Since moving to NYC and starting this website to try and help Aussies (and other expats) new to NYC, I've met some really awesome people one-on-one.
Some of the people I've met have had specific questions they needed help with, but many were simply eager to chat, make a new friend, and have something to do in a big new city where they don't have (m)any friends.
So, I want to help more with that by starting “Dinner with New Friends”.
Once a week, 10 people who aren't yet friends having dinner (and drinks if you'd like) at an affordable restaurant around NYC on a Tuesday or Wednesday at 7pm (with me there too).
There's really nothing more to it! This isn't a multi-level-marketing scheme where I try to sell you my magic berries at the end of dinner. I just love the idea of more people getting to know more people.
If you're interested (in the first one, or any in the future), fill in your details below or at https://americajosh.com/dinner and I'll see you at Dinner with New Friends soon!
It's free to come along, you'll just pay for what you eat and drink (I'll arrange how to split the check).
Feedback from Dinner with New Friends
“Dinner with friends was so much fun! So glad I got the chance to meet such a great group of people. Highly recommend!” – Amanda S.
“A really nice, simple and transparent way to meet new people. Everyone should try it!” – Amy V.
“Was great to meet other Aussie's in the city as a “newbie” and also to thank Josh for all the content on his site which was an enormous help in me making the move to NY.” – Adele B.
“This was such a great way to meet new people in the city, and I loved that it was a small group. And Josh is great!” – Stacey S.
“Such a wonderful way to meet new and interesting people over a fabulous meal” – Natalie J.
“This is the perfect event for anyone wanting to try new restaurants and meet some fun, friendly people without spending a ton of money. Bring on the next one!” – Ainsley D.
“Great idea and executed well. A fun way to meet other people in a friendly manner!” – Nathan V.
“A great way to meet cool people in New York whether you just got here or moved here a few years ago.” – Rishi M.
“Had a great time, meet some interesting folks. Well done Josh.” – Allen Y.
“If you are nervous that this sounds sketchy or that the people you meet will be social awkward hermits, you are not alone. I had these fears and they faded within about 30 seconds of showing up. Quality sangria-induced conversation, wonderful people and an awesome host. Just sign up! #NoRegrets” – Ashley M.
“What a fantastic way to meet different people and share experiences! I had a great night, Josh is amazing for putting it all together so well – oh and the food was good too!” – Eleni M.
“I had so much fun at Dinner with New Friends – I can't recommend it highly enough!! It was so well organized by Josh and we all had a great night full of non-stop laughs, good food and wine, and plans to catch up again with our new friends =)” – Sarah W.
“Dinner with New Friends was an incredible experience. What a great opportunity to connect with people you may never have before. If you're considering it but having reservations, just do it, I promise you won't regret it. You'll walk away with a belly full of delicious food and many new wonderful friends. Would highly recommend” – Caragh C.
“A great way to meet new people in a warm and welcoming environment!” – Milo N.
“Great evening getting to know people from all walks of life” – Ksenija J.
“This is a great way to meet some friendly faces, have a laugh and a top meal! What more can you ask for.” – Laura N.
“Dinner with New Friends was a fun way to get out of my normal routine and meet some new people. Despite being surrounded by so many people in NYC, it is easy to block everyone out and not really make new friends outside of your daily routine” – Rob S.
“A great way to make new connections in the city, while trying out a cool restaurant too!” – Alex W.
“Being new to the city, I'm so happy that these dinners exist. Get to know an interesting group of people over a delicious meal – who could say no to that?!” – Ainsley D.
“A low-stakes way to be social for a couple hours in a city that often makes this all too difficult.” – Chris F.
“Really fun dinner, super well organised, and a great way to meet other people in New York.” – Michael B.
“Great way to meet new and interesting people!” – Fran G.
“Mingling with a bunch of strangers in general is hard, but since you know everyone is there to try and meet new friends, it made conversation easier and made you put yourself out there more. A great night was had by all.” – Nicole P.
“The dinner was a great way to meet a whole bunch of new and interesting people quickly.” – Tomasz N.
“Jim Henson would be proud of the community this man behind the puppet has created” – Gerard P.
“Dinner with Friends is a reminder that anyone you pass on the street is someone who might be willing to share their garlic bread with you.” – Ashley P.
“The dinner is a wonderful, wholesome way to meet people for company, friendship and some very enjoyable conversations.” – Barrie K.
“Relaxed, welcoming vibe. Great way to meet people in New York” – James L.
“A wonderful way to comfortably get out of your comfort zone and meet new friends over a satisfying meal. Interesting characters, great conversation, and a one-of-a-kind host!” – Stella S.
“Great way to meet new people when you just arrive – takes away the stress off setting up life here and relax fora few hours :)” – Eileen C.
“Dinner with friends introduced me to really interesting people that I wouldn't have had the chance to meet otherwise!” – Lizzy G.
“Think it's amazing that you're bringing people together like this, says a lot about you!” – Sasha A.
“I'm kind of social-media-averse, so would prefer to opt out of this part, thanks. Nothing personal!” – John D.
“Was a fun, casual way to meet some new people and enjoy a nice bevvy or two. Would definitely recommend if you're new and need some friendly faces and advice about NY!” – Nicola C.
“One of the best things you can do if you’ve just moved to NYC. You will quickly learn that there are so many people out there in the exact same situation as you. A great way to make 8 new friends in an instant.” – Kirsty J.
“If you like dinner, and you like new friends, the Dinner with New Friends is for you.” – Morgan L.
“Thank you so much, it was such a great night and so awesome that you organize this for everyone!” – Zoe J.
“It's a great way to meet new people and talk to people from different backgrounds that you wouldn't normally interact with” – Rob K.
“Your new friends might be one dinner away, just go for it and great time is guaranteed!” – Liis K.
“Dinner with New Friends is a great way for a new person to put themselves out there and also learn a bit more about the city from others who live here!” – Allison K.
“Dinner with New Friends is a warm, welcoming environment that will help you no matter what stage of the NY journey that you are at!” – Brad P.
“A casual, friendly dinner and chat about life in NYC with like-minded adventurers and visitors. Enjoyable evening.” – Claire S.
“A refreshing and fun way to connect in this big city!” – Tracey A.
“Josh makes it easy to meet fellow New Yorkers and try out a new restaurant at the same time….you know we love to multi-task.” – Jackie S.
“Who doesn’t love making friends (and Tacos)? Bring a smile and an open mind and you’ll have a great time. 5 star emojis.” – Duncan L.
“Great way to meet new people in NYC. Josh organises it in such a way that you are immediately relaxed and primed to make new friends” – Bec T.
“Such a fun night meeting new Aussies and sharing hilarious stories away from home!” – Nina T.
“Such a fun way to meet a great group of people in a city where you can never have too many friends!” – Kathryn S.
“Thanks so much, American Josh. Dinner was great and the tips across the table were fantastic. I am looking forward to staying connected with the awesome people I met.” – Sel W.
“Thanks again for the event. You made it super easy to commit to the event!” – Jasmin L.
“Fun!” – Morgan L.
“Taco Tuesday with a great group of 8 new people. An absolute must if you're new in town.” – Kelly T.
“DwNF is fun and exciting! I'm really glad I found this event. Everyone I met was warm and welcoming. I look forward to signing up again. Josh is an excellent host who knows how to facilitate a casual and enjoyable evening between a group of (mostly) strangers.” – Rohan A.
“Good food & great company – a fantastic way to meet new people in a relaxed, casual setting.” – Aimee L.
“It's been a while since I hung out with some fellow Aussie's! Great chatting with a bunch of expats. No surprise, we have a lot in common! Highly recommend giving this dinner a go.” – Bryce W.
“This was a great way to meet new people!” – Taylor T.
“Great way to meet new friends and enjoy a delicious meal, and all of the logistics are taken care of, from booking to paying the bill!” – Shanon A.
“What a cracker, get involved!” – James S.
“I loved DWF because I got to meet a bunch of cool people and was able to put myself out there while still feeling comfortable and safe. The environment fosters the same sense of spontaneity and excitement of meeting people randomly at a bar or on an app, only I didn't feel the need to be guarded.” – Sara A.
“A fabulous night organized by one of the most genuine chaps out there” – Jana P.
“Josh has brought back the classic dinner party! These events are the perfect way to get outside your usual bubble, meet some interesting people and talk about things you never otherwise would have. Highly recommend for anyone who’s new to the city or just looking to shake up their week over a meal and a few cheeky drinks.” – Ainsley D.
“A great way to make new friends – such nice people!” – Luisa B.
“This concept is genius! Thanks Josh : )” – Angie V.
“Great night out with great people – always nice meeting fresh faces with similar adventurous spirits and sharing NY tips!” – Lewis Y.
“A great way to meet new people in a relaxed way and to try some of New York's best spots to eat. ” – Naomi D.
“IT IS ALWAYS GOOD IN A SEA OF UNKNOWN FACES TO SEE A FAMILIAR ONE THAT YOU MET WHEN YOU FIRST ARRIVED AT ONE OF JOSH'S DINNER … IT BRINGS A COMFORT TO YOU” – Eileen C.
“Everyone should come to Dinner with New Friends – if not because of the great company, then because Josh is an awesome person 🙂 Why didn’t I know about this sooner!?” – Amy S.
“Thanks for organizing Holiday drinks, Josh! Had a lovely time and met some lovely people.” – Jennifer H.
“We had a great time with good people and good food, Josh made sure everyone was involved and made sure to introduce people around. Please make sure you get to one of these dinners.” – Nicholas B.
“If you can multi-task between chatting and drinking, then you should come (sorry Josh, don't use that)” – Jasmine L.
“Fabulous!” – Jana P.
“An unmissable fun event for those new to NYC or are having trouble establishing contacts. A really honest dinner party where you can get to know people chasing different dreams. Ask all the questions you like and get hot tips on how to improve your experience here.” – Nico B.
“No expectations – just a fun casual dinner with new people! A fun night out” – Amanda S.
“This was a really cute way to meet new people!” – Edwina S.
“A great way to meet new people and share tips of living in a new city” – Johannah H.
“Dinner was friends was a great chance to have a laugh and meet new people in a fun environment. I would definitely come again” – Caitlin R.
“Dinner with New Friends was a casual, relaxed and fun environment to meet new people all looking for the same thing! I definitely would recommend!” – Libbi S.
“An event to make time for – you will love your new friends!” – Liz G.
“Wonderful way to get out of your bubble” – Kylie N.
“A really great way to meet new people and connect on the “moving to NYC” experience.” – Siobhan M.
“Had a lot of fun, met some lovely people and so well organised! A great idea – thanks Josh!” – Hayley M.
“You don't have to be an Aussie to have a fun night!” – Kevin J.
“A fun, unique event and invaluable for someone new to the city!” – Madeline C.
“Dinner with new friends is a great idea! I wish I had gone the first week I moved to the city. Thanks Josh!” – Elijah C.
“Fun evening out with llike minded people and great food :)” – Jasmin H.
“I had such a great night! Met some interesting people, hopefully made some friends and washed down some great cocktails. I would definitely recommend this night to everyone!” – Lauren S.
“Nice low key dinner with a great mix of individuals – just what I needed to get to know other like minded people in NY!” – Preetha V.
“My only regret is that I didn't attend a Dinner with New Friends MUCH earlier in my NYC experience.” – Eliza C.
“Loved meeting new people and Josh is the perfect host. Thank you!” – Sunny K.
“Thank you so much for having this ‘resource' even though it's so much more than that. I have always given my friends and colleagues advice on coming to nyc and giving them lists of what to do and where to go but your site will be the ultimate step to move here. I know your business will grow and even if i go back to melb and change careers ill in some way be in touch with you as i hope to help with any skills i have with my writing and photography and people skills. All the best and maybe see you and Stacey at one more dinner before end of june.” – Lisa H.
“Instant new friends! An intimate environment to get to know fellow new arrivals and long stayers to the city to soak up and share advice.” – Steve E.
“Would highly recommend to others – the event was well organised, in a cool venue and everyone who came was so friendly. Such a nice way to help transition into a big city.” – Rosie M.
“I loved the intimate gathering with great food and company! I just moved to NYC and there were so many shared experiences that we laughed and bonded over with. Highly recommended!” – Ziyi X.
“Great chance to meet new friends and contacts” – Eric M.
“The dinner was fun and relaxed and Josh was a wonderful host. ” – Daniel H.
“You do an amazing job, thank you for organising!” – Jessica H.
“A non-awkward way to meet new people!” – Justine M.
“I went to the first Dinner with New Friends and had a blast despite being a little apprehensive to begin with. A real mix of ages, genders, nationalities and interests. My phone notes were brimming with things to check out and new friends come 9pm.” – Simon F.
“A really great way to meet awesome new people, share useful local knowledge and tips (I left with travel ideas, great insights into each NYC neighbourhood any loads more). Thanks so much for organizing Josh, can't wait to come to another one!” – Lewis T.
“I went to the first Dinner with New Friends and had a blast despite being a little apprehensive to begin with. A real mix of ages, genders, nationalities and interests. My phone notes were brimming with things to check out and new friends come 9pm.” – Simon F.
“Josh is the most genuinely warm and friendly Aussie in NYC! Buy this guy a beer (or check out his website) and he will save you so much time and hassle when settling into the city.” – Karina H.
“Lots of fun, delicious food, super well organized and a great way to make new friends in the city!” – Kate A.
“I'm not alone … thinking that I was the only one who has trouble pronouncing Stuyvesant.” – Brent H.
“What a fun night with great people!” – Juliana P.
“What a great idea! Thanks for organising dinner Josh. It was lots of fun..and I can’t wait for the next one.” – Yvonne J.
“I haven’t hung out with too many aussies since I’ve been in NY so I was pretty excited to meet people with the same funny accent and the same chill vibe I miss about home. Dinner was great, Josh is great and the people were pretty damn fab. 10 our of 10 would do it again. Thanks Josh!” – Chrissie T.
