Welcome to Russian Tea Time

Hours of Nourishment:

Sunday thru Thursday -- 11 am - 9 pm

Friday and Saturday -- 11 am - midnight

Afternoon Tea Service:

Every Day, 2:30 - 4:30 pm

View Afternoon Tea Menu

Escape daily bustle, drink tea, enjoy life!

A fourteen year old Chicago landmark restaurant has not stopped impressing locals and international tourists alike. Located in the heart of Chicago's artistic district, Russian Tea Time reinvented nostalgic cuisine of the former Soviet Union. Its extensive, elaborate and very descriptive menu features excellent vegetarian fare, along with wild game, poultry and specialty meat dishes. A mix of "hearty" and "comfort" Russian, Slavic and Jewish classics is well complemented by upscale dishes of Imperial Russian Courts.

Chef-Owner Klara Muchnik, originally from Uzbekistan, has successfully managed to infuse Central Asian flavors into the menu. Unforgettable are Tashkent Carrot Salad with coriander and garlic vinaigrette as is Mung Bean and Vegetable Stew. Mahogany birch wood, brass samovars (ancient tea urns), modest but classy brass light fixtures, slightly-dimmed lights and heart-warming balalaika music create a very elegant and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for both family, romantic and corporate dinners. Russian Tea Time is a romantic spot and has witnessed many engagements with 100 % acceptance rate.

Because of its immediate proximity to Chicago Art Institute, Orchestra Hall and several top theatres, restaurant is extremely popular with art-appreciating gourmets before and after performances. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for early dining. Our hard working team of 38 fantastic individuals is looking forward to treating you like a Czar and Czarina on your next visit. Welcome and Dobro Pozhalovat! Spasibo!

What our customers have to say about the restaurant:

"...we were extremely pleased with the quality of service, food and room decor. The latkes were a big hit with the kids, while the adults were pleasingly numbed by the flights of Jewel vodka.

We will definitely return with our spouses."

"We will definitely be back to practice our "vodka drinking" technique."

"I want to thank you for giving me and my husband the gift of a delightful, romantic birthday dinner. The staff could not have been more gracious, the food could not have been more delicious, and the whole evening could not have been more perfect. It will be a lifelong memory for both of us."

"As an individual who usually travels alone, I can vouch for the fact that your staff treats everyone as if he/she were family. I had an enjoyable and private dining experience."

"The European touch you bring to every dining experience is beyond compare. The desserts were all outstanding - we could not decide which one we liked best."

"Every time we are in the restaurant, it is more and more enjoyable. You can be proud of what you have brought to Chicago. It is probably a good thing we do not get to the city too often or we could end up being very well fed, but also overweight."

"The waiter was incredibly helpful, the food -- well, my grandmother Gorki would have been envious. My only complaint is the tiny holes that must be in the bottom of the vodka glasses... mine kept getting empty so quickly"

"Your restaurant is one of our favorites in the world. Your extensive menu is very impressive."

"Russian Tea Time is the only restaurant I can think of that reminds me of the quality of dining when I was a young girl. In those days we took such dining for granted. Today your type of ambiance and food are a unique experience."