Russian Tea Room, New York City

On a recent layover, I treated myself to afternoon tea at the opulent Russian Tea Room. This New York institution (and treasure box) is nearly 100 years old. Founded by members of the Russian Imperial Ballet in 1927, the restaurant is old-world glamorous, stunning, and everything that I love.  

As soon as you pass through the antique revolving door, you feel transported. The dining room is decorated in deep, rich colors and gold accents. The walls are covered with original paintings by artists like Picasso and Chagall. Sitting under these masterpieces, lining both sides of the dining room, are curvy, sexy booths. Unless you’re a large party or a table for one (me), you’ll dine in one of these beautiful (and comfortable) booths. I did not.

I was seated at a table right in the middle of the dining room all by myself -where I held court like a Czarina.

 

I waited for each table to empty to take pictures. But it really was busy, and I highly recommend making a reservation.

The tea itself was mediocre. They were not at all generous with the caviar, and they use teabags. I know loose tea is more expensive and a pain to clean up after, but the taste is incomparable. Obviously, I’m a tea drinker. And I was a little surprised they didn’t offer Russian Caravan tea -one of my favorites. However, they served me Lapsang Souchong (another favorite), which wasn’t on the menu. Lapsang Souchong , like Russian Caravan, is a smoky tea, and I think an ideal choice. You want a bold tea sitting in such a bold setting.

Interestingly, they served the Lapsang Souchong with a cherry compote. I had never seen this before, and I asked for instructions. My waiter confirmed that, yes, the cherries go into the tea. I was not a fan. After I ruined my tea, I had to ask for a new cup. But I’m all for trying new things. And I will add that the tea sandwiches were tasty and the scones were buttery. I think it was well worth the $80 for the tea -$105 if you want to add a glass of champagne. I skipped the champagne; I thought that was pushing the value.

They’re open for lunch and dinner. And in addition to daily afternoon tea, they offer other special menus, such as a three-course business express lunch for $65 and a three-course pre/post-theater menu for $85.   

I look forward to going back and trying their Russian food: Red Borscht, Boeuf a Stroganoff, Cotelette a la Kiev, and, of course, caviar and vodka. And I absolutely have to see their private party rooms. I think next time, I may say I’m planning a wedding reception to get a peek.  

PS, and fun fact: Before Madonna was a an international pop star, she was a coat-check girl at the Russian Tea Room