Entice your eyes and your taste buds at these posh restaurants conveniently located in or within steps of some of New York’s best museums.—Jessica Wang
Museum Mile
Café Sabarsky at the Neue Galerie New York
1048 Fifth Ave., 212-628-6200
Sip coffee from a silver cup and sample delicacies such as Bavarian sausages and chocolate tortes while enjoying live piano ballads at this elegant Viennese café named after the gallery’s founder.
Terrace 5 (The Carroll and Milton Petrie Café) at the Museum of Modern Art
9 W. 53rd St., 212-708-9400
Have a glass of wine or a frozen cocktail while gazing down at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden from the fantastic fifth-floor view of this sophisticated café. Terrace 5 also features Danish furniture and tableware designed by Arne Jacobsen, George Jensen and Fritz Hansen.
The Modern at the Museum of Modern Art
9 W. 53rd St., 212-333-1220
Get a taste of Alsatian-born chef Gabriel Kreuther’s award-winning creative French cuisine in the luxurious dining room or have a mellow night sampling wine from an exclusive international list of 900 selections in the casual Bar Room at The Modern, which stays open beyond museum hours.
Café at Rubin Museum of Art
150 W. 17th St., 212-620-5000
Experience the fascinating cultures of India, the Himalayas and Tibet to the fullest by lunching at this intimate café, which offers exotic cuisine and beverages. In addition, the Café at RMA converts into K2 Lounge on Friday evenings, featuring a live DJ and two-for-one cocktails before 7 p.m.
Roof Garden Café at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Ave., 212-535-7710
Located on the fifth floor by the European sculpture and decorative arts galleries, the Roof Garden Café at the Met is a great place to stop for drinks and sandwiches while going from one gallery to the next. A plus: the café also offers an impressive view of Central Park.
The Dining Room at the Morgan Library and Museum
225 Madison Ave., 212-683-2130
Known for its vibrant atmosphere, stunning décor, and delicious early 20th century cuisine, the Morgan Dining Room complements the lavish library and museum complex. Don’t leave without trying the ricotta and Swiss chard tart.
Café Grazie
28 East 84th St., 212-717-4407
In the mood for some gourmet Italian dishes? Try the Italian seafood stew, which is served in a bread dome, or the aged parmesan cheese covered veal at Café Grazie. Located one block away from the Met, Café Grazie provides a cozy townhouse atmosphere and offers a large selection of creative entrées and desserts.
Centolire Restaurant and Bar
1167 Madison Ave., 212-734-7711
Feast on a blend of new and old world Italian American cuisine at Centolire, located two blocks away from the Met. Furnished with antique tools used by early Italian American immigrants and fine Brunschwig et Fils drapery.
Downtown
Red
19 Fulton St., 212-571-5900
Located just down the street from the South Street Seaport Museum in the Financial District, Red is a casual bistro specializing in Mexican and Southwestern flavors. Slurp cocktails and nibble on appetizers on Red’s spacious outdoor patio.
Il Porto
11 Fulton St., 212-791-2181
Located in the historic Fulton Market Building, Il Porto serves a fusion of authentic Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Come early on Sundays for Il Porto’s special seafood brunch or stop by for a light supper.
