Came here for a work event. Haven't been to UN since a grade school trip and I barely remember that. The lunch was nice. Had a Greek salad, chicken, veggies and then apple tart for dessert. Service at this event was very good. Chicken was a bit thought but everything else was good. Nice views inside dining room and then outside UN. Only thing is getting past security takes a bit of time. Wouldn't go out of my way to dine here but interesting option if you are into UN and the history. read more

See all

I came here a few months ago and they just switched it from a buffet to a plated meal. So make sure to verify which one you are getting if that matters to you. Personally, I would have preferred the buffet because my plated meal was not that great. The salad I had to start off with was pretty good except for the disgusting turkey bacon strips on top. Then I had the beef with mashed squash and veggies. The beef itself was very good but the mashes squash was meh. My mom had the sea bass with rice which she enjoyed. The pecan dessert was god awful! It was a waste even eating it. Cold, hard, lack of flavor. Don't put it on the menu if it is not impressive. My mom had the cheese plate with jam but was not given a knife for the jam. The service was ok but the overall experience just wasn't that cool. You are in a room that is a little bigger than a hallway but feels like a portion of a banquet room. The views outside are nice though. The one perk was we believe we saw a well known United Nations member eating while we were there. My mom is a big nerd so she was pretty excited about it. Personally, I'd skip this lunch and just do the united nations tour. If you are going to lunch and want to do the tour, book the tour in advance so you don't have to wait for the next available time. read more

See all

This is the best kept secret in New York. We heard about this years ago and were finally able to go last month. It was amazing. The food: we were there on a day where they had a fixed price menu (I've heard they have buffet sometimes as well). We loved every course. We each had a different salad to start, I had the cod and my husband had the lamb, and he had cheesecake and I had fruit. Both the food and the service were top notch, our water glasses were never empty and they kept coming by the offer bread and rolls. We ordered a bottle of the house Chardonnay for $28, which for NYC is pretty great. All in all, for $39.99 a person, you can't beat this experience. FYI: they automatically add 18% gratuity on every check. Also, leave plenty of time to wander and explore the gift shop when you're done. It's pretty great. read more

Delegates Dining Room - The view from our lunch table at the Delegates Dining Room. - American Near Me - New York, New York

Inconvenient. The food is ok but the location is out of the way. The closest garage is blocks away and you've to wait to be escorted in. I tho making a reservation and get in with a photo ID is ok. Apparently no. The high ceiling and river view is ok: looking out to Long Island city isn't something you'd like to write home about. read more

Amazing. I went there for the first time (I just started working here) and was blown away at the beautiful view there was and how beautiful the set up was at each of the tables. When we sat down, we were brought a basket full of breads and these delicious, almost flatbread like baked cheese bread "sticks" to start off. There were three tables. The first one was the appetizer table and they had smoked salmon, smoked duck, crab bisque, different salads and sauces and more that I just do not remember. It was very fresh. The second table had main course and there were were options with smoked cod, chicken and sausage, season's vegetables, korean beef and a chef at the end serving a delicious baked salmon with mango sauce. At the dessert table was all kinds of cakes, macarons, mousse, fresh fruit and others. It was delicious, for the price ($35), all you can eat, it was pretty good. The waiters came by to refill our water constantly, but I was a bit disappointed that they never came back with the basket of bread again. I think everyone should go there at least once to enjoy the atmosphere and have that great experience. read more

Delegates Dining Room - American Near Me - New York, New York

Thought I was giving myself a treat to Lunch on break from Global Engagement and got almost extra charges of $11 read more

Yeah, the food is not stellar but this place gets FIVE STARS because I want everyone to crash this joint. Yeah, you have to call ahead. And you have to go through metal detectors. But you can pretend to be a diplomat while going through the building because you have a destination! Skip the wandering tourists and find the dedicated UN Delegates elevator. The food is not the best (can I stress this again?) and you do get an international smorgasbord. The dim sum dumplings were next to the shrimp bisque and that was next to some schnitzel. But it's the view of the room that's gonna blow you away! Floor to ceiling spanse of Brooklyn. You feel like you can just jump into the water. Freakin' amazing. Oh yeah, and this place has got HIGH ceilings. It looks like it's also used as a ballroom. BIG BIG room. And the clientele is pretty amazing too. Passing by one table, there were a bunch of snooty French speaking people. At another table were American Indians in full regalia, with leather clothes and feather headdress. The table right next to me were some of the most beautiful African women, wearing bright colorful tunics and headwraps. You can hear the din of so many different languages at one when you walk back to your table. I don't know anything else in the city like this. Great to go and have a leisurely lunch if you're playing hooky midweek. Weekdays, lunch only, $25, call ahead. read more

I have eaten lunch there 3 times while on business and it was AMAZING. Yes, I had to go through security, and even get sniffed by guard dogs but it was all worth it. This is such a historic place with a great dining area over looking the East River, it' s one of Manhattan's best kept secrets. Anyone can eat there if they call ahead and make reservations. The food is chosen from different member countries and so is the wine. When I dined there I enjoyed Scottish fare on one visit and French fare on another. Most visitors to the NY UN, don't realize you can eat there. I urge all New Yorkers and Tourists to check it out. Truly one of the best deals in town! read more

Fun experience. I was looking for something unique and different, and this fit the bill. Go for the experience and the views, not the food. When I went with a couple of friends, the building was undergoing renovation. To get to the Dining Room after clearing security and checking in to the building, we walked outside around the grounds of the complex, alongside the East River. The added walk seemed like a hassle initially, but was actually a great addition. The weather was sunny and absolutely gorgeous. There were monuments and gifts from various nations dotting the campus, and a lovely garden with statues as we walked along the East River. We enjoyed great views of the Queensborough Bridge, Roosevelt Island, and Long Island City. I was expecting a swanky, elegant Dining Room. It isn't. I was expecting haute cuisine. It isn't. It's a buffet with items that can survive well in a buffet. The maitre d' and staff were all very friendly and helpful. I was pretty disappointed to find American food on the day I went. I had hoped for something more exotic. For most of the delegates, I guess, American fare would be a different experience. They had excellent short ribs--succulent and melt off the bone. Mashed potatoes that were nicely creamy, shrimp and a couple of other enticing seafood dishes, roasted fingerling potatoes with French beans, salad greens with a choice of two different, equally tasty vinaigrette dressings, and delicious parsnips, among other choices. All-in-all a great range of choices, all quite tasty, and enough options that there were choices for all sorts of dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, etc.). It's hard to find items that hold up well to the rigors of a buffet, but the chef managed to do just that. The biggest selling point, other than the unique location, is the view. We had a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the views were spectacular. Most people were dressed in business suits. There was a woman in a sari made of the most exquisite silk, and another woman in traditional garb. The meal is $25 and they add a 20% gratuity. The staff certainly earned that. They were prompt and nicely solicitous whenever we needed anything. Still, I take offense at mandatory tips. If the price is really $30, then make it $30. Tips should be my way of signalling how well the staff did in making my whole experience enjoyable! But I digress... They also initially balked at splitting our bill, but ultimately acquiesced to the request. In addition to the lunch buffet, they offer the option to hold private dinners and functions in the Dining Room. read more

See all

I used to eat here all the time when I worked for the Greek Embassy (yes, the Russian-Jewish girl from Queens ended up working for the Greek Embassy, bizarre, eh?) and I remember digging the food here. They had the BEST green tea ice cream one time, this was about 6 years ago, and I still recall it with amazing fondness, so either I have a bizarre memory, or it really was that good. You decide. Yes, a little overrated, but I guess it would be a cool spot to take people from out of town. read more

This place is probably the best kept secret. It such a hassle getting in because you need to call them and make a reservation at least 24 hours before (I think it's 24?!) You have to go through security and you have to get an ID pass. They keep you license/ passport with them when they give you the ID. You have to return the ID to get your stuff back. But I think it's still worth the hassle because the food is really good and it's $25 for a person for the buffet. I went there for the Icelandic food festival with a couple of out of town friends and they were very impressed with the quality of food. I've only been there for food festivals I don't know about the regular buffet. read more

Um, I ate a ton when I came here a few weeks ago. As far as buffets go, you could do a lot worse. The buffet can be quite a mix and match-fest, with the dishes representing different cuisines. It's not the largest spread when it comes to entreés, but it was quite effective. The staff did a very good job of replenishing - this is key in buffets. In terms of food, I heard good things about the osso buco from the people I was dining with. Personally I recall devouring plates piled with fillets of sole, roasted fingerling potatoes and brocolini. I then moved onto a very full range of dessert options - lots of pastries, fruits, and ice cream. In terms of ambiance, the name is much, much fancier than the actual room itself so if you're imagining a grand ballroom, lower expectations immediately. It's more like a big hotel conference room with lots of light from floor-to-ceiling windows and a nice view of the East River. I think the UN has higher priorities than having a really fancy schmancy lookin' restaurant. There was a sign in the reception area that said, "Jackets Required" but a lot of families and people were dressed down, many in jeans. Identity crisis? Very confusing. The crowd is certainly as diverse a crowd as you'd expect at the United Nations. It's basically an executive cafeteria. All in all, a very satisfying meal. On a sidenote, it was certainly interesting to see a little lounge area in the men's restroom, which you access through a nondescript door by the entrance. This may be standard practice for the ladies (I'm basing that assumption from an episode of The Office when all the guys hang out in the ladies room while Michael Scott takes the girls to Steamtown Mall), but I was absolutely astonished by it. There was a little coffee table and four chairs just chilling out, a wall away from urinals and men doing number 2. I wonder if any peace accords have been struck there... read more

I can honestly say, this is another NYC gem. How often do you get to feel like a dignitary in this town? Sure, the food is not going to win any awards, but the experience is second to none. And the best part was the "private tour" by our escort after the meal - we didn't learn about the UN or it's history, but rather got an insiders tour and he showed kindness to my 85 year old dad which was beyond the call of duty. Oh, and it's true, the desserts ARE NOT to be missed! read more

See all

There are some security measures in place for dining here, but it's to be expected. Lunching here is more about the view of the river, bridge, skyline - and (for some), the cachet of the UN versus a five star food experience. Although, my wild mushroom, roasted tomatoes and Swiss frittata were excellent and a special accommodation. read more

After the renovation they are only open for private parties of 15 or more for lunch and 50 or more for dinner (weeknights) or 150+ for weekends. Call ahead to check availability. read more

All u can eat buffet that has quality cuisine. Food themes from different places of the world, so one month Malaya another month Swedish, etc. Great outside view, even though somewhat of a spiffy cafeteria setting. read more

This is a gem of a place! Prix Fix lunch menu. All three courses were delicious. Would highly recommend this place to everyone. Very good service. Pleasant experience. read more

This place is not about the food but the dining experience. Amazing to go eat in a room with UN employees and get dressed up. Everyone should go here. read more

The Delegates Dining Room was a pleasant experience. If you are visiting the UN, I would recommend spending the extra cash ($35.00 per person for the buffet) at least once. Just to have the full experience. They had a great salad bar section, which included Mozzarella and tomato salad, various other cheeses, olives, lox, salad greens, beans and fresh vegetables, etc. You could have a full meal here alone. They also had a delicious Seafood Bisque soup. The main buffet was good. The food was fresh and tasty, however, I didn't like quite a bit of the options. I understand they are catering to a lot of international folks, so I completely get it. I did think there would be more variety. I had the pasta with Shrimp, which was good. They also served Skate fish, Goat and Red Snapper. I tried the Chicken with Mole sauce, which was flavorful. I was hoping for some beef, but not on the day I was there. If you have a picky eater, I recommend calling and asking what will be served on the day you plan on being there. The desserts were excellent with lots of variety. The view of Long Island City was nice. The servers were friendly and attentive. My daughter and I had a great time, and I am glad we dined here. If you are on a tight budget, there is a café on the bottom level of the UN. read more

On my 4th visit to NYC and 3rd try to get reservations at the delegates dining room, my sister & I felt cheered to be getting reservations on 4/8. I've been reading how it's the "best kept secret in NYC", with the wonderful view of the east river & sky line & buffet of foods from around the world. No beautiful view, rather a view overlooking old buildings on the west side. No buffet but rather prix fixe. The lunch was ok, price not outrageous for NYC ($39), but we were so disappointed. Apparently the dining room I was looking forward to wasn't available to the hoi polloi. The General Assembly & Security Council weren't meeting that day, just a few committees so it wasn't because of a lot of UN members coming for lunch. If you are going for the reasons I was, maybe confirm that you will get what you sign up for. read more

The UN Delegates Dining Room on the fourth floor of UNHQ is open to the public for buffet-style lunch every weekday. Be advised that you do need to make reservations in advance. The lunch is $25 and when I was there, they were featuring a different cuisine every few weeks. I went for Korean week, and although the food was good and there was a lot of variation, I'm not sure that I would pay the same again when there's better Korean food for less elsewhere. For a real deal, the UN cafeteria may be a little "boring" as my French friend would say but it does have $4 (!) plate lunches and an even better view of the river. read more

What a disappointment the food was. Aramak, the international catering conglomerate, runs the kitchen, which is all you need to know, and explains why not one buffet dish was outstanding, and why most were poor. Service was lackluster. Yes, the view of Queens is nice but I'd rather eat somewhere else and then stand along the East River promenade for a while. Overrated is right! read more

the food was horrid, the people were self assuredly pompous, and to add the final piece de resistance was the waiter DEMANDED we add 20 percent gratuity when the service sucked, meaning they literally would not let us leave unless we paid that 20% and not the 15% which I left. I was going to argue than I remembered even though I was in new york , I was in for all sakes and purposes another country with their laws. this place blows and the UN sucks read more

The food was delicious but not the best. Anyone can eat there but need a reservation 24 hours in advance. We went through security and had an escort. Great view of the Queensboro bridge, Roosevelt Island and LIC. It was a fun experience overall! read more

A sham! On Oct. 4, 2016. NO view at all. Dining room does NOT overlook East River. The dining room has shrunk, has two solid walls and the windows on the west overlook the hvac duct work of nearby UN building. Save your money. Don't get taken. read more

My family and I were excited to eat at the Delegates Dining Room after taking a tour of the United Nations. Unfortunately, the experience was extremely disappointing. We had made reservations several weeks in advanced, and yet were heavily questioned by several UN employees asking if we "really made reservations," suggesting that we were not smart enough to have had made reservations in advanced. I found it comical that once we were finally seated, we were the only people in the restaurant. The food was terrible, and we collectively only took a few bites of our meals. I had the idea of boxing up our food and giving it to the homeless, which was inspired by the lecture we were just given at the UN regarding food waste. The waiter told me that I was not allowed to take food, and that they are required to throw remaining food in the trash. I was appalled, and the restaurant manager tried to validate the food waste by telling me that the UN delegates who are wealthy enough to eat at this superior restaurant would not know to refrigerate their remaining food, and that they might get sick from eating unrefrigerated leftovers. This made up excuse was offensive, as the manager clearly thought I was stupid enough to believe his ludicrous justification. Overall, this restaurant does not practice the values projected by the United Nations and the food is defiantly not worth the costly price. read more