Planning a visit to NYC any time soon? Do you live here and going to the U.N. has always been on your to-do list? Want to expand your belly and your knowledge of world affairs at the same time? Then make a reservation to have lunch at the United Nations Delegate’s Dining Room. Yes it’s true, they will grant access to the likes of you (and me) – as long as you behave.
Really, it’s open to the public?
It is indeed, but you have to plan and make sure you have the time to spend – this will be a long lunch (and not so leisurely). You must make a reservation by calling 212-963-7626, no walk-ins allowed. The best time to do this is when the dining room opens at 11:30 a.m. Otherwise you will have to leave a message with your reservation request and then call back to confirm. Don’t expect them to call you back. It’s the U.N. – they’re busy!
What’s the best reservation slot to request?
The Delegate’s Dining Room is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday – I recommend you make the reservation for 11:30 a.m. Don’t worry, it only seems early. By the time you actually sit down to eat you’ll be well into the lunch hour.
Why? Why so long for lunch?
Here’s the thing – it’s the U.N.! There are several security hoops to jump through before you actually get to the door of the dining room, so you have to make time for that. There is also a massive renovation project underway at the 55-year-old United Nations, so there are many detours.
Once you make it past the first three checkpoints – yes, three - and turn over your I.D. (to be retrieved on your way out), you are handed a badge to wear around your neck and then you are directed back outside of the main lobby. From there you must walk down some stairs and across a walkway along the river for about three city-blocks. Enter the Secretariat Annex, go through another security check point, go up a flight of stairs, go through yet another security checkpoint and finally – FINALLY! You have reached the entrance to the Delegate’s Dining Room.
At this point about 30 minutes had elapsed since we arrived at the U.N. “You really have to want it”, my dining companion said.
Enter the doors of the dining room and check-in with the host. If things are running smoothly you will be seated upon arrival. However by the time we got there the line was long and we had to wait another 15 minutes or so before we were seated, bringing the entire door-to-dine time to 45 minutes. Ugh. Bring your walking shoes!
Is it fancy?
Remember yourself, it’s the U.N.! Proper attire is required, which means jackets for men and no jeans, shorts, sneakers or flip- flops. Represent your country and look respectable.
The room is looking its age, but there are comfy chairs, white tablecloths, jacketed waiters to bring your beverages and floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of the East River. It’s a bit like an executive corporate dining room – but with a sweet view.
What’s on the menu?
An international buffet is offered, with a different country featured on any given day. “Seoul Food” was the bill of fare on the day I dined there, which featured an array of authentic and delicious Korean dishes and a dessert bar. I ate acorn jelly! Go with an open mind and palate and you will be satisfied.
How much is it?
The meal cost us about $20 each, which included tax and tip. Beverages are extra.
Would you go back?
Hmm, I have to think about that for a minute. It was a lot of effort to get there and the dining room, aside from the sweeping view, was pretty generic. The food was fine but not life changing. And things were a little chaotic at the maître d' desk. However, it’s not every day that one gets to go inside the United Nations and I would happily accompany a friend who’d like to check it out for the first time, so there you go. Yes, I would go back.
Meet, eat and support world peace all at the same time.
For more information visit the United Nations web site and click on “Visiting UN Headquarters”.
(All photos courtesy of Mary Connolly)
