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I had the best stroganoff in nyc!!!
The Russian tea room had the best environment ever since we could enjoy the second floor, which is a room that is usually closed for guests and open for private parties, it is absolutely stunning. There is a huge beer that has real fishes swimming inside and the lightning is so magical everything is 10 out of 10!
The food was terrific. I unfortunately couldn't try the tea service, but I saw everybody around me enjoying it so I'm assuming it must be as good as the food that I tried. Their hot chocolate was in a perfect temperature and their pancakes were soft and crunchy at the same time which was amazing.
I highly recommend having brunch here!!!
The Russian Tea Room was, unfortunately, a terrible disappointment. Although the food was incredible (I had the glazed duck), the service did not match. After being seated, we had to ask for a drink menu. It then took 50 minutes and flagging people down twice to get a drink order in. The drinks and food arrived pretty quickly. My daughter’s wine glass was dirty, but we had waited so long, she chose to wipe it off and drink from the other side. Not at all what I would expect from a place of this caliber. We were never offered the chance to order a second drink, and the server never returned to take my card. My daughter had to leave the table and chase him down for us to pay. With a 5:30 reservation, we made it to the Met a mere 6 minutes before our 8 o’clock curtain. I will not return.
Stopped in for a bite and a drink at this landmark of a restaurant. Besides being a nice spot at Christmastime, it was very disappointing. Blinis were delivered raw, with wet batter inside, beet cured salmon was meh….but at least Barman was nice enough to top up drink….A few lights out in bar & nobody bothered to change the time on the clock which is focal point if the restaurant, lead me to believe nobody is really paying attention to standards here.
Our tea service was excellent, but after spending over a grand to have tea here with a group of 8, one of the employees physically shoved my 7 year old niece out of the elevator causing her to trip and obviously emotionally upsetting her. The elevator stopped working as our group was walking in it, and my niece didnt hear the man telling her to step out so instead of bending down to her level and asking her to get out he deiced to shove her out. He came down and apologized to me after I complained to someone. But I can not recommend coming here especially with children. Unless of course you do not mind grown men physically shoving your children. Going to girls tea is a family tradition and even though some of our family lives in NYC, we will never come back here.
As a long-time, well-traveled food reviewer, my visit to the Russian Tea Room in NYC offered a memorable experience rooted in history, elegance, and refined hospitality. The moment I stepped inside, the opulent décor—with its rich reds, gold accents, and classic chandeliers—created an atmosphere that felt both theatrical and timeless. It’s the kind of ambience visitors often wonder about, and yes, it absolutely lives up to its reputation.
The service was polished and attentive, with staff who balanced professionalism and warmth. I was seated promptly, and courses arrived at a comfortable pace, showing the restaurant’s ability to handle both steady traffic and higher-end expectations. The menu reflected traditional Russian influences with a modern, elevated touch. The caviar service was impeccably prepared, and the entrée I ordered was richly flavored, beautifully plated, and clearly crafted with quality ingredients.
Portion sizes were satisfying without being excessive, and everything arrived at the right temperature—a detail seasoned diners always look for. The tea selection, which is often a point of curiosity for first-timers, was extensive and thoughtfully curated. The overall experience felt special without being pretentious, making it suitable for solo visits, celebrations, business meals, or showing out-of-town guests an iconic NYC institution.
Pricing aligns with the restaurant’s heritage, service level, and Midtown location, and while it leans upscale, the experience justifies it. Whether you’re visiting for the history, the ambiance, or the cuisine, the Russian Tea Room delivers a classic New York dining moment rooted in tradition and refined hospitality.
Food is definitely over priced, drinks are horrible.
Unfortunately left this place hungry, I didn’t realized the main dish will be a small appetizer.
The atmosphere looks great, the service is super slow with waitress that don’t know really the menu or care..
I would not come hear again or recommend anyone, beside taking pictures of this place, I would not recommend , not worth the money.
Everything is ridiculously overpriced, but hey, it is the Russian tea room! Our cocktails were fabulous. Beef stroganoff, while a very tiny portion, couldn’t have tasted better, the borsht and the French onion soup were delicious. wonderful cheese and cherry blintzes and hot tea for dessert we’re loved by all
Three of us got together and reserved a table a few days in advance. We started off with Brut champagne, and Pinot Grigio. Both were great. Then we got the choice between two different kinds of bread, we chose the pumpernickel. For dinner, borscht and chicken Kiev. They were divine. Lastly, dessert was medovik. It was so spongy and creamy. We were very happy with our choices. Our waiter, Cagkan, did a great job and was very attentive and personable. The manager, Abby, helped make sure we picked the “right” items on the menu. Plus, he took pictures for us without even asking, which was amazing. We can’t wait to come back and hope to see both of them again!
We came for Afternoon Tea, which is just like the Royal Tea except without the extra caviar — a difference I survived surprisingly well.
Let’s be honest: this is not the best tea service in New York. If you’re here strictly for impeccable tea, you may leave feeling personally betrayed by a samovar. But if you’re here for the experience — the legacy, the velvet, the mirrors, the feeling that you’ve wandered into a 1980s movie set — then you’re right where you belong.
The Blooming Teas put on a theatrical performance worthy of Broadway, but unfortunately the flavor and aroma weren’t invited to the show. Pure spectacle. Zero plot.
Smoked salmon was the standout savory bite by a mile, and the rest of the tiered treats were plentiful — almost too plentiful. Honestly, they should consider an “Ozempic-Friendly Tea Service” option for those of us who simply cannot power through 47 pastries and a carb tower before sunset.
Service was excellent, the kind that reminds you this place is a classic NYC institution for a reason. And the dining room is gorgeous — unapologetically ornate and exactly the kind of space where you expect a violinist to show up unannounced.
In short: Come for the vibe, lower your expectations for the tea, and enjoy the kind of New York nostalgia you can’t replicate anywhere else.
