Knife Italian Steak
Raised on the Upper East Side and steeped in the aromas of New York’s Little Italy, chef John Tesar learned at an early age how to move comfortably between refinement and familiarity.
The James Beard–nominated, Michelin-starred chef, once featured alongside Anthony Bourdain on “A Cook’s Tour,” has long been known for his bold creativity, unapologetic confidence and unmatched skill with a steak knife. Now, he’s blending his razor-sharp skills with Texas-sized flavor at his newest concept: Knife Italian Steak, located inside The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas.
This marks the fifth restaurant in Tesar’s growing portfolio, joining acclaimed sister concepts such as Knife Steakhouse in both Dallas and Plano, Sons of Liberty, and Knife & Spoon, the latter of which earned its Michelin star at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes.
The chef’s latest venture, however, leans into his Italian roots while staying true to the beef-driven excellence that made him a household name among Dallas food lovers.
Where Italy Meets Texas
Step inside and the air is thick with the scent of seared ribeye, garlic and rosemary. Diners can start with ultra-thin carpaccio dressed with shaved truffles, smoked tallow aioli and mustard cress — a dish that feels both delicate and indulgent.
From there, the menu moves seamlessly between Italy and Texas: lobster agnolotti folded by hand and bathed in saffron cream, a peppery cacio e pepe that hits just the right balance of bite and creaminess, and a 44 Farms ribeye seared in rosemary butter until it melts in your mouth.
The restaurant exclusively sources its premier angus beef from nearby Cameron, Texas— the home of 44 Farms. Since 1909, five generations of experience combine with science and family values to produce cuts dry-aged up to 240 days, known for remarkable depth and tenderness. Seafood lovers will find the menu is also full of lighter fare, including seared scallops and Mediterranean branzino, crisp salads and seasonal vegetables. House-made desserts like tiramisu and olive oil cake round out an impeccable experience where every plate captures the harmony of two worlds — rustic Italian comfort and polished Texas luxury.
Tesar describes his culinary philosophy as “progressive yet grounded,” a reflection of decades spent pushing boundaries while respecting tradition.
“When I created Knife Steakhouse a decade ago, my goal was to build a steakhouse for everyone,” he says. “But diners evolve — they want experiences that feel both fresh and familiar. That’s exactly what Knife Italian Steak delivers.”
Redefining Fine Dining
It’s a fitting evolution for a chef who’s spent his life redefining what American fine dining looks like. From his early years in New York kitchens to appearances on “Top Chef” and “No Reservations,” Tesar’s career has been equal parts grit, reinvention and precision. With this latest venture, he’s not reinventing himself so much as refining the essence of what’s made him a standout all along: bold flavor, impeccable technique and a willingness to make fine dining approachable.
Soft lighting bounces off olive-green booths and rose-toned accents, creating an atmosphere that’s intimate yet lively. Guests can unwind over dinner from 5 to 10 p.m., or stop in for breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the café serves Italian-inspired morning bites like espresso, pastries and savory breakfast paninis.
Private dining rooms, valet service and The Ritz-Carlton’s hallmark hospitality make it ideal for gatherings and celebrations alike. Sophisticated yet unpretentious, the restaurant delivers refinement with ease.
Just 20 minutes from Southlake, Knife Italian Steak bridges the distance between the East Coast and North Texas. It’s an homage to where Tesar came from and where he’s landed — a place where Texas chops meet Italian soul.
Much like its creator, the restaurant feels elevated but never fussy — the kind of place where a perfectly seared steak is right at home next to handmade pasta and a glass of Barolo.
Knife Italian Steak
4150 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Inside The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas
972.717.2420