This Private Dinner Costs $3,000 and Takes Place 1,250 Feet in the Sky

One of the most upscale dining experiences to ever exist in New York City has arrived: It costs $3,000 and is 1,250 feet in the sky.

Since 2015, One World Observatory has offered striking, 360-degree views of New York City from the 102nd floor of the One World Trade Center. Millions of tourists have peered out those windows, but only a lucky few have been able to take in the views from One World’s private event space, Aspire. The 9,000-square-foot room, offering an entirely different angle on the city’s iconic skyline, has been historically used for weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and corporate events. But now, you can book it for dinner for two.

“We want everyone to have the opportunity to experience an evening on top of the world,” says Amber King, senior director of special events at One World Observatory. For the starting cost of $3,000, you and a guest can have the entire event space (which includes floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views of Midtown, Downtown Manhattan, The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Liberty Island, Governor’s Island, New Jersey, Staten Island and Brooklyn) to yourselves for the entire night. 

“We offer a private escort to your experience, a curated playlist, a private culinary team and waitstaff, along with a bottle of Dom Pérignon and a pre-selected four-course meal of your choice with wine service,” says King. “The venue will be adorned with red rose petals and an array of pillar candles to set the tone for a memorable evening.” Clearly, Aspire’s private dining package isn’t designed for a spontaneous weeknight meal — it’s meant for special, often romantic occasions and milestones like proposals, anniversaries, and engagements. 

I had the privilege of experiencing Aspire’s private dinner first-hand, and it was as beautiful as advertised. After appreciating the views and sipping on Champagne, my boyfriend and I sat down at the enormous room’s only table (perfectly situated in the center of the event space) for dinner. 

The food was personally designed and prepared by chef Reuel Vincent, who leads the kitchen at One World Observatory’s restaurant, One Dine. “My focus on New American cuisine takes inspiration from my Caribbean background as well as the influence of NYC being a melting pot of all cultures,” he says. “The emphasis on the varying flavors of NYC’s culinary scene is meant to complement the overall experience. Not only will guests experience the sights of the city from the highest point, but they’ll be able to taste and discover the flavors that make New York a true culinary wonder.”

Our meal included seasonal dishes served family-style, like burrata with heirloom tomatoes and almond dukkah, seared tuna with a fresh herb salad, and filet mignon with melted cabbage and farro — an elevated version of the menu at One Dine. We were encouraged to linger over our glasses of wine, watching the sun set over the Hudson.

While a dinner like ours will cost $3,000, guests have the opportunity to customize their evening for an additional fee. “Up-lighting, extensive florals, a string quartet, personal photographer, upgraded bar service, a live singer/band, additional guests, a private tour guide, the list goes on,” says King. “All these elements are available for an upgraded rate, but can be completely managed and arranged by the events team.”

The private dining package at Aspire launched this week and is currently booking through Labor Day (after which, they will book the space one month out). So if you’re ready to have one of the most glitzy, exclusive dinners in New York City, now’s the time. For more information, visit aspirenewyork.com or email events@aspirenewyork.com.