Russian Tea Room - NYC

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1. M

   Martinv

   New York Area

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall3food3service2ambience4

   The chicken Kiel was underwhelming. For the hype f the Russian Tea Room, I found the food to be average. We had a show at Carnifie Hall and had the perfect-post show prix fix selections. The wait staff was inattentive to take away the main course. We had to get their attention that we needed to go to a show and dessert wasn’t even brought yet. I would’ve enjoyed the dessert if I had time to eat it!

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2. d

   donnah

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall4food4service5ambience5

   This is a beautiful restaurant with a lot of glamorous history. It’s quiet and comfortable (too quiet?) and the food was very good. It’s quite expensive but we had an enjoyable meal.

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3. JR

   JamesonR

   New York Area

   82 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   82 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   Great ambiance. The brunch venue was robust and delicious.

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Washington DC

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Fantastic birthday spot for your significant other!

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5. PW

   PryiaW

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall4food4service5ambience5

   Amazing experience. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars all around was because there was not many options for the afternoon tea for anyone who cannot have dairy. I went with my sister mom and aunt. My sister cannot have dairy. While my aunt, mom and I had these great towers of sandwiches and desserts, my sister got little spoons of veggies and some berries. I would have been nice to have some other options for her. Otherwise, we loved it. The service was excellent, and I would absolutely recommend this to anyone.

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6. KO

   KaraO

   New York Area

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Fantastic food, gorgeous decor! Will definitely return.

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7. RL

   RichardL

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Glamourous and elegant, good selection of dishes and excellent, responsive service combined to make a most pleasant dining experience.

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8. A

   Alexander

   New York Area

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall2food2service2ambience2

   Faded glory - both the decor and the food are very mediocre.

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   13 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   13 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall4food4service5ambience5

   Perfect pre-Carnegie dinner spot. Excellent renditions of classic European dishes complimented by a thoughtful wine list. Caviar is not to be missed!

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    W e absolutely love it definitely going back

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11. KD

    KimD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was excellent and the service outstanding. Our waiter even assisted me to help find the supplier of the delicious tea that I was drinking. The decor is worth seeing along with the paintings. This is a must see in New York!

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall1food1service2ambience4

    My friend and I went there for high tea, we weren’t told that there was shellfish in one of the sandwiches that were brought along with the tea. I’m allergic to shellfish and started having a slight reaction, told a lady named Cristina that it was not ok that I wasn’t told that there was shellfish and that is normal for servers to usually ask about allergies. She started saying it was my fault and became quite aggressive defending her point. I asked if they had any antihistamine, they didn’t. I left my friend there, went to a Duane Reade next door, took Benadryl and came back to the restaurant. The food was mediocre, overpriced and the restaurant did not even offer a drink or anything to compensate for the trouble. I’ve been bringing people here for 20 years and it’s now just a decadent tourist place. Nick our server was extremely nice, but still, I won’t be coming back.

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13. MS

    MadisenS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great Russian food - really interesting setting and atmosphere in the restaurant

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14. AM

    AdamM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Flew there from Omaha to celebrate my retirement from law enforcement!! Best meal we've ever had!!!

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15. CB

    CBdiner

    Denver

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    The Russian Tea Room is a pleasurable dining experience more than it is a fine meal. The room is plush and elegant, with soft surfaces muting the conversation and providing that most rare experience, a quiet restaurant meal. Service was exemplary with regard to timing, attentiveness and knowledge of the food and drink menu. The food was a solid "B". Everything was fresh and well prepared but generally uninspired. The one exception was a small rack of lamb chops which were bursting with flavor and quite juicy despite being prepared perfectly to the ordered medium degree of doneness. (How wonderful they would be medium-rare, but my companion prefers medium.) This can't be called a good value, but we don't regret spending the money for a lovely time. A hint for the bar: it would cost you little to stock a top-shelf vermouth for those who prefer a negroni or manhattan, and the cocktail is far better. I did enjoy my rye-based vodka but in the end it does just taste like vodka.

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16. MG

    MisterG

    New England

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing food, history and setting. Service is impeccable. An icon in NY. Worth the trip and the bill.

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Great food, a little pricy though. But all and all the atmosphere and the design makes the experience really special. I’d definitely recommend.

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18. R

    Redhead2

    San Antonio

    61 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic gorgeous room With impeccable service and marvelous menu…

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19. BS

    BethanyS

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Absolutely loved my visit to Russian Tea Room. What an incredibly beautiful restaurant. The service was truly outstanding, the meal was perfectly paced, allowing us to thoroughly enjoy our dining experience. We (party of 2) shared the vodka caviar tasting and it was spectacular. The Borscht and Beef Stroganoff were delicious! 5 stars, loved it!!! Vladimir our server was one of the best servers I’ve ever had. Impeccable!

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20. DU

    DrUB

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    I expected a decadent experience for the afternoon tea service. Alas, the only decadent aspect was the price. The amount of caviar was so minuscule, that the blini completely overpowered it both in taste and texture. Forget about finding nuance and contrast between the two offers, forget about experiencing those tiny explosions of flavor in your mouth, you could barely taste any saltiness in that bite. The sandwiches were good and pretty, but the presentation was lacking; just a bunch of triangles. Make it stunning: different shapes at least. The sweet course was very good but 3 scones (2 of which were practically indistinguishable) was a lot. Perhaps a savory scone would’ve broken the monotony of the first course and lightened the starchiness of the second one. Having said that, the scones’ texture was on point (crumbly, not too dry, almost like a biscuit). The salted caramel macaroon is one of the best things I’ve ever put in my mouth. The petit fours were cute and good. The red velvet cupcake was flavorful but dry and uninteresting. We ordered the champagne and I was disappointed that it was only a small glass. A split would’ve added some value and excitement. The tea was delicious. The service was profesional and through, if a bit cold. The place continues to be stunning. Unfortunately, it was a slow afternoon; I would’ve enjoyed a larger crowd but I don’t know if that ever happens anymore. A memorable experience, with much room for improvement. In the end I felt like a trapped tourist. An institution like this does not survive nearly a century by gathering dust; I hope I get to experience the next “refresh”.

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21. FN

    FredN

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Opulent setting. My beef stroganoff should have been listed as “beef and noodles,” as it was devoid of sour cream or any other traditional stroganoff flavors. Chicken Kiev was fine.

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22. M

    Michael

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall4food3service3ambience5

    The service was very rushed, each course brought our mere minutes after the prior. Check arrived at the table before we asked for it. Food was good, not great. Price was ridiculous.

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23. TJ

    TerrenceJ

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall3food5service3ambience5

    Loved the food! It may have been painfully overpriced, but the beef stroganoff and Czar's Gold and Caviar Parfait were simply to die for. My big issue with the Russian Tea Room happened at the beginning of my dinner, many hours after the restaurant had opened for the day. After asking my server for the bathroom's location, I waited a few minutes and then followed the directions he gave. I was shocked at what I found. The bathrooms were located up two flights of stairs, to the right of the entry door, and from the stairs through to both the men's and women's restrooms (I checked both in desperation) there were no lights on, windows to let light in or any visible light switches with which to turn the lights on! The staff had prior warning that someone would be using the bathroom, so turning on the lights most definitely should not have been overlooked, even if I was the first person all day to have used their bathroom. In another establishment, with considerate staff, I would have asked for them to rectify their mistake. But in the case of the Russian Tea Room, I made do with the fumbling around the pitch black space with my smartphone's flashlight to guide me.

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24. V

    Vivian

    Greensboro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    An iconic NYC spot full of history & beautiful ambience. We went at 11:30 and we were one of two parties in the whole place til about 12:30. Staff SO attentive to every detail!! Every bite was delicious and you can’t beat the cherry/honey sweetness for the tea!

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25. P

    Pamela

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience4

    The waiter was not friendly or informative. The food was not as described on the menu.

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26. DO

    DONALDT

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Went for their Afternoon Tea. EVERYTHING was fabulous! The decor is unbelievable. The service was top notch. The food was delicious. And so many vodkas to choose from...

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27. PM

    PeepsMD

    Los Angeles

    13 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Disappointing overall. Despite advertising and speaking up the bear fish tank - even on the menu, you can’t go upstairs and see it unless it’s a special occasion. Wait staff was very robotic. Sadly there was not 1 Russian in the restaurant making the experience less authentic. Perhaps at a time it was authentic. Now it seem old and a bit drab. Sorry just keeping it real.

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28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 9, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Very good service in an iconic venue with plenty of food for afternoon tea. All the finger sandwiches were great as well as the desserts for second course. The only gripe I would have is that when we asked for a tea refresh we should have been offered fresh tea instead of reusing the first by just adding hot water.

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29. B

    Bekah

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience5

    The atmosphere was so fun! Bit of a shame the quality/value of the afternoon tea didn't quite meet expectations. Glad we went - can check it off our 'NYC Institutions' list.

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30. R

    Rece

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food3service5ambience5

    Aside from how long it took us to get seated and the hostess walking back and forth it was a good time after we finally got seated

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31. S

    Smomof4

    New York Area

    21 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall3food4service5ambience5

    Mother’s Day at the Russian tea room was not as outstanding as it has been in previous years, pre covid. The food was delicious, but super small portions. My 6’1” 15 year old son, had his plate, half of mine and half his sisters. The Bread basket which is the draw for us to return was a plate of 6 pieces of mixed bread, not the lovely filled basket of mixed rolls, muffins and pasties as before. I was very disappointed when the prices remain the same and the portions way too small. Sad, because its such a NYC icon.

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32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience4

    Booked the Afternoon Tea for Mother’s Day. The majority of all diners had chosen the same experience which means we were all being served the same thing - a quarter of 8 different sandwiches, and tray of cupcakes and scones (which were stale and obviously not baked on premise). The service was slow in terms of getting the attention of the wait staff and when they did make their way to you, they rushed you. Our waiter came by two times asking us how our sandwiches were when he had clearly not brought it AND our table didn’t have any food trays on it. They finally delivered the dessert tray (before the sandwiches). My friend had chosen the gluten free option so instead of an assortment of 3 scones, 2 cupcakes and chocolates, she was given a small bowl of berries - the value simply was not there. Again the waiter came over to ask about our sandwiches and we informed him that we never had them. The manager was brought over to ask us the same question (4th time now) at which point she asked us is if we still wanted our food. We were starving at this point so yes, we did. Our food was retrieved and she apologized for this error but there were zero reparations made or offered. The waiter didn’t apologize. The restaurant was still hustling us out for the 90 minute time limit. Water glasses never refilled, no attempts to ask if we wanted to order more drinks, and when we asked for more tea we were given a cup of hot water to put our OLD tea bag into so we had very weak tea. The restaurant is pretty to look at. The food was unremarkable. The service was appalling. $235 for two people (we had the champagne option which to be clear - is ONE glass of champagne for each diner for $30 each) for afternoon tea. I recommend everyone to go to The Whitby next time and not be pulled into this establishment due to them being perceived as a NYC landmark.

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33. LM

    LauraM

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience5

    Service and ambience were amazing. Can’t say enough good things about the staff. The food however was a different story. Nothing special, unbelievably small portions and completely overpriced. Would not dine here again. For example we ordered the mussels as an appetizer. There were eight mussels in the dish….

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34. SL

    SpoonieLuv

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience2

    restaurant needs some upgrades and valet service. food and service okay

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35. KS

    KellyS

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience5

    We had excellent service and we didn’t have to wait for any of our food or drinks. The food was disappointing and average. I guess if the prices were lower it would have been fine. Or if the quality of food were much better it would have been fine. With all the lovely dining in New York we Probably won’t go back

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36. CM

    CarolynM

    New England

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall3food5service1ambience5

    Food and decor are great. Service was terrible. Server was inattentive and rude. We were seated at 4pm. At 4:45, while I was literally lifting a forkful of dessert to my mouth, a manager came over and asked if we wanted a to go box. Not sure if they were anticipating a rush, but there were empty tables. I thought this was very unprofessional. Our waiter was clearly in a bad mood and would disappear for long stretches for long stretches of time

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37. A

    Ameer

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Unbelievable environment. Very beautiful and cozy restaurant. Highly recommend this place. Unique experience. Definitely must go place. Loved it.

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38. b

    booboo24

    Los Angeles

    46 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My mom and I were lucky enough to get a booth which made a difference in our experience. I saw how the tables were placed and it was a bit cramped for my style. The restaurant is beautiful and the food is amazing. They made a mistake on one of our selections and were willing to take back both sandwich trays to redo it all which I thought was a big waste of food/money for the restaurant. We said to just take the 2 we didn't want and bring the ones we did want. I suggested giving me a glass of champagne or something else for the mistake but the waitress said she is not allowed which is not true. A manager could have done it for us but they just chose not to.

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Antonio

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall3food4service5ambience5

    Great food and amazing service. Seriously overpriced

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40. R

    Rach

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    A bit pricey. We had 90 minute time limit on the table. The service by the waiters and busters were excellent. The hostess was ok. The afternoon teas was good except for the blue cheese sandwich. Way too strong. Ambiance was nice. Very pricey but your paying for the history and location.

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