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Caviar Russe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Caviar Russe
8.7
A long-running Madison Avenue dining room built around top-tier caviar and polished New American seafood. Tasting menus and caviar services are executed with Michelin-level precision in an intimate, jewel-box setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Osetra caviar service with traditional accompaniments, Seasonal seafood tasting menu, Butter-poached fish course from the prix-fixe
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A Michelin-starred caviar house pairing ultra-luxury roe with finely tuned seafood tasting menus.
Who should go: Caviar devotees and high-end celebratory diners.
When to visit: Prime-time dinner for full tasting menus and buzz.
What to order: Caviar flight, seafood-focused tasting menu, champagne pairings.
Insider tip: Book the bar lounge for a lighter caviar-and-champagne experience at a lower spend.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be limited. Most guests use nearby paid garages along Madison Ave and 57th–55th Streets.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual—jackets preferred, elevated attire expected. Avoid overly casual clothing.
Noise level: Low to moderate—intimate dining room where conversation is easy without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Minimal to no walk-in availability; reservations are strongly required. Walk-ins rarely seated.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait with a reservation; limited walk-in possibilities at the bar.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Possible with advance notice, though the menu is seafood-forward. Expect a refined but limited set of non-seafood courses.
Vegan options: Very limited—requires pre-arrangement and may not be accommodated depending on the menu.
Gluten-free options: Generally manageable; staff can adjust many courses and caviar service is naturally gluten-free. Communicate restrictions early.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate room, polished service, and elevated seafood tasting menus create a luxurious but not intimidating atmosphere. Ideal for a high-impact first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely in the main dining room. Your best chance is the bar lounge, where occasional walk-in seating appears during off-peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The space is quiet, formal, and tailored to adult dining. Suitable only for older teens accustomed to fine-dining environments.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier caviar service, intimate luxury, and precise New American seafood tasting menus executed with Michelin-level polish.
Skip if: You prefer casual seafood, need broad dietary flexibility (especially vegan), or want a lively, high-volume dining atmosphere.
Caviar Russe
8.4
Caviar Russe’s Michelin-starred tasting menus layer roe onto composed dishes, moving from caviar spoons and tartares to richer seafood and meat courses. The compact Madison Avenue townhouse setting feels intimate and discreet, drawing serious caviar devotees and celebratory diners willing to splurge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Caviar tasting flight with blini and accompaniments, Egg royale with caviar, Butter-poached lobster with Ossetra caviar
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A focused caviar-driven tasting menu that doubles as champagne theater.
Who should go: Caviar obsessives, anniversary diners, and high-end business clients
When to visit: Late dinners for slower pace and extended tasting experience
What to order: Grand caviar flight, egg royale, and the lobster course
Insider tip: Start with caviar in the lounge, then move upstairs for tasting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; expect limited street parking. Multiple paid garages on Madison/Lexington (typically $35–$60). Allow extra time during peak Midtown evenings.
Dress code: Elegant smart casual—jackets not required but common. Polished attire fits the Michelin tasting-room setting.
Noise level: Low. Intimate townhouse dining room supports easy conversation, even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Effectively no walk-in availability; tasting menu requires reservations. Lounge seating may open last-minute but not guaranteed.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait with a reservation; walk-ins occasionally possible in the lounge.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—chef can adapt several courses but the menu is inherently seafood- and caviar-centric. Request in advance.
Vegan options: Not recommended—very few courses can be modified meaningfully.
Gluten-free options: Strong accommodation—most dishes can be adjusted; staff regularly handles GF tasting modifications with advance notice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want a refined, intimate setting. The quiet dining room and theatrical caviar courses create a memorable, elevated experience, though the high price point makes it better for a serious or celebratory first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Rarely for the tasting room. Your best chance is early weekday evenings in the lounge, but expect limited availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The multi-course format, quiet atmosphere, and luxury pricing suit adults. Teens with fine-dining experience may be comfortable, but there are no kid-specific menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier caviar flights, polished service, and a quieter, more intimate Michelin setting compared to larger tasting-menu venues.
Skip if: You want a more varied or less seafood-forward menu, need strong vegan options, or prefer a lively, high-energy dining room.