What it was like to dine at Windows on the World, the restaurant atop the World Trade Center, before it was lost on 9/11
Before the 9/11 attacks, Windows on the World was an upscale restaurant where people dined overlooking expansive views of Manhattan.
Windows on the World was an upscale restaurant located on the top floors of the World Trade Center's North Tower before the tragic 9/11 attacks. Opened in 1976, the restaurant featured panoramic views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. By 2001, it had become the highest-grossing restaurant in the United States, generating an annual revenue of around $40 million.
The restaurant was situated on the 106th and 107th floors of the North Tower, 1,300 feet above Manhattan. Upon entering through a glamorous mirrored elevator lobby, guests were greeted by a 50,000-square-foot dining and entertainment space with floor-to-ceiling windows. These windows offered stunning views of the city, allowing diners to watch life unfold below during the day and admire a sea of twinkling lights at night.
The restaurant's interior was clean and modern, with white tablecloths, contemporary light fixtures, and geometric booths. Its design was updated in the mid-1990s after the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, shifting from a minimalist aesthetic to warmer tones. The menu, originally curated by James Beard, showcased an assortment of international cuisines, reflecting New York City's diverse culture.
Windows on the World was renowned for its cold buffet, which consistently received praise for its fresh ingredients, innovative dishes, and exceptional desserts. The restaurant also boasted an impressive wine program, with cellar master Kevin Zraly overseeing one of the most influential wine lists in American restaurant history. At its peak, the restaurant reportedly sold more wine than any other restaurant in the world.
On September 11, 2001, the North Tower was struck by American Airlines Flight 11, trapping many diners and staff above the impact zone. Windows on the World was among the buildings destroyed in the attacks, resulting in the deaths of all 79 employees working at the time and 91 guests, including those attending a conference. The restaurant was lost along with 2,977 other victims throughout the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
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