Pre-pandemic, I traveled several times a month at a minimum. One of the things I love about my work is visiting museum restaurants nationwide for clients and non-clients alike. Like many of us, I have been dreaming of traveling again so I thought I’d make a list of ten museum restaurants I can’t wait to visit, in no particular order.
Marisol at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Marisol is the name of a Venezuelan-American sculptor from Paris who served as the inspiration for the restaurant. Marisol was the first donor to the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago by gifting her sculpture, Six Women. You can even find items on the menu based on her favorite dishes! Inside the Marisol, you will be immersed in the art of Chris Ofili, a Turner Prize-winning artist. Then you may be delighted by Chef Jason Hammel’s seasonal cuisine. I’m yearning for more sunflower hummus on flaxseed crackers. Delish!
Esker Grove at the Walker Art Center
New American Fare inspired by seasonal ingredients led to Dough Flicker’s restaurant concept named Esker Grove, where you can dine artfully surrounded and by nature. Esker Grove is located across from the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at the entrance to the Walker Art Center. Absolutely nothing beats sipping a cocktail and eating a beautifully composed salad al fresco in the summer.
Off the Rez at the Burke Museum
Off The Rez is Seattle’s first native food truck, cafe, and catering company. It is owned by Mark McConnel and Cecilia Rikard, who decided to embark on the endeavor to bring Native American cultural food to Seattle. Inspired by his mother’s traditional cooking, he decided to share the delectable Blackfeet frybread recipes and Indian tacos with the public. Tacos and sweet potato salad anyone? I can’t wait to visit this relatively new outpost to the Seattle dining scene.
The Restaurant at the Norton
Let’s see! It is in Florida, check. It is in a Foster & Partners designed building, check. The menu is so appealing, check. Enough said. But really, the Restaurant at the Norton offers garden views, a casual setting, and light, modern-American fare influenced by the coast. What’s not to love?
In Situ at SFMOMA
When dining at In Situ, do not expect it to be an ordinary meal! Situ features a menu of dishes by over 90 chefs from around the globe to create a unique fine-dining experience. Eating at In Situ is essentially eating exquisite foreign meals without a passport. I love the concept of recreating dishes from famous chefs worldwide. And I never turn down an opportunity to go to San Francisco!
FIKA at the American Swedish Institute
The American Swedish Institute is a vibrant arts and cultural organization that engages locally and connects globally. The cafe at ASI offers gravlax, smoked trout spread, award winning sandwiches and more! Yum! If you are looking for an easy and delicious way to feed the whole family, then a family meatball dinner to-go is just what you need. From Christmas markets to traditional Swedish feasts and community discussions, there’s always something to see, learn and experience at ASI.
Verde at the Perez
Verde at the Perez, led by Executive Chef Hedy Goldsmith, offers a menu that is locally inspired, featuring dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients and her signature pastries. Located in Pérez Art Museum Miami with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, Verde is a modern, casual restaurant with limited indoor seating and socially-distanced outdoor seating on the expansive terrace. A must visit when in Miami – particularly on Thursday nights!
Café Contemporary at Oklahoma Contemporary
Avery Cannon’s vision of a café where art can be enjoyed in many forms comes to light here at Café Contemporary. They offer a full coffee service, beer, wine, soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta plates. All the proof one needs that a small museum café can deliver an interesting and creative menu! Mushroom Reuben anyone?
Sweet Home Café at the National Museum of African American History & Culture
Sweet Home Café showcases the rich culture and history of African Americans with traditional, authentic offerings as well as current-day food traditions. This is a great example of a museum café that lives and breathes the institution’s mission and collection. From BBQ pork, to gumbo, to buttermilk fried chicken, this menu is filled with mouthwatering dishes. It is without a doubt a must visit when in DC!
Flora Bar at the Met Breuer
Now I know to visit this restaurant, I would have to be a time traveler… but I have to give a shout-out to Flora Bar as it was such a great addition to the museum dining scene and the Upper East Side restaurant stock. In 2016, Flora was named one of the city’s best new restaurants by the New York Times, and New York Magazine called it the best restaurant on the Upper East Side. Unfortunately, the Flora Bar will no longer be open at the Met Breuer.