Overpriced cookies or a rotisserie porchetta with sunchokes and fennel? You’re probably used to seeing the former but these museum cafés and restaurants are so good that many visitors forget to stay for the art. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to have a bite after a long day. From outdoor cafes to Native American’s cuisine, these restaurants round out the perfect day of museum hopping. Feel free to go just for the food, we won’t judge.

 

The Wright at Guggenheim 

Photo // courtesy of The Wright

The Wright features artist’s installation from time to time and gives the visitors a whole new dining experience. Artist Sarah Crowner’s current installation at The Wright echoes the restaurant’s modern and creative dishes. A daytime cafe, The Wright has a wide range of cocktails and brunch menus.

The Wright1071 5th Avenue New York NY 10128

 

 

Studio Cafe at Whitney Museum 

Photo // courtesy of Studio Cafe

Located on the 8th floor of Whitney, its menu highlights James Beard Foundation award-winning chef Michael Anthony’s seasonal, contemporary American cooking, offering toasts, soups, salads, and light fares for museum-goers. During the warmer months, the cafe offers outdoor seating and 300-degree views of the city, the Meatpacking District, the Hudson River, and the High Line. Grab a glass of rosé and enjoy the view.

Studio Cafe99 Gansevoort Street New York, NY 10014

 

 

Cafe Sabarsky at Neue Galerie 

Photo // courtesy of Cafe Sabarsky at Neue Gallerie

Café Sabarsky, which bears the name of Neue Galerie co-founder Serge Sabarsky, draws its inspiration from the great Viennese cafés that served as important centers of intellectual and artistic life at the turn of the century. It is outfitted with period objects, including lighting fixtures by Josef Hoffmann, furniture by Adolf Loos, and banquettes that are upholstered with a 1912 Otto Wagner fabric. A Bösendorfer grand piano graces one corner of the Café and is used for all cabaret, chamber, and classical music performances at the museum.

Cafe Sabarsky1048 Fifth Avenue (at 86th Street) New York, NY 10028

 

 

Caffe Storico at New York Historical Society 

Photo // courtesy of Caffe Storico

A charming and sunny restaurant located at the New York Historical Society, Caffe Storico brings the visitors traditional Italian fare and authentic espresso. Executive Chef Tim Kensett and his team provide exceptional dishes using fresh and regional ingredients. Museum admission is not required to dine in the restaurant.

Caffe Storico, 170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way (77th Street) New York, NY 10024 

 

 

Verde at Pérez Art Museum Miami 

Photo // courtesy of PAMM

Known for its beautiful views of Biscayne Bay, Verde Waterfront Restaurant & Bar is a modern and casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor settings. Visitors can choose from a big variety of handcrafted cocktails and creative cuisine. The restaurant is also very popular among the local residents. On a sunny afternoon, the place is packed with trendy people who come for coffee and light fares by the water.

Verde1103 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132

 

 

Otium at The Broad Museum 

Photo // courtesy of Otium

 This fusion restaurant is a must-visit for adventurous foodies. Located in the a vibrant part of downtown Los Angeles, Otium strips away the formalities of dining while focusing on the quality of food, warm service, and relaxed casual ambiance. Chef Timothy Hollingsworth’s rich culinary heritage of Napa Valley and the highly electric downtown cultural makes Otium an ideal place to experience innovative cuisine.

Otium221 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012

 

Mitsitam Cafe at National Museum of the American Indian 
Photo // courtesy of Mitsitam Cafe

“Mitsitam” means “Let’s eat!” in the Native language of the Delaware and Piscataway peoples. Mitsitam Cafe’s executive chef Freddie Bitsoie came to the Mitsitam with 10 years of experience fusing his classical culinary training with knowledge of Native American foods and ingredients. The authentic Native American’s cuisines provide the visitors a new way of experiencing Native American’s culture and history.

Mitsitam Cafe4th St NW & Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560

 

 

Collections Café at Chihuly Garden and Glass 

Photo // courtesy of Collections Cafe

Collections Cafe décor draws in part from Chihuly’s iconic Boathouse on Seattle’s Lake Union, and the combination of colors and materials motivated Chihuly to share some of the very collections that adorn the walls of his home and studio spaces. Visitors can enjoy traditional Northwestern fare with a Mediterranean twist. The restaurant also carries regional handcrafted beers and wines from Washington and Oregon.

Collections Cafe305 Harrison St Seattle, WA 98109

 

 

In Situ at SFMOMA 

Photo // courtesy of In Situ

Food critic Pete Wells said that “By avoiding originality, In Situ is the most original new restaurant in the country.” Indeed, one can not simply categorize In Situ as a New American restaurant. The restaurant brings chefs and dishes from all over the world to curate a modern and global dining experience. The menu is a map that shows where the dishes are inspired from.

In Situ151 Third Street San Francisco, CA 94103

 

 

Terzo Piano and Piano Terra, The Art Institute of Chicago 

Photo // courtesy of Terzo Piano
 
Terzo Piano is a perfect spot for art lovers to unwind after the visiting The Art Institute of Chicago. Chef Tony Mantuano is a James Beard Award winner who was also rated as the best chef in Midwest. Terzo Piano is committed to serving local and regional organically grown produce and farm-raised meats and poultry. Everything produced in the kitchen is made from scratch.
Terzo Piano159 East Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603
Top Image // courtesy of Whitney Untitled