Russian Tea Room

Went to Russian Tea Room for my first wedding anniversary. Amazing food. The brunch menu is amazing. I highly recommend the salmon "blinchiki" and the Kobe Burger. The waiter was always at our service and got us whatever we wanted. The tea service is obviously the star of the show. The waiter explained all of the different teas and helped us make a selection. We were full so we didn't order a dessert. The tea comes with cookies which were very good. The waiter then brought over some special cookies as something from him for our anniversary. Afterwards the manager even took the time to show us the amazing second floor dining room. Which is like a scene out of old world Russia. Great service will definitely return for the caviar.

Pros: Unique menu with amazing choices

Posted 08/10/09

The Russian Tea Room is nice to the eye and comfortable for sitting. They make you feel like royalty. Tea menu and dinner menu are both impressive.

Posted 04/18/09

The Russian Tea Room with its lavish period decor, warm and attentive service and lovingly prepared food would make any evening special. The bar is a wonderful place to wait after arriving early for a concert; the drinks are imaginative and potent, and despite all the extra attention, not pricier than anywhere else in the neighborhood. In fact, dinner at the Russian Tea Room, although definitely not cheap, is not that much more expensive than the other neighborhood restaurants. I may never eat anywhere else.

Cons: None

Posted 05/24/08

My sister and I went to the Russian Tea Room last night to celebrate her birthday. We made reservations about a month ago and were eagerly anticipating the nights' arrival. We were not disappointed. From the moment we stepped through the door we were greeted by a lovely staff person eager to take our coats. We were then shown to our booth and provided with the drink and wine list. After ordering a bottle of wine, we began chatting and didn't even peruse the menu for about a half hour. The staff did not bother us at all and showed just the right amount of attention - assuring us that they would be able to answer any questions we may have regarding the signature dishes. When we were ready to order the maitre'd took the order and provided his thoughts on the menu as well...they were welcomed. The food was OUT OF THIS WORLD. We had the borscht and steamed clams to start...unreal...my sister's immediate response was "i have never tasted so many wonderful flavors in one dish." Then the Chicken Kiev and Beef Stroganoff - i have never tasted anything like it. We ended with chocolate souffle w pistachio ice cream, and the cheese & cherry blintzes. The blintzes were so fresh and steaming straight from the ove. The souffle was heavenly, as was the ice cream. Everyone should make it here at least once. We will be going back.

Pros: Food, Service, Ambience, Wine List

Posted 02/21/08

I went to the Russian Tea Room last night with my boyfriend. Having eaten there years ago it was a wonderful memory never I had forgotten, however I had read recent reviews that now things were not so wonderful. My boyfriend has always wanted to eat there and last night was a special occasion for him and I wanted to treat him to a great meal. I thought at least he will be able to experience the RTR even if it was not up to par and at laest he could say he'd been there. Well we had nothing to worry about. From the moment we arrived the wonderful experience began. It was Thursday and the RTR was already busy. We were greeted pleasantly at the door and taken promptly to our table. Our waiter was very pleasant, friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. We quickly received our drink orders and appetizer course of the Lobster Salad. It was marvelous, fresh and delicate, seasoned wonderfully. Next course was Kobe Beef Short Ribs with Truffle creamed spinach and potatoes. Each bite heavenly, portions were a good size, certainly not a large one but likewise not skimpy in any way either, We also had the traditional Stroganoff which was bite after bite delicious. Desserts were wonderful and we opted for the Cheese and Cherry Blintzes and the Chocolate Mi-Cuit both amazing although being a chocolate lover I preferred the Mi-Cuit To wrap it up this was a marvelous experience that we both thoroughly enjoyed plan to return to again and again.

Pros: Excellent food, Very attentive service, Very fun dining room.

Cons: A wee bit expensive.

Posted 11/15/07

We came here for lunch. The decor is fantastic and very Russian. In fact, the only thing that is not authentic about this restaurant is the lack of live music. The service is a touch off. The hostess is a little awkward and the waiters tend to be a bit obtrusive. That said the service is also friendly and effective. The food is very tasty and beautifully presented. The caviar is top notch, even when it comes to the less expensive varieties. The tea selection is excellent. I recommend the smoked salmon, caviar and quail egg appetizer. I am told the duck pirojki and veal pojarski are also good. Overall, there may be better values in the city, but the Russian Tea Room is certainly worth a visit.

Posted 08/05/07

The place does not flow. Earlier, the chef attempted to be more contempary and progressive with the cuisine, but it didn't match the traditional face of the restaurant along with the awful dated decor. Now the chef (Gary Robbins) is gone and it shows as the food is not nearly as good and a sloppy attempt to be creative and up market. For the prices this place charges, you should have a celebrity chef and quality food, but that's not what comes across. Hostess and wait staff seem incompetent and definitely not polished. You can spend less money and have a better meal at so many other places. Once again, marked up ridiculously for inadequate food, service, and decor. Spend your time and money at another place like Alain Ducasse, Babbo, Aquavit, Lever House, Daniel, L'Atelier, etc. where it will be worth the money you spend.

Pros: attempt at food, quickly seated (lack of clientele)

Cons: amateur staff, dated decor, outrageous prices for the food presented

Posted 05/22/07

Stopped in for a Valentine's Day cocktail.
Bartender is attentive, informed and a talented mixer. Glassware and bar is spotless!
Knows about wine and liquors
He also knows New York, particularly places to go in the Village and lower Manhattan

Even if you're not eating, its worth a stop for a "pop"

Pros: Service and spotless bar

Cons: none

Posted 02/21/07

When I come it very busy. You want coffee? Best cappuccino in all Manhattan

Pros: Syed

Cons: how are you?

Posted 01/13/07

My first impression when I walked through the doors was "They haven't changed a thing". The room looks like it's been trapped in an 80s time capsule, and it really lacked the excitement factor that makes dining out in NY so enjoyable. Although the food was good, the service left much to be desired. The staff was not very attentive, and seemed more interested in spending time in the kitchen, then out on the floor with customers. It took a long time for our entrees to get to the table, and when they did arrive one had to be sent back because it was not prepared to order. The food was not bad, but overall the experience was disappointing. I don't believe we will be back any time soon.

Pros: Location

Cons: Service, Ambience, Design

Posted 01/08/07

Chef Gary Robbins is fantastic. The creations are certainly unique in an amazing way while still paying a great hommage to its roots. I had the Venison and it was the best meal I've had in the city in a long time. I loved it how they brought around the bread . . . in fact I probably asked them to stop a few too many times.

And by the way. . .the drink menu is great. I loved the Moscow Mule!

Posted 12/13/06