Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi: A New York Culinary Statement

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi Introduce

In the vibrant and competitive landscape of New York City’s dining scene, few restaurants have made as significant a statement as Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi. It’s more than just a restaurant; it is a powerful celebration of African American and Caribbean cuisine, uniquely interpreted through the lens of a New York upbringing. This is a place where every dish tells a story, and the atmosphere is a carefully crafted symphony of culture, heritage, and modern flair. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a world that feels both luxurious and deeply personal.

The culinary philosophy at Tatiana is bold and confident. It insists that African American food belongs on the city's most competitive stage, right alongside other forms of haute cuisine. The menu is a unique fusion of African, Caribbean, and New York influences, and the dishes refuse easy categorization. You’ll find everything from a reimagined chopped cheese to braised oxtails, each dish a testament to Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s heritage and his personal journey. This intentional fusion of tradition and innovation is what makes dining here such a memorable and meaningful experience.

The space itself is a part of this larger narrative. Located within Lincoln Center, an institution long associated with European high art, Tatiana's stark style and urban cultural influences—from the Bronx to Harlem—are a deliberate and powerful statement. The ambiance is equally buzzy, with an "immaculate" playlist of R&B, hip-hop, and rap hits from the late 90s and 2000s that gives the space the energy of a "nightclub or block party" rather than a typical fine dining establishment. This blend of upscale dining with a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere creates an environment that is both romantic and trendy, attracting a diverse crowd of locals and tourists.

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi is perfectly situated at 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023. Its location within David Geffen Hall makes it an ideal destination for dinner before or after a performance at Lincoln Center. The restaurant’s address is a statement in itself, located on the land of what was once San Juan Hill, a predominantly Black and Afro-Latin neighborhood. This historical context adds depth to the dining experience, with Chef Onwuachi using the space to honor the people who made the city what it is.

Access to the restaurant is convenient, with multiple public transportation options nearby, including subway lines and buses that serve the Lincoln Center area. For those arriving by car, several paid parking garages and lots are available in the vicinity. The restaurant is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, ensuring that all guests can enjoy the unique culinary journey offered here.

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi is a fine dining establishment that offers a focused set of services to ensure a premium experience for every guest. The demand for the restaurant is high, and the service options are tailored to manage this popularity effectively.

The primary services offered include:

Dine-in service with table service, providing a full, sit-down dining experience.
Reservations are required and highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity. Booking well in advance is essential.
Dinner is the main dining option, with a menu focused on small and large shareable plates.
Dessert service to conclude your meal with a sweet and memorable flourish.

The features and highlights of Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi are what truly set it apart from other fine dining establishments in New York City. They contribute to its reputation as a culinary and cultural destination.

Key highlights include:

A great cocktails selection, with a bar onsite offering a wide variety of alcohol, beer, hard liquor, and wine.
A great dessert menu that features unique and creative offerings.
An excellent wine list that complements the bold flavors of the cuisine.
An upscale, trendy, and cozy atmosphere that feels both romantic and lively.
Specialization in small plates, allowing guests to sample a variety of dishes and share with their party.
The menu tells a story, with dishes that are a tribute to Chef Onwuachi's roots and his New York upbringing.
The restaurant is highly sought after and often has a wait, even with a reservation, which speaks to its immense popularity.

To make reservations or for any inquiries, you can use the following information:

Address: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA

Phone: (212) 875-5222

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi is a truly exceptional and worthwhile choice for a variety of reasons. The food itself is a culinary triumph. It's a place where you can find unique and bold dishes like the Curried Goat Patties, which pay homage to Jamaican and New York street food, and the Short Rib Pastrami Suya, an elevated and indulgent version of a deli staple. The menu is a dynamic reflection of Chef Onwuachi’s personal story, and the execution is consistently praised for being imaginative and delicious.

Beyond the food, the overall experience is what makes Tatiana so special. The atmosphere is vibrant and energetic, unlike a typical quiet fine dining restaurant. The curated playlist of R&B and hip-hop creates a lively and engaging backdrop for your meal. As one reviewer noted, the service, despite the high demand, is sincere and hardworking, with staff who make a genuine effort to ensure a positive experience. The fact that the restaurant has been named one of the best in the city by major publications, including The New York Times, is a testament to its quality and impact.

The dedication to storytelling through food, from the dishes to the decor, sets Tatiana apart. It's an experience that is both a feast for the senses and a cultural journey. While securing a reservation can be a challenge, requiring persistence and strategy, it is a testament to the fact that this is one of the most in-demand restaurants in New York City. The a la carte dining experience, with a focus on small and large shares, makes it perfect for a group outing or a special romantic dinner. For anyone seeking a truly unique, memorable, and culturally significant dining experience, Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi is an unparalleled choice in the city's fine dining scene.

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi Menu

SMALL SHARE
SCALLOP PINCHOS
Jerk BBQ, Spiced Oregano, Onion Confit
CRISPY OKRA
Honey, Mustard, Peppa Sauce
EGUSI DUMPLINGS
Crab, Nigerian Red Stew, Pickled Pearl Onion
GREEN CAESAR
Baby Mizuna, Green Seasoning, Cashew
HAMACHI ESCOVITCH
Avocado, Carrot Nage , Marinated Peppers
TRUFFLE CHOPPED CHEESE
Aged Ribeye, Brioche, Taleggio
CURRIED GOAT PATTIES
Green Seasoning Aioli, Mango Chutney
HONEYNUT PIRI PIRI SALAD
Persian Cucumber, Seasonal Grapes, Crispy Quinoa
BLACK BEAN HUMMUS
Berbere Spiced Lamb, Sweet Pickled Sultana, M’semen

LARGE SHARE
MOM DUKES SHRIMP
Head-On Shrimp, Creole Butter, Brioche
TAKE-OUT MUSHROOMS
Scallion Pancake, Plum Sauce, Pickled Ginger
BROWN STEW RED SNAPPER
Rice & Peas, Cilantro, Onion
BRAISED OXTAILS
Rice & Peas, Thumbelina Carrot, Chayote Squash
SOFRITO ROASTED CHICKEN
Sazón Tomato Stew, Gordal & Castelvetrano Olives, Tarragon
SHORT RIB PASTRAMI SUYA
Wagyu Short Rib, Caraway Coco Bread, Melted Red Cabbage

DESSERT
RAINBOW COOKIE PANNA COTTA
Dukkah Almonds, Rainbow Jam, Callebaut Chocolate
BODEGA SPECIAL
Cosmic Brownie, Powdered Donut Ice Cream, Sorrel
HARLEM CHOCOLATE FACTORY WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE
French Vanilla Mousse, Chocolate Ganache, Brown Butter Graham Crumble

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi Details

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights
Great cocktails
Great dessert
Great wine list

Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Dinner
Dessert
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Upscale

Crowd
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Paid parking garage
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Parking

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi Photos

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi Location

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi

New York New York County New York Lincoln Center Plaza

10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 733 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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.
September 09 · Andrew Lim
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!
August 20 · Ms. Tran
To answer your question, yes, Tatiana is worth the challenge of getting a reservation. It’s one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve ever had. The food, service, sexy ambiance and incredible hospitality make this one of New York’s best restaurants. We went against most reviews and didn’t order the ox tail or pastrami. We ordered the crispy curry eggplant and oh my god … it was spectacular. Coming from someone who avoids vegetables at all costs this is high praise. Tatiana does sauces so well. We ordered the grilled shrimp and the sauce, once again, made it a lick-your-plate-clean dish. What’s hard to convey in this review is how warm the hospitality was during our visit. The hostess was so kind and wished me and my wife a happy anniversary twice. Chef Onwuachi was there and took photos with us and even sat another couple at their tables. This place is a NYC treasure.
May 22 · Kabby Hong
Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi is one of the most celebrated and award-winning restaurants in New York City. Featured on lists of the best restaurants in the country, praised by The New York Times and Pete Wells, nominated for a James Beard Award — and honestly, every foodie I know dreams of getting a table here.Many of my friends have tried to book and failed. We got lucky thanks to a friend: he went to the bar, spoke with the manager, and got a tip — come at 4:00 PM, one hour before opening, stand in the walk-in line, and you might get seated. He did exactly that. I joined at 5:00, and by 5:40 we were sitting on the patio. At first, we were a bit disappointed to be outside, but it turned out to be perfect — the dining room was loud (music, conversations, dim lighting), while on the patio it was bright, calm, and quiet.They say people often come here before a show at Lincoln Center, but we made the trip just for the food — and it was absolutely worth it. The crowd was stylish, with guests in beautiful dresses and suits — a very nice dressed-up crowd.Our waitress (wearing striking silver-framed glasses) was fantastic and guided us through the menu so well we couldn’t resist her suggestions. The star of the night was the Short Rib Pastrami — marinated for five days! Served with caraway bread, braised red cabbage, and mustard sauce — you assemble your own sandwich. The portion is large, perfect for two. At $120, it’s the most expensive dish on the menu, but worth every penny — every table seemed to order it.As for starters — you can’t go wrong with any. We especially loved the “wontons” filled with crab and oxtail. Every dish came with its own unique spice profile: sorrel here, celery there, a twist on mustard, hot pepper, paprika… Many flavors felt exotic and warm, with clear African influences. Everything was incredibly tasty and made with top-quality ingredients.Service was outstanding — the manager poured us a glass of wine to celebrate the fact that we made it in. We stayed for hours, even though the short ribs took a little longer to arrive. The space is beautifully designed down to the restrooms, which have great music and lighting.Highly recommend!
August 08 · Kristina Zhegunova
Somehow snagged a 5:15pm reservation on a Wednesday, so it was an early dinner but worth it. Our waiter first checked with us if we had a show to attend - we didn’t, but this was a thoughtful touch. Two of us ordered 2 small sharing plates and 2 large plates. I think we could have done three small, 1 large as the chicken especially had a much bigger portion than expected.Definitely get the curried goat patties. I also really liked the crispy okra. The oxtail was delicious, but surprisingly I preferred the sofrito roasted chicken. As for dessert, you know we had to do the cosmic brownie. I don’t know how they make the ice cream taste like powdered donuts… it’s a culinary feat!The only con for me - I thought the host service lacked a bit of professionalism. We were seated at a table for two and asked to move shortly after. When I asked why, they said the table needed to be pushed together with the one next to it so that four people could sit there. The tables were never pushed together, nor was a party of four ever seated - only 2 separate parties of 2. Additionally, when we got our coats from coat check, they didn’t realize I had left a bag with them as well. I slightly had higher expectations of that service for such a highly sought-after restaurant, hence the 4 star review. The food definitely earns 5 stars though.
April 30 · Keya Bellare