7 Most Amazing Museum Restaurants in the World
Most people don’t go to museums thinking they’re going to world-class restaurants. They’re at museums for the exhibits and probably just stopping by at the museum cafe for a quick bite or a coffee break. However, there is always an exception, and these seven most amazing museum restaurants in the world prove you can go for the food and not only the exhibits.
1. The Fotografiska in Fotografiska Museum, Stockholm
Although not as famous as Vasa Museum, the Fotografiska Museum in Stockholm houses an award-winning restaurant with one of the best views in the city. It’s a delightful place for vegetarians and anyone looking for a healthy dose of vegetables with meat or fish on the side.
The dining space is divided into a cafe area and a sit-down restaurant. Reservations are recommended if you want to be at the fancier sit-down restaurant.
Fotografiska is located in a former industrial Art Nouveau style building used for the customs control authority and now houses photographs and exhibitions from around the world.
2. Flora Bar at The Met Breuer, New York City
Stylish yet low-key, the Flora Bar serves the seafood-focus eclectic menu at the basement level of The Met Breuer Museum in New York City. This basement-level restaurant is bright and airy with floor-to-ceiling windows, outside and inside seats, and modernist accents.
Flora Bar is closed on Mondays and is open after museum hours from Tuesday to Sunday. Reservations are recommended although not required if you’re planning on having a meal at the Flora Bar. The Met Breuer is a contemporary and modern art museum located on Madison Avenue in the iconic building designed by Hungarian architect Marcel Breuer in 1966. It’s part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3. The Modern at the Museum of Modern Art, New York City
The Modern, a 2 Michelin-starred contemporary American restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), offers delicious food and impeccable service. Just like the displays at the MoMA, The Modern has an artistic composition of dishes that are pleasing to the eyes and tastebuds.
For lunch, guests can opt for a 3-course prix fixe or 6-course tasting menu. It also has an impressive list of wine, 3,000 selections to be precise, to accompany your meal. It’s one of the best spots in Manhattan for conversations.
If you’re planning on a getaway to New York City, here are a few tips to consider:
You can
fly into three airports - JFK, LGA, and EWR, depending on where you’ll be staying.
Read
10 Free Things to Do in NYC.
Read
NYC transportation guide.
4. Grand Cafe Orient at Czech Museum of Cubism, Prague
Want to eat, drink coffee, and see the world’s only cubist-designed cafe? Go to Grand Cafe Orient at the Czech Museum of Cubism in Prague.
The cafe is located on the first floor of The House of the Black Madonna, designed by modernist architect Josef Gocar. Like many of the buildings left abandoned during the communist-era, Grand Cafe Orient was brought to life in 2005. Diners can enjoy the open space decorated with cubist-style decor, original silk-shaded hanging brass lanterns, and marble top tables. Whatever you have for your meal, don’t skip a cup of coffee and Kubistický věneček, a traditional pastry filled with cream.
The Czech Museum of Cubism is located on the upper floors of the building. Before you leave for Prague, read this blog post:
5 things you should do in Prague
5. Level 9 Restaurant at Tate Modern, London
Level 9 Restaurant at Tate Museum is located on level 9 in Blavatnik, a new building at the Tate Museum. The restaurant offers views of the London skyline and River Thames in a comfortable and calming atmosphere.
You’ll find seasonal a la carte and exhibition themed set menus, and an impressive wine list featuring the best wines from around the world. Plan your visit to Tate Modern, one of the top modern art museums in the world, and combine it with a meal at Level 9.
For further information about London, read
5 things to do in London and
5 best bus tours to take in London.
6. Art Restaurant at National Gallery of Singapore, Singapore
Located on the fifth floor at the National Gallery of Singapore is Art, a contemporary Italian restaurant in the heart of Singapore. It’s the best spot to eat and take a break from all the curries, noodles, and delectable Singaporean street foods.
National Gallery Singapore is housed in the City Hall and former Supreme Court, two Singapore national monuments. The museum has the world’s most extensive collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian modern art. First-timers in Singapore may want to read Travelmath’s
5 things to do in Singapore before leaving for the island-city state.
7. The Museum Cafe at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra
The National Museum of Australia in Canberra tells the stories of the indigenous and early settlers of Australia. For the best museum experience, take a guided museum highlights tour and have lunch or brunch at the Museum Cafe.
The Museum Cafe offers a casual dining experience with views of Lake Burley Griffin and the parliament. You can choose indoor or outdoor seating. For the best views, choose the outdoor seats.
