updated September 1st, 2024

Have some questions? No problem. We’ve put together this list of FAQs for you - we trust it will answer a lot of your questions...and some that you probably did not think about :).

To be very clear, we are not your traditional restaurant. We have a legacy of not doing dining as usual that is easy to review.

Our rules are simple, yet firm, as they are very much aligned with our restaurant philosophy for food, environmental, and financial sustainability. For your enjoyment and everyone’s safety, there are no exceptions to these standards. Cool. Still with us? Keep reading.

first up

We’ll require that you arrive to your reservation within 5 minutes of your pre booked time.

Our first and foremost concern is the protection of our staff and our guest. We’ll be asking all guest to agree to our “Diner Code of Conduct” (created by the Aspen Institute and adopted by many hospitality organizations including World Central Kitchen) as well as be transparent and ethical in their compliance with that requirement. It's difficult for all of us. We want you to be able to relax.

How do I get a reservation for your dining experience? @ReverenceFineFoods

Normally we will be open for dinner, Wednesday through Saturday from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. 1 Sunday a month (Sunday Supper Series)
Please note: days and hours of operations will change based on safety, circumstances and government/city regulations and standards.
You can make a reservation online directly from the Reverence website by using our booking system that is integrated within the TOCK platform.
All reservations are pre-fix, pre-reserve from our website ONLY. Think of it like a movie or sporting events ticket.
No phone reservations or walk-ins can be accommodated, ever.
From time to time there will be last minute cancellations, we suggest following us on our Instagram profile @ReverenceNYC or @ReverenceFineFoods, last minute seating will be announced if and when they do become available, please note it will be time sensitive and first come first served. in 2024 we now take WalkIn's and have a waitlist you can sign into after 530pm, we'll text you back within minutes to let you know if we can accommodate your party.

We’ve designed and always run this restaurant differently than most restaurants, with the intentions to prepare well in advance for your dining experiences. This enables us to minimize food waste and environmental degradation and impact, which is very much aligned with the core philosophy behind Reverence as a restaurant, its owners and team. We appreciate you being part of this effort.

Most Important: How have you prepared and are operating in the Covid Era?

We’ll we’ve been fortunate to be on the cutting edge of new industry standards and the evolution of new tech and practices for restaurant and social operations. Chef Russell has been a vocal and impactful participant and director with helping to craft and certify the “Aspen Institute” hospitality standards, working with the local and state governments (We're a Safe Eat's Restaurant), CDC, Independent and National Restaurant Collalitions. The restaurant has been equipped with Merv-13 pre filters for its fresh air distribution and worked with “PhoneSoap” to outfit the restaurant with additional “AirSoap” filtration units (you can read more here on the systems). We’ve also become a opening member of the  “Safe Eats” program standards that are acting as a resource and unifying organization of higher sanitation and operations in this new way of operating. 

On a daily and weekly basis we test and clean our filtration systems. Utilize a medical grade sanitization fogger and UVC lighting for both the kitchen, counter and seating as well as our bathroom. We’ll also be offering to sanitize phones and mask as you dine with our UVC PhoneSoap Vault tech. 

Vaccination Card showing has been suspended for the current time being. Hopefully we never have to go to those lengths again.

Please note. We still test our crew in regular intervals as a safety precaution.

What if I can’t get a reservation?

We can't accommodate everyone at all times since Reverence is kept purposefully small and intimate. We trust you'll enjoy the dining experience much more this way, but we'll try our best to have you as a guest. If you don't get a reservation on the date you want, you can attempt to book for an alternative date and time posted on our online booking system. Reservation blocks will become available monthly, to gain early warning access to that announcement sign up for our email communications.

Please note: we do have a nightly "Waitlist" that goes live at 530pm to offer additional or canceled seats to the public. Check our Reservations page nightly.

When/how do I get my dining reservation confirmation?

As soon as you confirm your dining reservations online by using our booking system, your reservation details will be emailed directly to you (check your junk/spam folder first before emailing us with a freak-out), please be careful to save the information and follow any additional instructions.

When are dining slots for reservations available?

Dining slots for reservations are released on the first of the month for the following month. All reservations are online at Reverence.NYC ONLY and for party sizes of 2 to 6 guests per group maximum (attempting to back to back book large parties in the system will have consequences).

Why do you use pre-paid reservations instead of regular reservations?

Reverence is a small space and we want to create an intimate environment for our guests. Pre-paid reservations allow us to anticipate who is coming in and to give guests an all-encompassing experience at the best price possible. This also enables us to minimize food waste and stay environmentally friendly so that we can live up to our restaurant philosophy and business values.

Do you take walk-ins?

YES!!! in 2024 we're taking walk-ins. All waitlist reservations are to be booked in advance and online only. When we're operating, at 530pm, the system will open the waitlist option. You can make your request and we'll text you within 10 mins of availability and dining time to confirm.

How do I book a reservation if I have a "Gift certificate”?

In order to book a reservation with a gift certificate, please contact us directly with your gift card number and 2 choices of dates and times available in the posted system. Guests are not able to book with gift cards through Tock. If you have one of the Golden Ticket Pre Reserve Certificates, you should have been provided a link and email to reserve your spot in advance. Please do so at least 7-30 days in advance, we can not guarantee availability for last minute bookings.
Note: this was a very specialized opportunity for our long-term friends and following.. Loyalty has privileges..

Do you accommodate larger groups?

The maximum party size at the restaurant is currently 6. This is part of our effort to create and maintain an intimate environment for our guests. If you, however, prefer to entertain a much larger group privately, please see more details about arranging a private event with us below.

Do you accommodate private events?

For private event inquiries, the only option available is a full restaurant buyout, please email us at info@reverence.nyc There's also a form at the bottom of our reservations page BuyOut min is 14 with a maximum of 20 seated guest.

Why is a service charge added?

Service is an integral part of your dining experience and since you will not receive a bill for your meal at the end of your meal, we are adding a 22% service charge at the time of purchase. Not having to pull your card for payment at the end of your meal is another intentional part of our experience that will allow you to be fully present and remove any pressure from these details, should you join us for your first date, business meeting or a similar special event.

Can I get a refund once a ticket is purchased?

Sorry THIS IS A HARD NEVER. We have a strict NO REFUND POLICY. Just as with attending a sporting event, concert or the theater, all sales are final. We cannot cancel your reservation or reschedule it for another night. If you cannot come, we recommend that you transfer your reservation to someone else, please make sure to inform us of that change, and that transfer is completed in the Tock system prior to the scheduled date. Last minute changes result in failure.

Can I give or transfer my reservation away or sell it?

Yes. The reservation is completely transferable. Please note, however, that selling reservations for greater than face value may be illegal in your area. Anyone who purchases a reservation from another patron should take care to ensure that they have received a formal transfer of the reservation through the restaurant’s official website. Any reservations purchased on the secondary market are at the purchaser’s risk. We cannot accept responsibility for forgeries or misrepresentations. We also will contact the transferred party to place a credit card on file for any additional charges, or services rendered at dining time. This is mandatory.

How do I transfer my reservation?

To transfer a reservation, log in to your account and then select, “Reservations”. Each reservation has a transfer button next to it. Also please note, transferred reservations may not be honored once vetted. Transfer guest must now also have a credit card on file prior to dining with us.

What should I expect on the Menu?

Chef Jackson’s version of “Modern California” really is an interpretation and homage to his upbring and career in Southern and Northern California. Styles of French, Italian, Japanese, Hispanic and Korean make up the overall concept, incorporating products locally sourced to items imported specifically from regions of California. The Tasting Menu will vary monthly, the experience is a Vegetable forward, Poultry and Seafood based Menu, but not vegan (there maybe some dairy or eggs included). Sorry, substitutions can't be requested but we do take verified allergies seriously.

How much food will I get?

Menus will be 3-5-11 courses (pending on how adventurous we’re feeling and what the market and your appetites may bare, in some cases we’ve severed as few as 5 courses and as many as 17, again it just depends on a multitude of factors). You should expect dinner to last around 1 -3 hours depending on your dining experience option. If you have any food allergies, please let us know ahead of time and we'll try to accommodate to the best of our ability. If there’s something you truly hate and dare tell us, expect that it will be incorporated into an evenings service, we play rough.

Tasting Menu -Reverence Fine Foods offering:

-Three Course Prix Fixe Vegetable Forward menu, with additional family style options of Seafood, Poultry or Vegetarian. Sorry we are no longer offering substitutions or amendments beyond confirmed allergy issues.
-optional Alcoholic or Non Alcoholic Beverage Pairings consisting of Wine, Beer, Saki and Cider
- Vegetarian option is now an option. Note, the option isn't necessarily an entirely different menu, just adjustments to the main tasting.

Are drinks included in the tasting menu?

No, you have the option to purchase a beverage tasting or option to order small curated beverage list at the restaurant. We always recommend going with the flow of our tasting offerings. They're made to wow.

Is there a bottle corkage policy?

Yes, we do have a corkage fee, it’s $105.00. Per bottle with a 2 bottle per party limit. And maybe pre paid or at the restaurant. We do allow magnums as well at one per reservation in lieu of two bottles, not in addition to two bottles and at $190 per magnum.

What is the dress code?

We are creating a fine dining experience for you and you are an important part of that experience. While we don’t expect you to show up in an Oscar-style outfit or tuxedo, we plan to roll the red carpet for you during this experience and we’d appreciate if you dress up. You can still keep this fun, yet elegant. We don’t create stuffy corporate experiences.

Is parking available?

We don’t offer valet services. Sorry its New York City- Harlem
There is street parking available, but it’s difficult, we suggest getting to the area, 45mins or more to try to find parking. Or better yet. Utilize Via or Uber.

What is the nearest public transportation option?

We are conveniently located within walking distance from the 135 Street subway stop (A & C trains on the blue line, B train on the orange line) as well as 135 Street subway stop on the 2 and 3 trains on the red line.

What is the Communal Chef's Counter?

Our restaurant features a Communal Chef's Counter-style seating with side-by-side seating overlooking the open kitchen. This way you get to see us create each of your meals and drinks as well as interact with our team more closely. This is part of our effort to create an intimate experience for you. We offer chairs with supportive backs that we have tested ourselves.

Children

Young Guests are welcome provided they enjoy the full tasting menu and the good company of their guests. We have had diners in our past as young as 6-7 years of age and have destroyed 16 courses laughing at the adults the entire time..
Please note: We are asking all of our guests to take a chance on pre-paying for a meal, seated communally, and lasting at least one and a half hours through an experience. When dining, you’ll be seated right next to adults who have paid a lot for a dining experience, but also for an adult social experience. Bringing a child risks disrupting the experiences of the other guests, so we ask that you carefully consider the other diners who will be right next to your party at the same counter. Our recommendation is not to bring children under ten. Ultimately, though, it is up to the judgment of our guests whether to bring their children. Either way, any child requiring a seat of their own must have a reservation, and we will serve them the same meal we serve adult diners, without kid-specific modifications.

What is Chef Russell's ethnic background?

Chef Russell's parents are African-American. If you must know, based on his genetic report, his ancestors were largely from Western Europe and Western Africa. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.

Why is your website so minimal?

We like things to be simple, clean, and to the point. We run Reverence differently and our website is another expression of our philosophy. This is not a traditional restaurant. Our main goal is to create an exceptional dining experience for you. We live in a world saturated by social media, Instagram food photos and hashtags, and excessive use of phones during dinners. We want our dining experiences to remind our guests that food is about being present, connecting and engaging with other guests, sharing the experience with them, and disconnecting from your phone to fully indulge the food and drinks we prepare for you with deep passion. This is why you won’t see food photos on our website.

Times of Operations

Updated for 2024: We operate Wednesday through Saturday 6pm-10pm, dinners only. One Sunday a month we do "Reverence Sunday Supper" service. Check our site for dates and times.
ReverenceToGo and Provisions is available at the Harlem Unity Market on 125th at Adam Clayton Powell Federal building, Saturdays 10am-3pm through November 2024. PreOrder pickup items on the RTAP page.
Reservations are multiple seating's for dinner service 6pm - 10pm
If you do not reach the restaurant within the scheduled reservation window (15mins is cutoff), you risk the possibility of missing your dining experience. No exceptions. We are all adults, you know how to get somewhere, anywhere within a scheduled time, ON TIME. Not early, not late.

Dietary Restrictions, Allergies, and Aversions

We are happy to accommodate most alleric restrictions with 72-hours notice. Please indicate them when the reservation is made by responding on the form. We will do our best to accommodate you.. With that said, not all allergy request may be accommodated. We'll let you know.
Please note we do not accommodate request for aversions.

Forms of Payment Accepted

We accept all major debit and credit cards on our reservations system. IN HOUSE, we prefer to accept only credit cards, ApplePay or GooglePay, Venmo, CashApp, etc.

Gratuity

We don't have a wait staff. But we have an amazing team all of whom are involved to create an amazing dining experience for you. If you’d like to show them gratitude for their efforts, we’ll provide you an electronic way to say thanks.

No Shows/Cancellations/Cancellation Policy

Just like a sporting event, concert, or theater ticket all sales are final. However, bookings of all types are always transferable. You can review all your confirmed bookings and/or transfer your bookings from your Tock profile. Please see below for instructions on how to transfer your ticket.

How Does ReverenceFineFoods work with "InKind"

We're happy to have partnered with Inkind to provide an opportunity for guest to join our waitlist at a discount.
How it works: Every evening that Reverence is in service, approximately 530/6pm the "Join our Waitlist" option becomes live our our Tock Page. You can submit your request to be on the list, you'll receive a text within 10 mins on our availability to fulfill your dining request. Once in, you'll be able to confirm within your "Inkind App" when paying for your dining experience. Please note: Inkind use is only for "Waitlist guest" and can not be combined with any other special offer or discounts.

No attitude and no pretentious BS please. Follow the DCC!

Now more than ever. Lead with kindness, love and respect.
This is a small intimate restaurant and we want this to be exciting and fun, not drab and serious. We pride ourselves on years of exceptional life changing events, you are an enormous part of the chemistry that creates that. Again, open hearts, minds and stomachs is a requirement. With the new Paradigm in effect, Please understand that our policy around the Dining Code of and our Pledge are a serious matter. Follow them or there will be consequences.