After peddling smoked fish, caviar, and other “appetizings” for a full century out of their iconic Lower East Side shop (at 179 E. Houston Street), the family behind Russ & Daughters (yes, they’re ancestors of the founders) decided to go into the restaurant biz. And though it seems odd to say this about a company this old: they were an overnight success! One so huge that within less than a year they had branched out from their downtown restaurant to create this winner in the elegant, gleaming white basement of the Jewish Museum. I can think of few better places for a midday “reset” after a morning of high culture on Museum Mile, because the food here is restorative: bright pink borscht so flavorful it would make your bubbe kvell, the silkiest of smoked salmons lazily draped over a cream cheese-laden bialy, deviled eggs, pickled herring, beet salad, and to top it all off, sinful halvah-flavored ice cream.
New York City
Travel Guide
New York City› Restaurant
Russ & Daughters Café
1109 Fifth Ave.
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Upper East Side
Hours
Mon–Tues and Thurs–Fri 11am–4pm, Sun 9am–5:45pm, Sat by reservation only
Transportation
Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St.; 6 to 96th St.
Phone
212/423-3200
Prices
Main dishes $12–$26, pre-paid brunch only on Sat for $55
Cuisine Type
Deli
Web site
Russ & Daughters Café

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.