These days, travel is all about multi-layered experiences. While many of us still savor the thought of a beach holiday where we can truly unplug, those trips are more frequently being overlooked to make the most of our valuable (read: limited) time off.
The best modern travel experiences package together history, culture, cuisine and art all in one; therefore, the rise of MICHELIN Star dining at museums around the globe is very on trend.
As a gratifying way to tap into different interests while on the road – say you’re traveling as a couple and one partner wants to view art but the other is a total foodie – museums outfitted with MICHELIN Guide restaurants are a compromise for the ages, and a luxurious one nonetheless.
From New York City to Madrid, here’s where to experience this seamless transition between art and cuisine around the world.
And for those traveling abroad, click here to book a hotel on the Michelin Guide →
The Modern at the Museum of Modern Art
New York City may boast plenty of world-class dining options, but snagging a reservation at MoMA, the world-class museum on 53rd Street, may just be one of the most efficient ways to literally take a bite out of the Big Apple. The Two MICHELIN Star restaurant, The Modern, from Chef Thomas Allan offers contemporary American cuisine across three separate venues. There’s The Terrace, a seasonal outdoor eatery that overlooks MoMA’s sculpture garden; The Bar Room, serving an a la carte menu in a suave cocktail-style lounge; and then The Modern—the creme de la creme of MoMA’s dining offerings. The refined eatery also overlooks the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden and serves up a six-course seasonal tasting menu for both lunch and dinner.
Le Jules Verne
There are many reasons to visit the Eiffel Tower, including climbing its monument, perusing Gustave Eiffel's office at the top, and One MICHELIN Star Le Jules Verne restaurant. Hosted on the second floor (about 410 feet off the ground) of the Eiffel Tower, the French fine dining restaurant welcomes diners via private elevator and entrance for an entirely unique Parisian experience. Chef Frédéric Anton prepares a five- or seven-course tasting menu that showcases refined yet bold interpretations of French flavors. Think: artichokes and caviar; cheese topped with black truffle and a sweet treat of warm souffle. Of course, don’t forget to request a window seat at your time of booking.
Mira Mira at WOW Museum
Across the river from Portugal’s famed city of Porto, the World of Wine (WOW) Museum is a bright new beacon in Vila Nova de Gaia. Among the seven museums, 12 restaurants and a sprinkle of shops is Mira Mira, led by chef Ricardo Costa of One MICHELIN Star The Yeatman. The restaurant offers a relaxed environment that overlooks the Douro River with a menu centered around elevated Portuguese cuisine. There’s a striking balance here between traditional flavors and modern preparation that makes the restaurant stand out. Splurge on the eight-course tasting menu for a truly immersive culinary journey.
Hero image: Marie-Line Sina/Le Jules Verne
