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Smorgas Chef @ Scandinavia House

4.0
4
460 Reviews
$30 and under
Scandinavian
Smörgås Chef Restaurant serves up super fresh seafood and prime meats based on centuries of Scandinavian & European culinary traditions. Zagat Survey says Smörgås Chef is "a refreshing change of pace", and Village Voice claims the food is "Damn Good."

Smörgås Chef's authentic Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberries have become famous. The New York Post calls Smörgås Chef the "Swedish Meatball Mecca" of New York. Smörgås Chef has also become known for its roasted rack of lamb with a goat cheese Sherry sauce, and its oven-baked Cod from the Kenai Peninsula.

For lunch, you will find a smorgasbord of open-face Scandinavian sandwiches like Cold water Shrimp, Smoked Salmon with Egg & Chives, and Chicken Caramel with Norwegian goat cheese and asparagus. For weekend brunch, enjoy Scandinavian Baked Eggs with a chanterelle hollandaise, Eggs Benedict, Burgers, and Vanilla Waffles. The New York Times calls Smörgås Chef "a little treasure Downtown."

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Scandinavian, European
  • Hours of operation
    Monday - Saturday: 11:00am - 9:00pm Sunday: 11:00am - 4pm
  • Phone number
    (212) 847-9745
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Ari Niemenen
  • Catering
    Smorgas Chef has earned wonderful reputation for its catering to off site events, parties, business meetings. We provide drop off service for simple gatherings, or perhaps, a step up to buffet setting, which can be picked up the next morning...or its an all out celebration and you would like full on table service, waitstaff...open bars, ice carvings...it can all be arranged...just call today.
  • Private party facilities
    Smorgas Chef on Park Avenue has access to the buildings beautifully designed rooms for hosting events. The Smorgas Cafe is available for large parties, birthdays, business breakfasts, or simply an office promotion dinner. The Volvo Room on the second floor is able to be designed around your needs, w
  • Private party contact
    Sabina Lindmark: (877) 724-9806
  • Neighborhood
    Midtown East
  • Cross street
    37th Street
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    4, 5, 6, 7 & S trains to Grand Central Station/42nd Street.
  • Entertainment
    Being part of the Scandinavia House offers many types of entertainment. You can see foreign and vintage films on Wednesdays and Saturdays, chamber music, international bands...on other scheduled dates, and the art gallery on the 3rd floor is available 5 days of the week.Feel free to make your dinner plans around any of the events. Check for package deals on dinner and a show. Please visit Smorgas.com or Amscan.org for more details.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 460 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.0
4 based on all time ratings
  • 4Food
  • 3.9Service
  • 3.6Ambience
  • 3.8Value

NoiseModerate

460 Reviews
  1. OccasionalSailor

    New York Area

    27 reviews

    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2017

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Had a very tasty dinner before going to see Jazz at Kitano. Highly recommend the Swedish Meatballs, the Salmon & the Classic Smorgasbord. Great deserts and coffee too.

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  2. Chardonelen

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    I've been to Smorgas Chef several times and have never been disappointed. The service can be a little spotty at time, but overall a good meal and experience.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful brunch, which was made even more delightful by Mina our server. She was friendly, thoughtful and efficient. We have dined at Smorgas Chef many times and the food has never disapointed. No matter what we select, from the Ham Club Sandwich, Swedish Meatballs, Waffles and Bacon or the Burger, which we had on Sunday, it is always delicious and those are only some of the Brunch selections. It is a really relaxed place for a weekend meal and one I look forward to going back to again and again.

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  4. Touristjim

    Tampa

    86 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    86 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food, great ambience. Love Sunday brunch.

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  5. Hank

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2017

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Smorgas Chef/Scandinavia House has a sensibly priced modern Svandinavian menu, high quality food, and a comfortable ambiance which allows for easy conversation. Great spot for social and business lunches.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place. Have been there many time. Will renew my membership that gives you discounts on food and purchases.

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  7. DavidB

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    2.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2017

    overall2food2service1ambience5
    One server for the whole place. Meatballs were the highlight and salmon was better than expected. "Signature salad" was sad.

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  8. Bill476

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Have been here many times and it is consistently excellent. Food is very different and the staff is is quite attentive. Always a pleasure.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Went here for the first time, for Sunday brunch ... the salmon benedict was amazing, as was all of the food. Highly recommended!

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  10. DouglasS

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Whether you already know you love Scandinavian cuisine or not, this restaurant is always a treat. There's something for everyone, including a great burger, but the herring, gravlax, and Swedish Meatballs are standouts. I just tried the Bergen Fish Chowder, and I'll definitely be having that again. Buy some Swedish jam on your way out.

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  11. aeg1

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    The food is really delicious -- a true taste of Scandinavia.

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  12. Theater

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 7, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I loved this place. Granted, I'm half Swedish so this hit a lot of my childhood memory triggers, but beyond that, the food was just so tasty, with fresh ingredients. The staff was beyond friendly, with just the right amount of interaction, checking to see if I enjoyed everything and promptly bringing the next course (I was there for Restaurant week so had 3 courses.) I had the parsnip soup which was wonderful on a bit of a blustery day, and was also a perfect portion size. As a starter it did not fill me up, being a cup and not a bowl of soup. I had the blenheim ham club and it was wonderful. I especially liked that there were only two slices of bread (wonderful 7 grain bread) and it was not drenched in mayo. You could tasted all of the ingredients. The raspberry cake is a childhood favorite and I so appreciated the smaller portion size. I am one for quality over quantity and this definitely ticked that box! An added bonus to this restaurant is that it is in the Scandinavian House so there is a wonderful shop attached as well as the exhibits.

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  13. r2ro

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great spot for brunch by Grand Central. Superb food and ambiance.

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  14. Foodie2345

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2017

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    For restaurant week, I think the restaurant had good choices to offer. I picked the Parsnip Soup as an appetizer and felt the soup was too sweet to my liking. I should've gone with the salad. I also picked the Pan Seared Salmon as my entree and it was a bit dissappointing. Disappointing not in the taste of the fish but disappointing in that it only came as a single fillet of fish. I figured that fish could've come with some sides and it could've made for a more fulfilling meal. Desserts were great although the raspberry almond cake was a bit dry for my liking. I may have made some bad choices in my appetizer and dessert choices but overall it was a good experience, friendly atmosphere, and good food. I highly recommend to management to perhaps add some sides to the salmon dish though.

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  15. theatrelady

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Nice place for lunch with friends. Not rushed, good service and interesting menu.

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  16. HendrikV

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    My business partner was impressed, says he wants to come back with family/others

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  17. JAFan

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Perfect midtown choice if you're going to the Morgan Library or 42nd Library, or meeting a friend coming into Grand Central. Food was quite good. I had the open face sandwich quartet of several small Swedish offerings.

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  18. MarilynA

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2017

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Wonderful Scandinavian menu, as well as fresh vegetables from upstate NY farm.

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  19. Westchesterfoodie

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious and authentic Scandinavian food. Beautiful presentation. Will definitely return!

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  20. Michael

    New York Area

    33 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on January 24, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very good, authentic Scandinavian food in a charming, casual setting.

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  21. LauraB

    San Francisco

    36 reviews

    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    An oasis in the city. A favorite. Quiet. Food very good

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  22. Terry

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food.... Also Love anything Nordic...love that there is a museum upstairs and a theatre downstairs.

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  23. Martha

    New York Area

    29 reviews

    4.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on January 17, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    We were going to a concert at the Victor Borge Theater so we had dinner first. Dinner was delicious...a bit noisy. The room was full and the staff was nice but not enough of them. Slower service. Pear pie was better than yummy. Wanted to take a whole pie home with me! Liked the face that I could eat everyhhing on my plate but not go hungry. Just a nice portion.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 17, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great! Great!Great! Great!Great! Great!Great! Great!Great! Great!Great! Great!

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2017

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Used to be a favourite, but they now seem to be going through the motions. Food indifferently prepared, and hard to catch the eye of not-very-busy waitstaff.

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  26. JohnM

    Exclusive

    23 reviews

    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Lots of space - good for pushchairs and strollers, relaxed atmosphere, limited but good Scandinavian menu of tasty items - take your time and enjoy it here.

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  27. NicoleMLM

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 10, 2017

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    Smorgas Chef @ Scandinavia House is a great find for the Midtown/Grand Central area. It has a funky, cheerful atmosphere and is located on the ground floor of Scandinavia House, so you could make a date of seeing an exhibition/having a Nordic cultural experience easily. They also have a cute shop with import items. The food is delicious, but mostly meat and fish, so I would recommend anyone with vegetarian/vegan/non-dairy needs to take a close look at the menu in advance. The restaurant has slower service during the lunch rush, mainly because it is popular and always seems to be busy. Reserving in advance is recommended, as well as planning ahead for dessert! Access note: Seating space is NYC tight so if you have stroller/wheelchair needs I would alert the staff in advance for more strategic seating.

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  28. ReviewedSomeFood

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 2, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I love this place! I have been going here for years and it has been consistently excellent! The food is fresh and excellently prepared! The service is wonderful!

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  29. Noelle

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Bloody Mary was fantastic. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. Would recommend to all.

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  30. HappyDiner

    New York Area

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Reliable in its good menu, great service, pleasant atmosphere. That's why I come back again & again.

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  31. shells

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2016

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Delicious, fresh food. Love the meatballs, variety plates, soups. Save room for dessert.

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  32. Mia8NY

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Attentive and accommodating service staff make the delicious meal even more enjoying. It is my favorite place to spend any time and any occasion.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2016

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Food was great. Ambiance excellent. Our server was good but the restaurant was short-staffed so she was not as attentive as she could have been.

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  34. angus

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2016

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    The restaurant hasn't made changes to the menu in years. It is a pleasant space.

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  35. Nightqueentulip

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience2
    Went with a group for a holiday lunch. Seated at a table with exceptionally low seats. Felt like I was a giant in a children's classroom and the ambience is sort of 'cafeteria-like'. Entrees were very good, as was the wine and other special drinks. Wait staff were efficient. My salad, however, was overdressed (signature salad) and my dessert (pear pie) didn't have any taste to it. I clearly ordered the wrong dessert. Overall, the experience was worth it, maybe because of the holiday decor. Prices were competitive.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 8, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Scandinavia House restaurant is an excellent spot for a business or social lunch in the lower Grand Central vicinity of midtown Manhattan. The service is very good and the food is delicious.

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  37. andreinCT

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Really fun and seemingly authentic scandinavian restaurant. Had a blast. the food was great and so was the ambiance. Great for lunch in NYC if you happen to be in midtown Manhattan.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The meal was perfect, right portion sizes. Delicious. The staff was friendly and efficient.

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  39. NYDiner

    New York Area

    296 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    296 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2016

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    The fresh and wholesome food sets this restaurant apart. The seafood soup is not to be missed.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Very fresh and pleasing meal. A root vegetable soup was delicate and filling. The kale salad with added salmon a good choice. Others chose a medley of open face sandwiches. They were allowed to substitute several of the sandwich choices with no problem. Tea was very hot and served in unusual metal tea pots which kept tea at perfect temp.

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FAQs

Smorgas Chef @ Scandinavia House is rated 4 stars by 460 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for Smorgas Chef @ Scandinavia House

58 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Additional information

  • Cross street
    37th Street
  • Neighborhood
    Midtown East
  • Hours of operation
    Monday - Saturday: 11:00am - 9:00pm Sunday: 11:00am - 4pm
  • Cuisines
    Scandinavian, European
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    4, 5, 6, 7 & S trains to Grand Central Station/42nd Street.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ari Niemenen
  • Entertainment
    Being part of the Scandinavia House offers many types of entertainment. You can see foreign and vintage films on Wednesdays and Saturdays, chamber music, international bands...on other scheduled dates, and the art gallery on the 3rd floor is available 5 days of the week.Feel free to make your dinner plans around any of the events. Check for package deals on dinner and a show. Please visit Smorgas.com or Amscan.org for more details.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (212) 847-9745
  • Catering
    Smorgas Chef has earned wonderful reputation for its catering to off site events, parties, business meetings. We provide drop off service for simple gatherings, or perhaps, a step up to buffet setting, which can be picked up the next morning...or its an all out celebration and you would like full on table service, waitstaff...open bars, ice carvings...it can all be arranged...just call today.
  • Private party facilities
    Smorgas Chef on Park Avenue has access to the buildings beautifully designed rooms for hosting events. The Smorgas Cafe is available for large parties, birthdays, business breakfasts, or simply an office promotion dinner. The Volvo Room on the second floor is able to be designed around your needs, w
  • Private party contact
    Sabina Lindmark: (877) 724-9806
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