The Russian Tea Room

The Christmas decorations inside The Russian Tea Room are a permanent fixture, setting a year-round tone of festive, over-the-top opulence. This aesthetic runs through the entire space, which is a multi-level immersion in red leather banquettes, polished gold accents, and elaborate chandeliers. The walls are covered in a dense collection of paintings, and the whole experience feels like dining inside a Faberge egg. The restaurant occupies an Italianate brownstone on West 57th Street, right next door to Carnegie Hall – a proximity that has defined its purpose for decades. Inside, the ground floor serves as the main dining room, but the space extends to other floors with names like the Bear Lounge and the Bear Ballroom, used for private events. A mirrored elevator takes you down to the restrooms in the basement. The menu focuses on Russo-Continental classics, with borscht, Beef Stroganoff, and caviar service as the foundational dishes. You’ll also find Siberian-style beef dumplings known as Pelmeni, cheese or cherry blintzes, and an extensive list of vodkas from across Eastern Europe. Afternoon Tea is a signature service, presented on tiered trays with sandwiches and pastries. Given its location, the restaurant is a major hub for pre-theater dinners, and the dining room fills up early with people heading to a show. It’s a place reserved for special occasions, from holiday meals to milestone birthdays. For those without a reservation, the bar sometimes has open seating, and there is a coat and bag check available upon entry.