Sometimes the best evenings come from unexpected opportunities. When my sister’s plans fell through, my husband and I scored the ultimate NYC dining prize—a coveted reservation at Tatiana, Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s hot spot in Lincoln Center. What followed was an unforgettable culinary journey that perfectly embodied what luxury dining in New York should be. Get ready to drool over my Tatiana NYC Review.
How We Landed the Impossible Reservation at NYC’s Hottest Restaurant
If you know anything about Tatiana NYC, you understand it’s one of THE HARDEST restaurants to snag a reservation. The story of how we got ours still makes me laugh.
My sister, Chef Shani of 71ateChef, frantically texted me one afternoon: “I’m so pissed Lucy got me a reservation at Tatiana for Saturday for [my sister’s fiancé’s] birthday. They told us [my nephew] wouldn’t have any weekend games. But now he has two games Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Reservation is for 7:30. I gotta cancel it. If I can’t get a reservation for Sunday, would you and David like to go to Tatiana? Just take the reservation because they’re so hard to get.”
After a quick chat with my husband, we jumped at the opportunity. Thanks to my nephew’s busy schedule, we enjoyed one of the most amazing meals and service experiences we’ve had in years. Sometimes the universe just delivers!
Related: Lincoln: A Sanctuary on Wheels – Celebrating National Relaxation Day
The Ultimate Luxury Dining Experience in Lincoln Center
Tatiana creates the perfect ambiance for couples seeking a sophisticated night out. The upscale setting immediately transports you from the everyday, creating an intimate atmosphere ideal for reconnecting with your partner. The sexy vibe encourages lingering over drinks and savoring each course.
The décor tells a story all its own. Chef Kwame infuses the space with Afro-Caribbean influences that pay homage to his South Bronx upbringing. Gold chains representing chain-link fences and iridescent columns reminiscent of rainbow slicks after an open fire hydrant reflect both the city’s hip-hop culture and vibrant art scene. Every detail feels intentional, creating a space that honors New York’s cultural tapestry.
The crowd matches the setting—trendy, engaged, and clearly thrilled to have secured their spot in this culinary hotspot. Even on a weeknight, the energy remained vibrant without overwhelming the intimate dining experience.
Tatiana NYC Menu: A Culinary Journey Worth Every Penny
I don’t know about you, but I always scope out menus before visiting restaurants. By the time we arrived at Tatiana, I already knew exactly what I wanted.
For starters, we ordered the Egusi Dumplings stuffed with Jonah crab and served on a layer of Nigerian red stew. Y’all! These dumplings delivered flavors I’m still thinking about weeks later. We also tried the Tuna Kitfo and Hamachi Escovitch, both showcasing Chef Kwame’s brilliant fusion of techniques and cultural influences.
Head-on Shrimp, Creole Butter, Brioche
Just when I thought the food couldn’t possibly get better, our main dishes arrived. My husband ordered the Fried Branzino with rice and peas—the fish crispy on the outside while remaining perfectly moist inside. I chose Mom Duke’s Shrimp, featuring HUGE prawns in a sauce that made me want to lick the plate clean. Our waiter mentioned this dish had just returned after a long hiatus. Lucky me! It was absolutely goodt (and yes, that’s how good it was—beyond just “good”).
For drinks, my husband started with the Smoke Break since he loves mezcal-based cocktails. I began with their spicy margarita, which balanced heat and citrus perfectly. Both impressed us so much that I switched to the Smoke Break for my second round.
Cosmic Brownie, Powdered Sugar Donut Ice Cream, Sorrel
Dessert capped off the evening with a decadent brownie accompanied by donut-shaped ice cream that both looked and tasted exactly like a powdered donut. The contrast between warm brownie and cold, creamy ice cream created the perfect final note.
Is Tatiana worth the hype? Absolutely yes. Go taste for yourself. Our entire meal came to $314.67—a splurge that delivered value through exceptional quality, creativity, and experience.
Check my Instagram and TikTok for a peek at everything we devoured!
Five-Star Service That Elevates the Entire Experience
Beyond the incredible food, what truly distinguished Tatiana was the impeccable service. My husband and I felt genuinely pampered throughout the evening. The staff treated us like special guests of Chef Kwame himself, offering glass upon glass of the chef’s favorite bubbly: Carboniste Modern Sparkling Wine. We loved it so much that my husband immediately searched where we could find it back home. Unfortunately, it seems only available in California—sounds like I just found another excuse for a luxury weekend getaway to wine country!
Our server demonstrated the perfect balance of attentiveness without hovering. He even shared insider tips on securing reservations without the usual hassle (and no, it didn’t require my husband slipping him cash under the table). These small touches transformed an excellent meal into a memorable experience.
Why Tatiana NYC Deserves Its Spot on Your Fine Dining Bucket List
Would we return? In a heartbeat. In fact, we’re already plotting our next visit. Chef Kwame has also opened a new restaurant in D.C.—Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi—which, from what I’ve heard, delivers an equally amazing experience.
I’d recommend Tatiana for special date nights when you want to truly impress your partner or for an elevated girls’ night out when celebrating something significant. The price point reserves this for special occasions for most of us, but the experience justifies every dollar spent.
Have you dined at Tatiana NYC? What did you think? Drop your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear which dishes you tried and if they lived up to the hype!
