Marc Lore’s Wonder is trying to reinvent how America eats — part ghost kitchen, part dine-in, part delivery app. With dozens of locations already open and more on the way, it promises chef-driven meals made fast and available any way you want them. Business Insider decided to put it to the test, ordering from food halls in both Washington, DC, and New York City. The results? A mix of surprises, misses, and a few standouts worth noting. Here’s what it’s actually like to eat at Wonder.
Bright, Clean, and Easy to Navigate
The Washington, DC, location made a good first impression. Bright lighting, spotless counters, and simple layouts kept it approachable. Ordering tablets lined the entrance, and pick-up shelves stood ready for takeout bags. It felt modern and efficient, though more functional than flashy.
One Kitchen, Many Menus
Wonder runs on a ghost kitchen model, with a single kitchen cooking across multiple restaurant brands. Menus designed by celebrity chefs like Marcus Samuelsson and Marc Murphy are available side by side. The idea is convenience: one place, many options. It’s a novel setup that combines variety with efficiency.
Ordering Options Galore
Customers can scroll on tablets or flip through printed menus by each chef. From fried chicken sandwiches to steak dinners, choices look wide-ranging. The digital system makes browsing simple, but not everything on the screen is always available — as one diner found out.
Not All Brands Were “Open”
When exploring Bobby Flay’s menu, the ordering tablet declared it “closed.” The kitchen was clearly running, so the label was confusing. It showed how, even with a streamlined system, the variety can be limited depending on timing or availability.
Some Seating, But Mostly Takeout
The DC location offered around a dozen seats for dine-in guests. Comfortable enough, but the vibe wasn’t what most people picture in a food hall. Instead of buzzing counters and chefs on display, the setup leaned toward grab-and-go convenience.
Built for Delivery
Delivery drivers moved in and out constantly, grabbing orders from staff. The design seemed optimized for takeout and delivery, not long sit-down meals. For many, Wonder is more about speed than atmosphere.
Food Arrived Fast
The order — steak and a chicken sandwich — was ready in exactly ten minutes. Faster than many fast-food chains, it was a standout in terms of speed. This efficiency matches Wonder’s “super app for mealtime” promise.
Fried Chicken Sandwich Delivered
The Marcus Samuelsson–designed fried chicken sandwich impressed. Unlike typical fast-food versions, it featured a whole cut of chicken instead of a processed patty. Flavorful sauce boosted it, even if the spice level could’ve been higher.
Steak Fell Flat
The sirloin steak, ordered medium, came out closer to rare. It lacked the seared flavor that makes even cheaper cuts pop. Without sauces, it felt underwhelming for the price. For steak lovers, it might not hit the mark.
Coleslaw Got It Right
The side of coleslaw stood out for being balanced and fresh. Not overly wet, not too sweet — it hit a middle ground often missing in fast-food versions. A small but welcome win.
Drinks in Bottles Only
Instead of fountains, Wonder sticks to bottled and canned drinks. The lemonade ordered was sweet but serviceable. While not fancy, it fit the grab-and-go approach the brand seems to favor.
Overall DC Takeaway
The meal was quick, easy, and solid — especially the chicken sandwich. The steak disappointed, but the service speed could keep diners coming back. For variety and convenience, Wonder delivered on its pitch.
Delivery in New York City
A second test came in Staten Island, with food ordered via Seamless. Over 20 “restaurants” popped up, though most weren’t clearly labeled as Wonder brands. It took some scrolling to confirm they were all part of the same network.
Limited Menus Per App
Ordering through Seamless limited diners to just one restaurant menu per order. This blocked the mix-and-match promise Wonder advertises. For families with different tastes, that was a letdown.
Wonder’s App Works Better
According to a company spokesperson, the Wonder app or website allows full mixing across menus. On third-party apps like Seamless and Grubhub, the brand listings stay separate. For now, the experience isn’t as flexible outside Wonder’s own system.
Quick Delivery, Despite Rain
The Staten Island order was placed at 2:08 p.m. and delivered by 2:37 p.m., right at the early end of the estimate. Even with rain, the food arrived warm and packaged neatly. Speed, again, was a highlight.
Shawarma Surprised Us
The shawarma didn’t look exciting — wilted herbs and soft veggies gave a sad first impression. But taste saved it: fresh, seasoned vegetables and flavorful sauces lifted the meal. The lamb, however, lacked the classic shaved texture of shawarma.
Cookie Was the Star
The $5 sea salt chocolate chip cookie was large, soft-baked, and delicious. Expensive for a cookie, but easily the best part of the meal. Sometimes dessert carries the win.
Family-Friendly Potential
With kids’ options and healthier picks available, Wonder could be a solid fallback for families. But until multi-menu orders are seamless on third-party apps, it’s tricky to satisfy everyone’s tastes in one go.
Final Verdict on Wonder
Wonder nails speed, convenience, and variety in theory. In practice, it shines with some items (like fried chicken and cookies) but stumbles on pricier ones (like steak). It’s not a destination meal, but it’s an easy, modern solution when cooking isn’t an option.
