Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi

October 6, 2025

I went to Tatiana during my birthday trip to New York, and honestly, it ended up being one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had! We showed up on a Saturday around 3:50 with no reservation, and there was already a line forming. By 4:30, the staff came out with complimentary tea for everyone waiting, which I thought was such a thoughtful touch. Right at 5:00, the doors opened and we were able to choose between sitting outside or at the bar we went with the bar, and I’m so glad we did! The energy was perfect great music, good vibes, and the friendliest staff you could ask for. Everyone was so polite, warm, and genuinely happy to be there. We ordered the lamb ribs, pastrami, oxtails, and curry goat empanadas. Let me tell you the lamb ribs were the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my life. I’m still thinking about them days later! The empanadas and oxtails were also full of flavor and perfectly cooked. The pastrami was just okay to me, but everything else completely made up for it. Since it was my birthday, they surprised us with a complimentary dessert a brownie, powdered doughnut, and ice cream and it was the sweetest ending to an amazing meal. Between the food, atmosphere, music, and incredible staff, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. If you’re ever in NYC, Tatiana is a must. I’d rate it 10/10 highly recommend!

October 14, 2025

great service friendly and knowledgeable staff and very accommodating. Great place for special event the food is eclectic and delicious! Get their riff on pastrami ruben and all the appys! The Jamaican patties were just out of this world. It's an original take on Caribbean cuisine that's sophisticated and elegant the chef really has mad skills! highly recommend

August 20, 2025

I’ve heard mixed reviews but I loved it! The food was imaginative and delicious. The space was lush and lively and they were playing all the R&B hits from the late 90’s. Our server, Beatrice, was a gem - always ready to top off my wine and bring us little extras. Glad I finally made it in!

September 9, 2025

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi is a culinary triumph. More than a meal, it is a celebration of African American culture and cuisine uniquely interpreted through the lens of New York. The food here is bold, thoughtful and reverent with each dish telling a unique story. Its more than nostalgia, but heritage and tradition reinterpreted for the modern era. The cooking here insists that African American food belongs in the same conversation as other haute cuisine and is comfortable on the city's most competitive stage. The unique juxtaposition of Tatiana within Lincoln Center is itself a statement, with its stark style and urban cultural influence (from the Bronx to Harlem) standing alongside an institution that was synonymous with European high art such as opera and ballet. The dishes here a refuse easy categorization and there are elements of Africa, the Caribbean and New York simultaneously fused together. Must tries include the curried goat patties (a wink to Jamaican and New York street food), dukes shrimp (a throwback to shrimp boils from deep south), wagyu pastrami (an elevated and indulgent version of a deli staple) and the cosmic brownie with powdered donut ice cream (a bodega homage). The energy in Tatiana is equally buzzy and feels closer to a nightclub or block party than a fine dining restaurant. The playlist is immaculate, sampling R&B, Hip-Hop and rap greatest hits from the late 90s and 2000s (think TLC, Jay-Z, Neo, Destiny's Child, J.Cole) which adds to the atmosphere and performance. I will caution that the demand for Tatiana is insatiable and the kitchen and dining room operate at full capacity at all times. Reservations are still hard to come by (be prepared to book your table the second it opens on Resy) and be prepared to wait when you are there (for your table, to get drinks, to put in your order, to get your cheque, etc). Like many of New York's most in demand restaurant, there are most guests than staff which easily overwhelms the kitchen. But staff here are sincere and hardworking and try their best to stay on top. Also budget approximately $150/person with tax and tip. Make no mistake, Tatiana is still a fine dining restaurant.

July 7, 2025

Decent food that's a bit overpriced. But atmosphere and food was fun. We didn't have a reservation so we lined up about an hour before on a random weekday. There were already a few groups in front and the line got pretty long about 30 mins before opening. Reservations were prioritized at opening so we had to wait about 10 mins or so. We just missed the first batch at the bar but they had space on their outdoor patio. Service was decent and food came out quickly. Others have mentioned, but the prices are pretty high (especially considering there have been a few price hikes in the past year with no menu changes). Our favorite was the goat curry patties and the fish. We'd definitely order both again. Pastrami was interesting but no way worth the price tag (I wish the serving size was smaller too). The side of sauce was delicious and added a good heat on everything. Dessert was okay, looked better than it tasted. Donuts were too hard and brownies were simple. We probably won't come back but glad we visited.