Russian Samovar Restaurant and Piano Bar

For a two Michelin star restaurant, the quality, flavors, presentation of the dishes were on point. The diversity of ingredients and techniques showcase a deep repertoire of the kitchen team and a willingness to iterate on known patterns. However, there was not a highlight of the evening, something that imprints the restaurant in your mind and on the map. The service was attentive, detailed while respectful. The pastries were the highlight of the night, they were attention grabbing while remaining thematic.

I absolutely loved my experience at Atera, from the service of everyone there, servers and chefs alike who all seemed in sync even when patrons were all at different parts of the tasting menu, to the actual mouth journey and experiences provided through the ingredients, the unique flavor combinations and how they were prepared. I would definitely come back to try a different menu. I included some of my favorite dishes, but it's definitely something to be experienced for yourself!

This was both the best travel experience and the best food experience I’ve ever had. 13 courses, 15 bites, every one executed to absolute perfection. I couldn’t pick a favorite dish. They were all to die for. We also got the non alcoholic pairing with the meal and it was so flavorful, not just flavored soda water like most “mocktails”. We were seated in an intimate room with the chefs plating the dishes at a station at the front of the room. It was dinner and a show all in one. The service was also exceptional from start to finish. I did so much research on which chef’s tasting menu to try in NYC, and ultimately picked this one. It was so good that I might not try another one when visiting nyc. I might just come back to this one every time. Those two Michelin stars were deservedly earned. Tasting menu was $298pp, non alcoholic pairing was $138pp.