Instagram Posts References
This post highlights the LA Times' selection for 'Restaurant of the Year' in 2024. The featured image showcases a beautifully plated dessert, suggesting a high level of culinary artistry and attention to detail at the chosen establishment. The dessert includes a pink sorbet, intricate sugar work, chocolate crumble, and pistachios, indicating a sophisticated and modern approach to cuisine.
Lillie's Victorian Establishment is presented as an elegant and unique dining destination in Times Square, known for its immersive Victorian ambiance created by genuine photos, antiques, stained glass from Milan, a four-hundred-year-old clock, and decorative carvings from Ireland. The post specifically details a positive afternoon tea experience, featuring a lavish three-tiered presentation of assorted mini sweets, fresh pastries, and petite finger sandwiches. Beyond afternoon tea, the restaurant also serves brunch, dinner, and offers signature cocktails, positioning itself as a perfect spot for various occasions or a momentary escape from the ordinary in Manhattan.
This establishment is recommended as part of the GoCity New York Mini Guide for its Victorian-themed dining.
Lillie's Victorian Establishment in NYC has undergone a complete Bridgerton-themed makeover, providing patrons with an immersive Regency-era experience right in the heart of the city, conveniently located near Times Square. Known for its fantastical and elaborate decor that changes with seasonal themes (previously Harry Potter, with Halloween at its sister restaurant Oscar Wilde also noted), the restaurant offers an elegant afternoon tea, as well as lunch and dinner options. The culinary offerings are highlighted as being as phenomenal as the decor, with several dishes receiving high praise.
Lillie's Victorian Times Square offers a whimsical and floral high tea experience in New York City. The interior is lavishly decorated with pink flowers and features a late 19th-century Victorian aesthetic. Guests can enjoy a traditional 3-tier afternoon tea, which includes a selection of mini sweets, fresh pastries, and sandwiches. The ambiance is designed to transport visitors to a floral paradise, making it a popular spot for those seeking a pretty and enchanting dining experience just steps away from Times Square.
Lillie's Victorian Establishment is featured as a must-visit spot, especially for its Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea. The interior is lavishly decorated with pink flowers and art, creating an 'obsessed'-worthy aesthetic. It's presented as a perfect place for friends to gather and socialize. Beyond afternoon tea, the establishment serves brunch, and dinner, and is implied to have a bar offering cocktails. The tea set is specifically highlighted as delicious ('yum') and visually appealing ('gorgeous'), and is noted as suitable for two people, inclusive of tea. The post also mentions its sister restaurant, Oscar Wilde NYC, as another similarly themed and beautiful venue.
Details
Lillie's Victorian Establishment offers a lavish and immersive Victorian-themed dining experience, particularly noted for its opulent decor and seasonal makeovers [1]. It's a popular spot for afternoon tea, brunch, and dinner, with a strong emphasis on creating an Instagram-worthy atmosphere [2], [3]. While the ambiance is a major draw, reviews suggest the food and drinks can be a bit pricey, though generally considered adequate and enjoyable, especially for those seeking a unique visual experience [4].
Food Overview
Lillie's Victorian Establishment is praised for its themed experience, particularly its elaborate afternoon tea sets, which include mini sweets, pastries, and sandwiches [1], [2]. While the burrata and lamb chops have received high praise [3], other dishes like burgers and roast chicken are considered adequate for picky eaters [4]. Some reviewers note that while the food is decent, it can be overpriced for the quality, and cocktails are also on the higher end [5].
Highlights / Recommended
"The afternoon tea set, featuring mini sweets, fresh pastries, and sandwiches, is highly recommended for its visual appeal and taste [1], [2]. Specific dishes like the fresh burrata and grilled lamb chop have also received high praise [3]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •fresh pastries(2)
Customer Sentiment
Customers generally love the restaurant's unique, opulent atmosphere and thematic decor, often recommending it for special occasions and its "Instagrammable" quality [1], [2]. While the ambiance is a significant draw, some find the food and drinks to be on the pricier side, and service can be inconsistent without reservations [3].
Caveats
Some patrons find the food and drinks to be overpriced for the quality, and service can be inconsistent, especially if not having a reservation [1]. It's also noted that while suitable for picky eaters, the dinner menu might not have typical kid-friendly options [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LILLIE'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Looking For Uzbek Catering
"Cafe Lily was suggested as a catering option, noted for offering Korean, Uzbek, and Russian cuisine. Their website indicates catering is available and can be arranged by phone."
PositiveFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"The commenter notes that service at Lillie's can be inconsistent depending on the staff, but the food is average for the Times Square area. They find the servers and hosts generally friendly and it's a great photo opportunity."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"This commenter encourages the original poster to embrace the opportunity for their family to 'go crazy' with their outfits for the event, as they are on vacation."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"This commenter assures the original poster that Lillie's is great, especially for a pre-show drink and bite."
PositiveFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"This commenter agrees with others that Lillie's is fine, acknowledging it's touristy but not a trap. They mention going there with locals after shows and recommend a reservation."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"The commenter agrees that Lillie's is a themed restaurant in Midtown and will be fine, describing the offerings as 'good enough.' They suggest informing the server about a showtime to ensure timely service."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"A brief positive opinion on Lillie's."
PositiveFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"The commenter recalls Lillie's being nice when they had a Trad Irish Session on Saturday mornings, before it became more focused on Instagram."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"The commenter had a positive experience at Lillie's recently, specifically praising the steak. They found the cocktails looked decadent and the wine tasted as expected, recommending Lillie's as a solid, vibe-forward choice, though suggesting leaving Midtown for truly excellent food."
PositiveFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"This repeat attendee confirms Lillie's is a good bet in Midtown for atmosphere, with decent food and drinks and adequate service. They also note that many attendees at the nearby 'Masquerade' event dress up, so the OP's family won't be out of place."
PositiveFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"The commenter advises that service at Lillie's is adequate with a booking, but can be difficult if trying to walk in. They confirm the food is adequate and enjoyable for teens due to the "over the top nature.""
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"Considering the original poster's family has picky eaters, Lillie's seems like a good fit due to offerings like burgers and fries or roast chicken. The food's flavor was described as expected and not unique."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"This commenter likes Lillie's for its ambiance and finds the food and drinks fine. They recommend arriving two hours before a show or booking 90 minutes out for timely service and consider it not a tourist trap if you don't get sick or feel ripped off."
PositiveFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"The commenter notes that themed restaurants like Lillie's aren't common in Midtown and that it's the best bet for the desired atmosphere, despite being touristy. They also mention that most 'spooky' themed places have closed."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"This local commenter states Lillie's is perfectly fine and has been there many times. They also noted that restaurants in Midtown are accustomed to accommodating pre-show diners."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"The commenter finds Lillie's Midtown location gorgeous but notes the food is average and drinks are expensive. They suggest it for the visuals and recommend making a reservation for a specific booth if seeking atmosphere."
NeutralFrom post: Replacement For Lillies Victorian Establishment
"This commenter believes Lillie's is acceptable for a themed restaurant, noting the food is decent but overpriced and cocktails are good."
NeutralFrom post: Kids Birthday Near Times Square
"The commenter noted that Lillie's Victorian would be a good fit for their daughter, Victoria, who enjoys classic and "girly" things, aligning with the restaurant's theme."
PositiveFrom post: Kids Birthday Near Times Square
"Lillie's Victorian was recommended for its environment, suggesting it would appeal to a 7-year-old girl, and noting they offer afternoon tea. The commenter also mentioned that while cute, the dinner menu might not have typical kid-friendly options like chicken fingers."
PositiveFrom post: Kids Birthday Near Times Square
"Lillie's Victorian was suggested as a dining option for a child's birthday."
Positive