A meal in a museum restaurant in the MICHELIN Guide, is a continuation of the art itself. Think of it as a gallery for the senses, where every plate is a curated exhibit, every bite a brushstroke. The Inspectors have done the legwork, ensuring each dish is as masterfully crafted as the works on the walls.
The beauty of these restaurants isn’t just in the plating which often plays on the museum's historical elements—it’s in their ability to stretch time, to let you linger in the creative energy of the museum long after you’ve left the last gallery. Order a glass of something crisp, settle in, and let the conversation between food and art continue on your plate.
1. The Modern at the MoMA in New York
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), is one of New York’s must-visits. Set in the heart of Midtown, it’s home to more than 200,000 modern and contemporary pieces. Equally impressive is Two Star The Modern restaurant, designed to capture the iconic feel of the museum. The terrace and dining room, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, overlook the Abby Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, and the kitchen is state of the art, and for those who want to see the performance unfold, the chef’s table offers a front-row seat to the action. The staff perform a veritable ballet as they present diners with such appealingly nuanced dishes as a delicate seed cracker topped with aged cheddar and butternut squash butter, the now-iconic Eggs on Eggs, where soft-boiled eggs meet sturgeon caviar, or perhaps turbot roasted on the bone, served with a rich parmesan cream. The Modern, MoMA, 9 W. 53rd Street, New York 10019
Where to stay nearby: Some of our favorite spots include the Baccarat Hotel & Residences, the St. Regis New York, the Peninsula New York and the Whitby (Firmdale Hotels).
2. Le Jardinier at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas
Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts is the ultimate destination for art lovers. It is to Houston what The Met is to New York—a place where visitors are able to admire centuries-old and contemporary art in one place. When Stendhal syndrome sets in, take a break at the One Star Le Jardinier, set within the museum. The design is a play on the name, French for “the gardener,” with soft, green carpeting and seating juxtaposed with a vibrant mural of a wooded setting. Chef Alain Verzeroli's dishes are equally artful, with accomplished sauces, seasonal vegetables, and thoughtful cocktails. Highlights include thin strands of zucchini spaghetti with yellow pepper coulis and Comté foam, as well as plump Maine diver scallops with carrot jus reduction and sugar snap peas. Desserts, like the yuzu mousse with raspberry compote and pistachio sable, are stunning, much like the art just a few steps away. Le Jardinier, 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
Where to stay nearby: Our hotel Inspectors’ picks include the Hotel ZaZa Museum District.
3. Odette at the National Gallery in Singapore
The National Gallery Singapore is housed in the city’s former Supreme Court and City Hall, where colonial history meets contemporary Southeast Asian art. Sharing the building is three-Michelin-starred Odette which feels like an extension of the museum, blending heritage with modernity. Bathed in soft blush tones and framed by wrap-around windows, the dining room offers a serene setting. In the kitchen, French Chef Julien Royer crafts dishes with meticulous precision—each plate a composition of French technique and global influences. Diners might begin with Kegani crab, its delicate sweetness lifted by a silky beurre blanc, before savoring dry-aged pigeon, its lacquered skin glistening, balanced by smoky Kampot peppers from Cambodia. Like the gallery it calls home, Odette transforms tradition into something strikingly contemporary. Odette, #01-04, 1 St. Andrew's Road (entrance via Supreme Court wing's foyer) Singapore 178957
Where to stay nearby: The Carpenter, ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay, Mandarin Oriental Singapore.
4. IDAM at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar
The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is a must-visit for anyone with an appreciation for both history and modern design. Perched on the museum’s top floor, the MICHELIN Starred IDAM by Alain Ducasse is a nod to the museum’s fusion of both. With panoramic views of Doha’s skyline punctuated by shiny steel and glass clad high-rises looking like they are quivering in the scorching desert sun, the sleek dining room features geometric patterns found in the museum too. The brigade in the state-of-the-art kitchen creates dishes that are a mix of French techniques and Middle Eastern flavors. For those wanting to immerse themselves in the full experience, the chef’s table offers an up-close view of the action. The menu features standout dishes like slow-cooked camel, tender and spiced, or langoustine poached in golden saffron broth, a nod to the region’s ancient spice trade. IDAM, 5th Floor, Museum of Islamic Art, Corniche Promenade, Doha, QatarWhere to stay nearby: Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels - Tivoli, Park Hyatt Doha, The Ned Doha.
5. Halle aux Grains at the Bourse du Commerce in Paris
Not only is the Bourse du Commerce, home to part of Richemont CEO François Pinault’s acclaimed contemporary art collection, a must-visit for art lovers, but it also hosts a highly creative culinary experience at Halle aux Grains, tucked at the top of the imposing circular building, which used to be the hub for negotiating the trade of grain and other commodities, as pictured by the enormous ceiling frescos that wraps around the main atrium. Helmed by chefs Michel and Sébastien Bras, who have two stars at their southern France restaurant Le Suquet, the restaurant pays homage to the building’s rich history with a menu focused on seeds, grain and vegetables. Drawing inspiration from the natural elements, their cuisine is healthful but full flavored and contemporary. Don’t miss their inventive take on the classic Paris-Brest, where choux pastry meets a velvety pumpkin seed cream and a crunchy praline finish. With an unbeatable view of Paris’ rooftops, this dining experience offers a unique blend of art, history, and flavor. Halle aux Grains, Bourse de Commerce, 2 rue de Viarmes, Paris, 75001
Where to stay nearby: Hôtel Madame Rêve, Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal, Bachaumont.
6. Ore at the Palace of Versailles in France
Ore is located on the first floor of the Pavillon Dufour at the Palace of Versailles, just off the striking cobblestoned front court. Part of French chef Alain Ducasse’s Ore is an elegant café that offers a perfect pause during your visit to the historic estate. By day, it serves a menu of breakfast staples like freshly baked pastries and savory tarts, at lunch there are seasonal salads and sandwiches, and indulgent pâtisseries. As the evening sets in, Ore transforms into an exclusive venue for gourmet dinners, catering to special events and VIP guests. The café has a modern design, with sleek, contemporary furnishings and panoramic views of the Palace gardens, which brings a serene atmosphere where visitors can relax while savoring dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Ore, Palace of Versailles, Place d'Armes, Versailles, 78000Where to stay nearby: Les Lumières Versailles, Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle, Le Louis Versailles Château.
7. Spring at Somerset House in London
Spring is a locale to have on your radar when visiting the neo-classical Somerset House, an important hub and incubator for the creative community, that hosts groundbreaking art exhibits. A striking 18th century townhouse once occupied by the Inland Revenue tax office, it’s now home to Chef Skye Gyngell’s fresh and inviting restaurant. The light-filled dining room, with its minimalist decor, sets the perfect tone for Gyngell’s Italian-inspired, ingredient-driven menu. Each dish feels wholesome and nourishing, like the seasonal vegetable-based plates that highlight the best of local produce. For a taste of sustainable dining, the 'Scratch' menu makes creative use of ingredients often discarded, with standout dishes like bread-and-butter pudding made with yesterday's sourdough. Whether it’s the midweek set lunch or a full dinner, Spring offers a sophisticated yet unpretentious dining experience that feels good on the plate and in the soul. Spring, New Wing, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LAWhere to stay nearby: ME London, One Aldwych, The Savoy.
8. Ochre at the National Gallery in London
One of London’s most iconic museums, the National Gallery has one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world, housed inside a grand neo-classical building on Trafalgar Square in London’s West End. Inside the gallery, Ochre serves an all-day menu, offering options from brunch to dinner, as well as afternoon tea. Dishes are designed for sharing, with an emphasis on vibrant, internationally inspired flavors. Highlights include tender slow-cooked lamb shoulder with za’atar, grilled octopus with chermoula, and a rich chocolate mousse for dessert. The restaurant’s comfortable yet stylish interior, with its warm tones and contemporary design, provides the perfect setting for a relaxed yet refined meal, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a longer dining experience after visiting the gallery. Ochre, the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, St James’s, London, WC2N 5DNWhere to stay nearby: St Martins Lane Hotel, The Londoner Hotel, Haymarket Hotel, Firmdale Hotels.
9. RIJKS® at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum, one of Amsterdam’s most celebrated cultural landmarks, is home to some of the world’s finest collections of Dutch art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Inside the museum is the one-star RIJKS®, where Chef Joris Bijdendijk puts together a culinary experience that highlights the best of Dutch ingredients with a modern twist. His approach is focused on homegrown vegetables, infused with exotic flavors that nod to Dutch culinary history. The restaurant’s sleek interior, recently revamped with natural materials, provides a warm and immersive setting for Bijdendijk's inventive cuisine. Signature dishes like his beetroot millefeuille—a perfect balance of earthy sweetness, rich beurre blanc, Tomasu soy sauce, and fresh parsley oil—embody the essence of his refined yet simple cooking style. With each plate telling a story of contemporary Dutch gastronomy, RIJKS® is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Amsterdam’s bold culinary future. RIJKS®, Museumstraat 2, Amsterdam, 1077 XXWhere to stay nearby: Park Centraal Amsterdam, part of Sircle Collection, Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam, Sir Albert Hotel, part of Sircle Collection.
10. Fotografiska Restaurant at the Fotografiska in Stockholm
Fotografiska is one of Stockholm’s most renowned museums, celebrated for its contemporary photography exhibitions that showcase both emerging talent and established photographers. On the upper floors of the creative hub is the sleek, minimalist museum restaurant Fotografiska, wrapped in charcoal hues, with big windows looking out onto the water and the old Medieval quarter of Gamla. Focused on sustainability and seasonal produce, the restaurant holds a Green Star. Led by Chef Paul Svensson, known for his innovative approach to plant-based cooking, the cuisine here is all about local ingredients, elevating them into dishes that are both flavorful and visually striking. The restaurant is open only in the evenings, but in the daytime, it’s possible to sit down for a bite to eat at the more laid-back bistro, adjoining the more formal restaurant. Fotografiska, Stadsgårdshamnen 22, Stockholm, 116 45Where to stay nearby: Hotel Skeppsholmen, Hotel Frantz, Backstage Hotel.
Hero Image: Le Jardinier restaurant at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas. © Le Jardinier Houston
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