English
English
Language
Currency
Contents
An extensive guide to dining at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met is so extensive that it’s easy to get carried away while appreciating the over 1.5 million works of art. So you could forget to take a snack break in between to refuel. But we’ve got you covered! Here’s a guide to what you can eat at some of the most celebrated cafes and restaurants in the museum.
Restaurants at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Eatery
Located on the ground floor near the Robert Lehman Collection, The Eatery is a large dining space that is a good place to go if you’ve brought your kids to the museum. It offers a child-friendly experience with booster seats, high chairs, and a special kids’ menu. Must-try dishes include The "Met" Salad and the Roasted Turkey "Rachel" Sandwich.
Timings:
- 11am – 4pm from Thursday to Tuesday
Closed: Wednesday
The American Wing Cafe
Head over to The Charles Engelhard Court to find this charming cafe with masterpieces by famous American artists to make your dining experience a little more special. Sip on your choice of beverage, be it a hot coffee or a glass of sparkling Chandon Garden Spritz, while enjoying your artistically enriching view. Try out the Spicy Salmon Roll and "Street Cart" Chicken Sandwich while you’re there.
Timings:
- 11am – 4pm from Sunday to Tuesday and on Thursday
- 11am – 8pm on Friday and Saturday
Closed: Wednesday
Petrie Court Cafe
This cafe offers stunning views of Central Park, serving as a sort of palate cleanser to prep you for the next set of art you will enjoy at The Met. You can find it on the first floor by the Carroll and Milton Petrie European Sculpture Court. It offers light fare that includes the delicious Le Met Salad and popular cocktails like a dependable Manhattan, a light Cosmopolitan, or an adventurous Mai Tai.
Timings:
- 11am – 4pm from Sunday to Tuesday and on Thursday
- 11am – 8pm on Friday and Saturday
Closed: Wednesday
Great Hall Balcony Cafe
The Great Hall Balcony Cafe, located on the museum's second is a good place for pick-me-ups and a light bite. Get yourself a Housemade Dessert that is especially curated by Pastry Chef Larissa Raphael. You can nurse a classic cocktail or a beer while you’re here, to give your feet some rest after all that walking.
Timings:
- 11am – 4:15pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday
- 11am – 8:15pm on Friday and Saturday
Closed: Wednesday
Balcony Lounge
If you’re a member at The Met, stop by the Balcony Lounge at the Great Hall Balcony on the second floor to take a minute and catch your breath. Have a cocktail and a snack here before getting back to enjoying the art. Don’t miss out on the Steak Tartare and Chicory Salad.
Timings:
- 11am – 4:45pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday (Last seating at 3:45 pm)
- 11am – 8:45pm on Friday and Saturday (Last seating at 7:45 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
The Met Dining Room
Make a reservation at The Met Dining Room to enjoy an upscale meal in the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts galleries on the fourth floor. With wonderful views of Central Park, this restaurant offers a seasonal menu featuring "Shrimp & Grits", Grilled Romaine Salad, Le Big Met Burger, and more!
Timings:
- 11:30am – 3:15pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
- 11:30am – 3:15pm and 5pm – 7:45pm on Friday and Saturday
Closed: Wednesday and Sunday
The Cantor Roof Garden Bar
The Cantor Roof Garden on the fifth floor of The Met building hosts The Cantor Roof Garden Bar. Visiting it is guaranteed to make your visit to the museum extra special. This open-air space gives you a fantastic view of Manhattan’s skyline along with an intimate view of the expansive Central Park. Open during warmer months, and based on the weather conditions, the bar reopens on May 16, 2024. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and has limited seating, so head over for a quick drink stop rather than expect a proper meal.
Timings:
- 11am– 4pm from Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday
- 11am – 8pm on Friday and Saturday
Closed: Wednesday
Dining at The Met Cloisters
Trie Cafe
The Met Cloisters' Trie Cafe, with its beautiful outdoor setting, complements your artful trip to the museum with its light fare, which includes Chef Larissa's Housemade Sweets, sandwiches, and salads. Try out their Southwestern-Style Tuna Sandwich and Vegetarian Cobb Salad. It is open from April through October.
Timings: 11am – 4pm
Book tickets to The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Frequently asked questions about dining at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Is dining at The Metropolitan Museum of Art expensive?
While the dining options at The Met aren’t cheap, the museum’s restaurant has something to offer people with different budgets. At cafes like the Petrie Court Cafe, you can get drinks, snacks, and pastries for as low as $6. If you want fine dining, you can head to The Met Dining Room for more upscale, pricier options.
Do I need to make reservations for dining at The Metropolitan Museum of Art?
Some restaurants at The Met require prior reservations. Balcony Lounge and The Met Dining Room encourage you to reserve tables beforehand.
Are there any special dining events or promotions at The Met?
The Balcony Lounge hosts Weekend Member Mornings from 9 am - 10 am on Saturday and Sunday.
Is outside food or drink allowed in The Met's dining areas?
You cannot bring outside food and drinks inside The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Are there vegetarian options available?
All the restaurants at The Metropolitan Museum of Art have vegetarian options. You can find vegetable rolls, salads, and pizzas at The Eatery and The American Wing Cafe.
