Since opening its doors in 1993, Russian Tea Time has earned a reputation as one of Chicago’s culinary treasures on the iconic Magnificent Mile. To honor that milestone, the Ukrainian-founded restaurant celebrated its 30th year anniversary tonight on Wednesday, September 6 inside its cozy yet elegant tea room in The Loop.
Dozens of Chicagoans came out to celebrate, enjoying dinner and drinks in a cocktail-style reception that included endless amounts of caviar and house-infused vodka. Current owners and sisters Altyn and Enesh Mantyyeva gave a heart-warming speech thanking guests for coming and detailing the history of the restaurant.
Russian Tea Time's 30th Anniversary Celebration
Courtesy of Anthony Martorina
As a neighborhood gem, Russian Tea Time resides next to several notable downtown establishments, one being the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The prominent location has made the restaurant a popular dining destination for visitors attending performances.
Courtesy of Russian Tea Time
Upon opening the restaurant, Founder and Chef Klara Muchnik brought over culinary flavors from diverse areas of the former Soviet Union Republics. Muchnik was born and raised in Ukraine and also lived in Uzbekistan for a long period with her family — a place where she became well-known for her cooking through event catering.
In 1990, Muchnik immigrated to Chicago following the fall of the Soviet Union in the hopes of building a better life for her family. Partnering with her son Vadim, the mother-son duo created the concept for Russian Tea Time and hit the ground running with a successful grand opening on Chicago's Magnificent Mile.
Russian Tea Time
Courtesy of Russian Tea Time
Five years ago, Russian Tea Time was sold to the Mantyyeva sisters, but still carries its legacy for what the restaurant deems “authentic post-soviet cuisine.” Though the restaurant has undergone a full-scale renovation with the change in owners, it continues to be known for its afternoon tea, signature house-infused vodka, caviar service, and post-soviet delicacies, such as blinchiki and pirogies.
Visit Russian Tea Time seven days a week at 77 East Adams Street.
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