Seemor
Tartinery Café - Bar | Olympic TowerB+Worth Trying
645 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022
· Cafe, Breakfast restaurant, Coffee shop
· 4.7/5 Google (1210 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Stylish atrium cafe with French-style tartines, salads, and strong coffee program; lovely views and light fare, but service speed and occasional training lapses can frustrate during busy times.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Tartinery Café delivers solid neighborhood cafe dining anchored by exceptional setting appeal—the Olympic Tower atrium with cathedral views creates a genuinely memorable space. Food quality is above average with well-executed tartines and seasonal soups, but inconsistent execution on items like omelettes and coffee, combined with notably slow service during peak hours, prevents grade A territory. Best experienced during quieter times when the lovely setting and thoughtful menu shine without service friction.
Restaurant Summary
Set inside the Olympic Tower atrium, the room feels bright and airy with towering glass and a postcard view of St. Patrick’s. Reviews praise relaxed breakfasts and sightseeing breaks, noting, "It felt like a calm pause from Midtown." Service warmth is often highlighted, though busy times can stretch waits despite the lovely setting. The cooking leans elevated cafe fare with French touchstones: tartines, croques, seasonal soups, and produce-forward bowls. The culinary approach is elevated traditional with global accents: thoughtful combinations like labneh and harissa mayo without culinary theatrics. Diners who enjoy light, fresh flavors over heavy plates will appreciate the clean, balanced dishes. Families fare well here thanks to space for strollers and kid-friendly picks like ham and cheese croissants, Nutella tartine, and simple eggs. There is no explicit kids menu, but the menu includes many approachable items; portions skew European-light, so hungry teens may want a bowl plus a tartine.
At a Glance
- Gorgeous atrium space with cathedral views
- Well-executed tartines, croques, and seasonal soups
- Service can be slow and uneven at peak hours
- Portions can feel small for the price
- Strong dietary flexibility (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
What Sets It Apart
- cathedral_view_atrium
- elevated_tartine_focus
- broad_dietary_options
What People Love
- Calm break from Midtown bustle
- Fresh, bright flavors on tartines and soups
- Friendly servers remembered by name
- Views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Points of Concern
- Expect slower service during lunch and weekend peaks; several reports of delayed orders
- A few cleanliness lapses (crumbs, cutlery) contrasted with otherwise polished space
- Portions are European-style; some diners felt meals were small for price
- Isolated reports of upsell to bottled water; ask clearly for tap if preferred
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$33-45 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a mid-priced tartine with the $9-10 soup for a satisfying light lunch
- Dessert share: Chocolate Fondant ($10) is a strong closer
- Bowls ($16.50-17) suit gluten-free and vegan diners; customize with add-ons
Perfect For
- Relaxed brunch near Rockefeller Center
- Light lunch during shopping on 5th Ave
- Coffee and dessert in a scenic spot
- Casual meetups with out-of-town visitors
Location Insights
Area: Prime Midtown corridor catering to office crowds and tourists near Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Safety: Heavily trafficked, well-lit, and generally safe; security present in office atrium setting.
Nearby: Steps from Rockefeller Center, luxury retail, offices, and hotels; strong foot traffic all day.
Midtown EastMidtown East is characterized by a mix of corporate offices, luxury hotels, and upscale residential buildings. The dining scene includes high-end restaurants, casual eateries, and international cuisine catering to both office workers and visitors, with a generally fast-paced yet polished atmosphere.
Turtle BayTurtle Bay is a quieter, more residential pocket within Midtown East, known for its proximity to the United Nations and a selection of refined dining options that attract a professional and international crowd seeking a more relaxed environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–19:00
Tuesday08:00–19:00
Wednesday08:00–19:00
Thursday08:00–19:00
Friday08:00–18:00
Saturday08:00–17:00
Sunday08:00–17:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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