Everything You Need to Know About One World Observatory NYC Restaurant

Viewing Manhattan Island from One World Observatory, New York’s highest observation deck, is an incredible experience.

The views from the One World Observatories located on the 100th and 102nd floors are fantastic, but if after the visit you still want to contemplate the skyline of the Big Apple, with the One World Observatory ticket you can also access the 101st floor of One World Trade Center, where the One Dine restaurant is located. And in addition to great views, the food there is wonderful! Would you like to visit it?

1. How to eat at the One Dine restaurant at One World Observatory?

Entrance to One Dine Restaurant| ©Kai Brinker
Entrance to One Dine Restaurant| ©Kai Brinker

On the 101st floor of the One World Observatory is the One Dine restaurant, an elegant gastronomic space located in the heart of the One World Trade Center skyscraper that can only be accessed upon presentation of the observatory ticket.

If after visiting One World Observatory you would like to stay for lunch at One Dine you will have to make a reservation through Open Table, which you can do up to 30 days in advance.

2. What to eat at the One Dine restaurant?

One Dine Restaurant Table Area| ©OneWorldObservatory
One Dine Restaurant Table Area| ©OneWorldObservatory

The menu at One Dine is not too extensive but it is very specific in its proposals, something that I like because in this way diners do not feel confused when choosing from an infinite variety of dishes.

The menu abounds in fresh meats and fish such as beef, lamb, pork, chicken, tuna and salmon. However, there is also room for salads, soups and pasta. This is complemented by a drinks menu with craft cocktails, locally produced draft beers and small production wines.

At the One Dine restaurant I recommend you try a little bit of everything, to get a better idea of the proposals of the prestigious chef Michael Schmutzer, who has more than 30 years of experience in the kitchen.

For example, the potato and leek soup, the pork ribs with sriracha sauce or the grilled chicken sandwich with a side dish of rustic potatoes. You’ll end up licking your fingers!

3. How much does it cost to eat at the One Dine restaurant?

One Dine's Famous Pork Ribs| ©OneWorldObservatory
One Dine’s Famous Pork Ribs| ©OneWorldObservatory

Depending on the dishes you order at the One Dine, the experience can cost you from $31 to $50 approximately.

Compared to other restaurants in the city, lunch at the One Dine is not cheap but, looking at the glass half full, it’s not every day you have the opportunity to enjoy a fine dining menu while contemplating the beautiful views of the city from such a privileged place as the highest restaurant in New York, at One World Trade Center. In the end, it all comes at a price!

In addition, the One Dine restaurant now offers visitors to One World Observatory the chance to enjoy a dining experience starting at 7 PM that includes entrance to the observation deck. These culinary experiences can also be booked through the Open Table website.

What do the One Dine dining experiences consist of?

  • Bar Bites: Ideal for watching the sunset from the One Dine bar. Includes a reserved seat at the bar, two drinks and an appetizer from the menu. Price from $80 per person.

  • Starter and Dessert Combination: This option includes a reserved table at One Dine with two drinks, one appetizer and one dessert from the menu. Price starting at $100 per person.

  • All Inclusive Dining Experience: With this option you will have a table at the restaurant’s premium windows with the best views of the city while you dine. Includes two drinks, an appetizer, a main course with garnish and a dessert. Price from $140 per person.

4. What time does the One Dine restaurant open?

Inside the One World Observatory| ©Hellotickets
Inside the One World Observatory| ©Hellotickets

One World Observatory’s One Dine restaurant is open from 1 PM to 9 PM Thursday through Monday. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The last table that can be reserved is at 6 PM and they accept diners for dinner until 7:30 PM.

Although the observation deck at One World Trade Center closes at 7 PM, from the restaurant located on the 101st floor you can continue to enjoy the views of the Big Apple until closing time. And seeing New York illuminated by thousands of little lights at night is a special moment you will not forget on your trip.

Do I need to reserve a table to eat at One Dine?

If you wish to spend a pleasant time at the One World Observatory restaurant enjoying cocktails and snacks, you will need to make a reservation through Open Table, which you can make up to 30 days in advance. In addition, you will need to present your observatory ticket to enter the restaurant.

What happens if I am late to the restaurant?

They usually hold your reservation for about 15 minutes if you have not yet had time to arrive at the restaurant as a gesture of courtesy, but remember to be punctual so that they can assist you and accommodate you correctly at the agreed time.

When do I go to eat at the One Dine restaurant?

Around 4 and 5 PM is the time when most people are at One World Observatory to watch the sunset and how the city lights come on at dusk. Especially on Fridays and weekends.

If you are going to visit the observatory with the idea of eating there as well, my advice is to go on a Monday or Thursday first to enjoy the views around 2 or 3 PM and then go eat at the restaurant when everyone starts arriving at the observatory to get a seat and watch the sunset.

For other good times to visit this viewpoint, I advise you to take a look at the post Best time to go up to One World Observatory where you will find more ideas.

5. What is the ambiance and views like at One Dine restaurant?

View from the One World Observatory| ©Hellotickets
View from the One World Observatory| ©Hellotickets

The atmosphere inside the One Dine restaurant is relaxed and casual, ideal for a meal with friends or a romantic dinner. The waiters are attentive to the diners at all times and the service they provide is very efficient.

As for the decoration of the dining room, the tones and sober lines of the walls and furniture are very elegant. In addition, thanks to the huge windows of the One Dine, the sunlight penetrates easily to illuminate the room naturally during the day which manages to bring clarity and joy to the atmosphere inside the restaurant.

However, the biggest advantage of having such large windows at the One Dine is the magnificent views of the New York skyline that you will have from here while enjoying a delicious meal. Both during the day and at night they are a marvel.

When booking a table to eat at One Dine, I recommend you indicate that you want a table by the window and with a view as there are some areas within the restaurant that because of the structure of the building may present some obstacles in the view of the landscape.

Inside the restaurant One Dine you can contemplate tourist attractions such as:

  • Hudson River
  • East River
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Manhattan Bridge
  • Williamsburg Bride
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Empire State Building

6. Where else can I have a drink at One World Trade Center?

Ice Cream Portion| ©Joy
Ice Cream Portion| ©Joy

In addition to One Dine, the most famous restaurant inside the skyscraper, there are also other places inside One World Trade Center where you can grab a bite to eat to kill your appetite quickly, such as One Mix and Illy Caffe & Gelateria.

  • One Mix is perfect if you feel like chatting a bit about your experience at the observation deck while having a glass of wine, a cocktail or a beer and taking a break before continuing your tour of New York.

  • Illy Caffe & Gelateria is a good place to go as a family after climbing One World Observatory if the kids are in the mood for an ice cream or a cup of chocolate to recharge their batteries.

7. How to get to the One Dine restaurant?

New York Subway| ©Hellotickets
New York Subway| ©Hellotickets

The fastest way to get to One World Observatory is to take the subway. The main subway lines that reach the One World Trade Center skyscraper are:

  • World Trade Center (1, E)
  • Fulton Street Station (A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  • Park Place (2, 3)
  • Cortland Street (R, W)

However, if you prefer to get here using other means of transportation I recommend reading the post How to get to One World Observatory where all possible alternatives to commuting are addressed.

And if you are still not convinced you want to stop to eat here, you can always check these other options with the best places to eat in New York.