While uni, truffle, and wagyu are culinary trends everybody is posting about, one food has epitomized luxury way before the rise of Instagram: caviar.
Bursting with rich flavor and even richer history, caviar has been a prominent status symbol since the beginning of time.
Representing the crème de la crème of the culinary world, nothing screams “I’ve made it” more than Beluga caviar with a side of crème fraîche.
Because let’s face it, does it get more spoon-fed than eating caviar with a spoon?
See Also: The 11 Best Uni Dishes In NYC, From Traditional Japanese To Innovative Mexican
In honor of National Caviar Day, we’ve rounded up the most exquisite caviar tastings in all of New York City.
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1067 Madison Ave, Manhattan/Website
Behind Madison Avenue Marky’s Caviar retail shop, and through a curtain, you’ll find HŪSO: the first-ever “farm-to-spoon” caviar speakeasy that is breaking all culinary conventions. Helmed by fine-dining veteran Buddha Lo, the winner of Top Chef Season 19, HŪSO is an unparalleled experience you don’t want to miss. The Beluga and bubbles, a bump of caviar accompanied by a glass of champagne, is the true mark(y) of opulence. And don’t forget about the Alaskan King Crab “hotdog” and the lemon roe pasta. Truly phenomenal.
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538 Madison Ave, Manhattan/Website
Famed for being New York City’s premier caviar purveyor and leading caviar-focused restaurant, Caviar Russe most definitely deserves its Michelin Star (and then some). In addition to their regular selection of caviar, fresh raw bar items, and decadent bar bites, The Bar at Caviar Russe offers a delicious Sunday brunch for only $85 per person. The one-of-a-kind menu features classic items with a unique Caviar Russe spin including caviar baguette, omelet with comté and caviar, dutch pancakes with caviar, and a smoked salmon sandwich with caviar on a croissant. *Mouth waters*
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911 7th Ave, Manhattan/Website
A New York City institution for almost three decades, Petrossian Boutique & Cafe has defined Manhattan’s culinary scene since its inception. Synonymous with all things luxury, this upscale caviar vendor and eatery is worth every cent. If you’re splurging on Petrossian, you must try the imperial caviar tasting. Patrons can choose from a wide variety of awe-inspiring caviar all at various price points. Do yourself a favor, and make a reservation at Petrossian today.
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155 W 51st St, Manhattan/Website
Eric Ripert’s elite French restaurant may cost you a pretty penny, but it’s totally worth it for the outstanding food, and of course, the decadent caviar selection. Diners have a choice of three different types of caviar: Royal Oestra ($145 supplement per ounce), Golden Imperial ($155 supplement per ounce), and Imperial Golden Oestra ($190 supplement per ounce). All are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, but if you’re at Le Le Bernardin, you may as well ball out and get the Imperial Golden. It’s succulent, buttery, and oh so delicious. Pictured above is the warm scallop tartare with caviar!
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16 W 22nd St, Manhattan/Website
The leading Korean Steakhouse in all of New York City, Cote is hands down one of our favorite restaurants on the island. While we typically come here for the mouthwatering Wagyu and insanely delicious Korean “bacon,” the caviar selection is truly unmatched. Diners can choose from the Regiis Ova (120/oz), Kaluga Royal Hybrid 495/tin (4.4oz), Petrossian Tsar 195/oz, or the Imperial Daurenki 740/tin (4.4oz). You can’t go wrong with any of these, and hey, it’s National Caviar Day! It would be a disgrace to not try all four. Pictured above is the steak, eggs, and caviar!
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127 MacDougal St, Manhattan/Website
Sister to Insta-famous hotspot, Tokyo Record Bar, Air’s Champagne Parlor is the place to sit back, relax, and spoil yourself rotten. I mean, it is a holiday after all. Served with crème fraîche and very addictive house-made potato chips, the caviar service pairs beautifully with a bottle (or two) of bubbly. The luxe lounge serves three different types of caviar: Grinnell ($20), Kaluga Osetra (35), and Siberian Sturgeon (55). We don’t discriminate when it comes to caviar, and all three explode with flavor the moment they hit your tongue.
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225 Liberty St, Manhattan/Website
Brookfield Place is not only home to one of the most celebrated French marketplaces, but also to the exclusive Michelin-Star restaurant, L’Appart. Described as an “intimate dinner party at a chef’s apartment,” L’Appart is challenging the traditional notions of fine dining. While the menu frequently rotates, a crowd favorite is the ultra-lux caviar service for two. Diners can escape the problems of the plebian world while indulging in the Queen Elizabeth-approved Royal Ossetra caviar. It's a L'Aparty in your mouth!
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240 Central Park S, Manhattan/Website
Marea’s extensive caviar menu is just as impressive as its famous Octopus and Bone Marrow pasta. And if you’ve had the privilege of trying this dish, you’ll undoubtedly understand what we’re talking about. Diners can choose from Siberian Sturgeon for $150, or the Select Osetra for $225, both imported from Germany. If you’re feeling fancy, order the Caviar Russe duo for $325. Because hey, it's Monday and you deserve it.
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463 W Broadway, Manhattan/Website
If you can snag a reservation at Sadelles, don’t be boring and just order the bagel tower and french toast. #basic. If you can get into the most difficult brunch door in New York City, you best be ordering the caviar. Patrons can choose from two different types of caviar, the French Trout Roe, or the Baeri Royal, and can enjoy it plain, in scrambled eggs, or on a potato latke. All are outrageous, but can you name a better duo than caviar and flash-fried food?
Photography by: Tyler Nix
