience, with the Bistecca Alla Fiorentina standing out as a featured centerpiece. The approach is progressive without being precious, drawing on global influences while keeping Italian tradition firmly at the core.

Service runs across three distinct periods: a café menu from morning into early afternoon, lunch, and a full dinner service. Each has its own character, from Italian-inspired breakfast dishes to the bold flavors that define the evening.

The Wine Program and Private Spaces

Wine Spectator recognized Knife Italian Steak with its Best of Award of Excellence in 2025 — a distinction that reflects the depth and curation of a cellar overseen by the restaurant's in-house sommelier. Guests can get a close look at that collection in The Wine Room, a private dining space with direct views of the cellar, available for intimate gatherings of up to fourteen.

The private dining program extends well beyond a single room. The Pizza Kitchen accommodates up to 38 guests and doubles as a venue for cooking classes and mixology demonstrations. Bar Amaro and the adjacent Coltello offer a more intimate setting for receptions and curated dinners. The main dining room seats 192. Together, these spaces make Knife Italian Steak a serious option for private events of almost any scale.

A Considered Addition to the Dallas-Fort Worth Dining Scene

For anyone seeking Italian cuisine in the Las Colinas area with the seriousness of a dedicated steakhouse behind it, Knife Italian Steak occupies a distinct position. The combination of Chef Tesar's track record, a wine list that earned national recognition, and a menu built around sharing and seasonal craft gives the restaurant a character that is straightforward to appreciate — and worth returning to.