Unique Museum Cafes: Where to Eat Amid History and Art

20 May 2025

Have you ever wandered through a museum for hours, soaking in history and art, only to realize your stomach is growling louder than a Renaissance masterpiece speaks to your soul? Well, you're not alone! The good news? Some museums have turned their cafés into destinations themselves—places where you can grab a bite without stepping away from the magic.

Museum cafés aren’t just about refueling; they’re about extending the experience. Imagine sipping coffee where legendary artists once painted or biting into a fresh pastry while surrounded by architectural wonders. Sounds good, right? Buckle up because we’re about to take a tour of some of the most unique museum cafés around the world!

1. The Louvre’s Café Marly – A Royal Treat in Paris

Dine Like French Royalty

If you’ve ever dreamed of dining with a view of Paris’ grand Louvre Pyramid, Café Marly is the place to be. Nestled within the arcades of the Louvre, this café offers a perfect blend of history, art, and elegance.

From its plush seating to its classic French menu, every bite feels like a nod to France’s regal past. Whether you’re indulging in a buttery croissant or a rich, aromatic coffee, this spot lets you bask in the grandeur of Parisian high culture.

Must-Try: Their famous steak tartare paired with a glass of fine Bordeaux.

2. Rijksmuseum’s RIJKS® – A Michelin-Star Experience

Art on Your Plate

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam houses masterpieces from Dutch painters like Rembrandt and Vermeer. But did you know it also boasts RIJKS®, a Michelin-starred restaurant? That’s right—this isn’t just any museum café; it’s a culinary masterpiece.

RIJKS® focuses on fresh, local ingredients, turning every dish into a work of art. Think of it as a painting on a plate—flavors carefully balanced like brushstrokes on a canvas.

Must-Try: The ever-changing seasonal menu, but if available, go for their slow-cooked lamb—it’s worth every bite.

3. The British Museum’s Great Court Restaurant – A Skylit Feast

Eat Under a Glass Masterpiece

Sitting inside the British Museum, The Great Court Restaurant offers more than just great food—it provides an incredible setting under the museum’s breathtaking glass roof.

This is where history meets modern elegance. Imagine enjoying an afternoon tea while enveloped by the museum’s architecturally stunning setting. The calm, refined atmosphere makes it an excellent stop before or after a deep dive into Britain’s rich history.

Must-Try: Traditional afternoon tea with scones, clotted cream, and an assortment of finger sandwiches.

4. Guggenheim Museum’s The Wright – A Tribute to Modern Art

A Contemporary Dining Experience

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum in New York is a spiral wonder of architectural genius. But inside, The Wright café offers another kind of art—culinary creativity. With sleek, modern interiors that mirror the museum’s unique design, the café is an extension of the artistic experience.

Their menu is elegantly simple yet sophisticated, perfect for a casual lunch or a relaxed bite after exploring the museum’s modern art collection.

Must-Try: The restaurant’s crispy duck confit—an absolute delight!

5. Uffizi Gallery’s Café – Sip Espresso Overlooking Florence

A View That Rivals the Art

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is home to some of the most famous Renaissance masterpieces, but did you know it also offers one of the most scenic museum cafés in the world? Nestled on the gallery’s terrace, this hidden gem provides breathtaking views of Florence’s iconic skyline.

Sipping an espresso while gazing at the red rooftops and domes of the city? Pure magic. It’s a moment that transports you back in time, making the art inside the gallery feel even more alive.

Must-Try: A classic Italian espresso and a slice of tiramisu.

6. The Getty Center’s Garden Terrace Café – A Feast With a View

Art, Nature, and Gourmet Bites

Perched atop a hill in Los Angeles, The Getty Center offers a museum experience like no other—jaw-dropping art, stunning gardens, and a breathtaking view of the city. But its Garden Terrace Café is an experience in itself.

With fresh, Californian-inspired dishes and outdoor seating overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this café is the perfect blend of relaxation and refinement. You’ll feel like you’re dining above the clouds, where art, history, and nature merge seamlessly.

Must-Try: A fresh salad with locally sourced produce and an avocado toast that screams California.

7. The National Gallery’s Ochre – London’s Artistic Culinary Escape

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of London

Inside London’s National Gallery lies Ochre, a lesser-known yet fantastic café-restaurant that offers an exquisite blend of British and European flavors. The setting is as elegant as the paintings within the gallery—think high ceilings, warm lighting, and luxurious furnishings.

Whether you’re in the mood for a casual coffee or a refined meal, Ochre provides a dreamy escape right in the heart of London’s cultural scene.

Must-Try: Their signature Sunday roast—it’s British comfort food at its finest.

8. The Museum of Modern Art’s The Modern – Where Food Meets Innovation

A Michelin-Starred Culinary Journey

If there’s one place that merges modern art with modern cuisine, it’s The Modern at MoMA in New York. With two Michelin stars, this isn’t just a café—it’s an award-winning dining experience.

The sleek and contemporary setting mirrors the museum’s avant-garde art collection, and the menu is just as innovative. Expect bold flavors, beautifully plated dishes, and a meal that feels like an extension of MoMA’s artistic vision.

Must-Try: Their tasting menu, a culinary experience as creative as the art on MoMA’s walls.

9. Tokyo National Museum’s Hotel Okura Garden Terrace

A Slice of Serenity in the Heart of Tokyo

Amid Tokyo’s fast-paced hustle, the Tokyo National Museum’s Hotel Okura Garden Terrace offers a peaceful escape. Surrounded by beautifully manicured Japanese gardens, this café is all about calmness and refinement.

The menu features delicate Japanese flavors paired with serene surroundings, making it one of the most relaxing museum cafés in the world.

Must-Try: Traditional matcha tea paired with wagashi (Japanese sweets).

10. The Art Institute of Chicago’s Terzo Piano – Skyline Views and Seasonal Dishes

Where Art and Food are in Perfect Balance

Located inside the Art Institute of Chicago, Terzo Piano is as much about the view as it is about the food. Overlooking Millennium Park, this stylish café serves fresh, locally inspired dishes that highlight the flavors of the Midwest.

With a sleek, modern design and floor-to-ceiling windows, dining here feels like a continuation of the museum’s creative energy. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on the masterpieces you’ve just seen.

Must-Try: Their rotating seasonal pasta dishes—always fresh, always flavorful.

Final Thoughts

Eating at a museum café isn’t just about filling your stomach—it’s about extending your experience, savoring history, and indulging in art from an entirely new perspective. Whether you're sipping espresso above Florence, enjoying fine dining in Amsterdam, or taking in modern art over a Michelin-starred meal in New York, these cafés offer unforgettable moments where food meets culture.

Next time you’re in a museum, don’t skip the café. Who knows? Your most memorable museum experience might just be on your plate.