Surprised that the entrance is the same as the ticketed looking place, but found out that's the security for the entire building. After security, there is a separate check in for the restaurant. Then you head up a ramp that separates the attraction folks with the restaurant patrons. There is a photo op before you check in for your reservation- I ended up buying the pic because it was so great! So hang on to that receipt for exiting the building after dinner/observation deck.
Then you see the check in desk. There are separate elevators for the restaurant and the attraction, because the restaurant is 351m high, whereas the attraction is less, about 340.
The elevator ride is great! You can see the city from the elevator door. Also you can see the elevator shaft from the floor. It goes up fairly quickly and you can feel your ears pop.
As you come out of the elevator, you will see the host and be seated. Remember your aisle number so you can find your table if you get up to use the restroom. Restrooms are in the center core, there are two of them for women that I saw, both with multiple stalls.
Be careful as you walk- servers and bussers are coming through the core quickly.
I was seated by the window! Yay! Seems that window tables are smaller than the main core tables. So if you've got six in your party, you probably won't be seated by the window. But I saw parties of 1-5.
Service is quick because each table has a 2 hour limit. I ordered the two course prix fixe menu for $75 because it includes entry to the observation deck. However- after eating at the restaurant, you really don't need that at all. After dinner I went down the stairs to the observation level and found a bar that was closed, a bunch of people seated at tables and many folks taking selfies and pics by the windows. There's plenty of space and no time limit. But I had seen it all at dinner- one revolution of the restaurant takes 1 hour and 12 minutes, according to my waiter.
For dinner, I chose the beef cheek orecchietti and the salmon. Both needed salt (I always want more salt though) so I had requested a salt shaker. Many reviews say the food is mediocre. I mean, the salmon was cooked perfectly and I enjoyed the sautéed spinach and Israeli couscous- but it is definitely overpriced. The beef cheeks was a decent portion for an appetizer and had a lot of flavor. I would not say the food is mediocre. It's good- it's just hard to reconcile the price.
The bread and butter, an extra $6, was sourdough paired with rosemary crackers and room temp whipped butter, which also needed more salt. The cocktail menu looked boring, so I had wine. I enjoyed a Canadian full bodied, packed, Chardonnay. Food came out quick so I was finished eating but stayed to finish the wine and a full revolution.
Time your visit so you can see the city before it gets dark. There are many sights to see that are easily recognizable.
Enjoy the observation deck after- but maybe see if the bar is open down there so you can have a cocktail over sunset.
Check out the gift shop in the lower level on your way out. Their prices were not terrible. And lastly, check out your picture! They sell digital, printed, and combinations of printed/digital. Mine turned out great, so I bought it. I'm such a tourist sometimes hahahaha.
A really great experience to enjoy a quiet dinner with an amazing view. Very relaxing. read more