Everything you need to know about visiting the Jellycat Diner in NYC

If you’re heading to New York City with kids, FAO Schwarz is a must-visit—and inside this iconic toy store, you’ll find the whimsical Jellycat Diner. This charming experience brings Jellycat’s signature plush food characters to life, allowing kids (and kids at heart!) to “order” their favorite treats and watch as the staff “cooks” them up in an adorable, interactive way.

But before you go, here’s everything you need to know about securing a spot at this coveted attraction.

What is the Jellycat Diner Experience?

The Jellycat Diner is more than just a place to buy plush toys—it’s an immersive experience where kids can see their stuffed food items “prepared” before being wrapped up like a real meal from a retro diner. Staff members use mini frying pans to theatrically flip pancakes, sprinkle on pretend seasonings, and drizzle syrup, all while engaging little guests in the fun. The plush food is then packaged in an old-fashioned diner-style box, complete with their name on the label.

This experience is available in-store only and features some of New York City’s most beloved foods, including Amuseables Pizza, Amuseables Hot Dog, Amuseables Burger, and Amuseables Taco.

The diner recently introduced two globally exclusive Jellycat characters—Amuseables Pancakes and Amuseables Waffle—available only at the Jellycat Diner experience in FAO Schwarz New York. Additionally, there’s a USA-exclusive character, Amuseables Bagel, joining the lineup.

What’s Included in the Experience?

Each meal experience includes:

• A Jellycat Amuseables plush food item of your choice
• An exclusive enamel pin in the shape of the plush food item
• An exclusive sticker sheet
• Gift packaging with a personalized sticker
• A special gift bag to take your Jellycat food to go

These extra touches make the experience feel even more special, ensuring that your plush food isn’t just a toy but a true souvenir from this one-of-a-kind experience.

Our Experience Visiting the Jellycat Diner

When I visited NYC with my 8-year-old daughter, she was desperate to do the Jellycat Diner experience. Unfortunately, by the time we checked, reservations were long gone. We visited FAO Schwarz multiple times during our trip, and every time, the line for the diner was massive.

Then came the blizzard. We returned to FAO Schwarz on a near-empty evening, hoping our luck would change. I asked the staff if they could make an exception, but the woman in charge firmly said no. We lingered, browsing the plush food, when I decided to ask someone else—because, as they say, “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.” This time, the man behind the counter was much friendlier and, while he couldn’t offer the full experience, he said he’d wrap her Jellycat plush in the special diner packaging.

Excited, my daughter picked out a pancake, but when I saw the price, I hesitated. Was I really about to spend $60 on a stuffed pancake? Then, the woman behind the counter motioned for my daughter to come over. Suddenly, it was happening.

This amazing woman let her go through the whole cooking routine—flipping the pancake, adding pretend seasonings and syrup, and watching as they wrapped it up like a true diner meal. Lizzie closed her eyes and whispered, “This is the best day of my life.” I found myself happily throwing my money at them just to see the pure joy on her face. It was an absolutely adorable experience, and I’m forever grateful to the kind employee who made it happen.

How to Get a Reservation for the Jellycat Diner

If you’re hoping to snag a spot at the Jellycat Diner, plan ahead—reservations are required and book out about two months in advance. While you don’t need a reservation to purchase Jellycat plush food, the interactive “cooking” experience is only available to those with a booking. Each reservation lasts about 10 minutes, making slots fill up fast.

Click here for available times.

Where is the Jellycat Diner Located?

The Jellycat Diner is located on the first floor of FAO Schwarz New York, inside the Rockefeller Center at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, USA. The department store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., giving visitors plenty of time to explore and experience everything it has to offer.

Final Thoughts: Is the Jellycat Diner Worth It?

If you have a kid who loves Jellycat, plush food, or pretend play, the Jellycat Diner experience is absolutely worth it. The excitement of watching their chosen plush “cooked” and wrapped makes it feel extra special. While the price tag is steep, the experience is unique—plus, some of the Jellycat foods, like the pancake, are exclusive to FAO Schwarz and often sell out.

If you want to secure a spot, book your reservation as early as possible. But if you don’t manage to snag one, don’t lose hope—sometimes, a little persistence (and kindness from the right employee) can work magic. And who knows? Your child might just walk away saying it was the best day of their life—just like mine did.

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