MoMA is located in a busy part of Manhattan, and many visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the museum before looking for something to eat. Due to its prime location , there are many dining options within walking distance, which include cafes, bakeries, casual lunch spots, and restaurants. Visitors can choose from different cuisines such as Italian food, American dishes, vegetarian meals, desserts, and quick takeaway options.
In this guide, we have listed some of the best restaurants near MoMA, along with useful tips like cuisine type, distance, and what makes each place worth visiting.
Dining Options Inside the Museum of Modern Arts
1. The Modern
The Modern is located at 9 West 53rd, which is the closest dining option for the museum visitors. The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine and is well known for its seasonal menus. Amazing taste and your presentation of dishes. It offers lunch and dinner service, and the reservation should be made through the official website.
Due to its convenient location right next to the museum, most of the visitors choose it after exploring the galleries. It is often preferred for its calm and peaceful dining experience. It is a good choice for lunches, dinners, special occasions, and many more experiences. People who love having well-prepared food often prefer this place as their dining spot nearby.
- Location: 9 West 53rd St, New York
- Opening hours: lunch 12 pm-2:30 pm and dinner 5 pm-9 pm
- Culinary highlights: seasonal menus, tasting menus, and desserts
- Distance from MoMA: next to the museum
- How to reach from MoMA: a one-minute walk
- Average price: $100+
2. Terrace Cafe
The Terrace Cafe is located inside MoMA on the 6th floor. It is one of the best options for visitors who want to take short breaks. The cafe is known for its south-facing open-air terrace views and high-quality food. It is a convenient option for those people who want to have food within the museum and don’t want to leave.
Many visitors prefer the Terrace Cafe because it provides a calm environment, and they feel comfortable after exploring the museum. It’s a nice spot to pause or stop and enjoy a light meal before continuing to explore the museum.
As it is located inside the museum, visitors can reach it easily during their visit without going outside. Entry is available for museum visitors only.
- Location: 6th floor, Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53rd Street, New York
- Opening hours: During museum hours
Culinary highlights: Light meals, snacks, coffee, refreshments - Distance from MoMA: Inside the museum
- How to reach from MoMA: Take the elevator to the 6th floor
- Average price: $70
3. Cafe 2
Cafe 2 is located on the second floor of the Museum of Modern Art. It is a curated space inside the museum designed for family-friendly dining. This cafe serves rustic Italian dishes and is known for handmade pastas, sandwiches, artisanal cheeses, and fresh salads. It is a convenient option for visitors who want a proper meal without leaving the museum.
Cafe 2 is a visitor’s favorite due to its comfort and relaxed atmosphere in the museum. The menu also includes lighter bites as well as filling meals, so it works well for quick grabs and a longer lunch break. With a classic menu, Cafe 2 is also kid-friendly, making it an ideal choice for families.
- Location: 2nd Floor, Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53rd Street, New York
- Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Culinary highlights: Handmade pastas, sandwiches, cheeses, salads
- Distance from MoMA: Inside the museum
- How to reach from MoMA: Take the elevator to the 2nd floor
- Average price: $70
4. Garden Bar
Garden Bar is located in the Sculpture Garden of MoM, and it is a seasonal dining spot. The bar is open typically during the summer months with limited hours of operation.
This seasonal pop-up bar serves beer, wine, cocktails, snacks, and soft ice cream. It is a convenient option for visitors who want refreshments while enjoying the outdoor museum setting.
Many visitors choose the Garden Bar because it offers a more open and relaxed atmosphere than indoors. It feels peaceful during the museum visit, especially after exploring and spending time in the galleries. It is the best option for those who want a drink or a quick snack without leaving MoMA.
- Location: Sculpture Garden, Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53rd Street, New York
- Opening hours: Sun to Thu 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Fri 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Culinary highlights: Beer, wine, cocktails, snacks, soft serve
- Distance from MoMA: Inside the museum
- How to reach from MoMA: Walk to the Sculpture Garden area
Restaurants Near the Museum of Modern Arts
1. La Grande Boucherie
La Grande Boucherie is located at 145 West 53rd Street. It is a short walk from the Museum of Modern Art. It is a French restaurant that is known for Parisian-style interiors, a classic Brescia menu, and a spacious setting. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. It is suitable for visitors at different times of the day. The most popular items on the menu are seafood, steak, French onion soup, pastries, and desserts. Reservations are made through the official website.
Many visitors choose La Grande Bouch because it is a very elegant, stunning, impressive Art Nouveau ambience and an authentic brasserie. It can be a good choice for a relaxed lunch after visiting mom or a special meal during a day out in the city. It is for those who enjoy classic French dishes and a more polished dining experience.
Because it is located so close to the museum, it is easy to reach on foot after your visit. Booking in advance is often helpful, especially during dinner hours and weekends
Location: 145 W 53rd St, New York
Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Culinary highlights: French cuisine, seafood, pastries, and desserts
Distance from Moma: around 3 to 5 minutes’ walk
How to reach from MoMA: Walk west on 53rd Street
Average price: $50 to $100
2. Felice 56
Felicity 56 is located at 15 West 56th Street; it is just a short walk from MoMA. It is an Italian restaurant known for Turkish-inspired cuisine with warm interiors and a relaxed dining atmosphere; this restaurant serves lunch and dinner. It has a menu that includes handmade pasta, salads, seafood dishes, and desserts. It is even known for its wine, especially from Italy. Reservations are supposed to be made through the official website.
Many visitors choose this restaurant because it offers a comfortable and sophisticated Tuscan atmosphere. It is popular for Italian food and for people who prefer a quieter and more relaxed dining experience. Couples, friends, and small groups looking for a meal near MoMA.
Since it is close to the museum, the restaurant can be reached easily on foot after your visit. Booking in advance is usually recommended.
- Location: 15 W 56th Street, New York
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Culinary highlights: Tuscan cuisine, pasta, Italian wines, and desserts
- Distance from Moma: around a 5-minute walk
- How to reach from MoMA: walk north towards 56th Street
- Average price: $80
3. Osteria La Baia
Osteria La Baia is located at 129 West 52nd Street, only a short walk away from the museum. It is an Italian restaurant that is famous for classic dishes with a modern touch in a stylish and spacious setting. It offers both lunch and dinner services. It is recommended to book your reservations on the official website.
Many people like Osteria La Baia for its welcoming atmosphere and polish, interior that feels lively and comfortable. Guests often recommend pastas, risotto, and chicken parmesan, which are among the most popular dishes on the menu. All these things have a flavour that feels rich and satisfying. Visitors appreciate the friendly service, which helps them make their overall dining experience feel more enjoyable and comfortable.
This restaurant is a suitable choice for families, business lunches, or friends meeting for a meal near MoMA. It works best for both casual lunches and evening dinners, especially for those people who love having Italian food.
- Location: 129 W 52nd St, New York
- Opening hours: 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Culinary highlights: Pasta, risotto, chicken parmigiana, seafood, and desserts
- Distance from Moma: around a 4- to 5-minute walk
- How to reach from MoMA: walk West towards W 52nd St
- Average price: $100
4. Nobu Fifty-seven
Nobu Fifty-seven is on West 57th St. and is a popular place for visitors who want a more premium meal after visiting MoMA. This restaurant is known for its Japanese cuisine, Peruvian influences, stylish interiors, and polished yet comfortable atmosphere. People usually come here for lunch or dinner because it is so close to the museum. Booking in advance is usually a good idea, especially on busy evenings
Many guests come for their signature dishes, such as black cod miso, sushi, sashimi, tempura, and creative small plates. The seafood quality and friendliness are often appreciated by visitors. It feels comfortable and relaxed rather than very formal. It is best for business lunches, dinners, celebrations such as birthdays or anniversaries, and date nights.
- Location: 40 W 57th St, New York
- Opening Hours: 11:45 AM to 10:15 PM
- Culinary highlights: black cod miso, sushi, tempura, and Japanese-Peruvian dishes.
- Distance from MoMA: around 6 to 8 minutes
- How to reach from MoMA: Walk north from the museum towards West 57th Street
- Average price: $150-$300
6. Quality Meats
Quality Meats is located on West 58th Street and is a popular choice for visitors who enjoy American grill dining near MoMA. This restaurant is known for its modern American cuisine with warm interiors and a lively atmosphere. Many people visit after spending time at the museum because it offers a satisfying lunch and dinner in a comfortable environment. It is especially popular for people who are in groups, couples, and visitors looking for a classic New York dining experience.
Guests often come here for grilled burgers, seafood, and rich dishes. The menu also includes desserts and drinks, which showcase the full meal. Restaurant visitors often appreciate complete portions and an energetic environment. The space is relaxed, which makes it suitable for both casual meals and celebrations.
- Location: 57 W 58th St, New York
- Opening hours: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM and then 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Culinary highlights: steaks, burgers, seafood, chops, and desserts.
- Distance from MoMA: 8 to 10 minutes’ walk
- How to reach from MoMA: walk north towards West 58th St
- Average price: $100 to $180
7. Benoit New York
It is located at 60 West 55th Street, New York 10019, United States, and it is a French restaurant near MoMA. The restaurant offers lunch and dinner services from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM. It is well known for classic French cuisine, traditional brasserie-style dining, and a warm Midtown setting. Reservations are available through the official website. The menu includes starters and main courses, which are inspired by French dining traditions
Many visitors choose Benoit, New York, when they want a slower and more relaxed meal after spending time at the museum. The restaurant has an elegant atmosphere, and it feels welcoming and comfortable. People who enjoy a proper table service with a dining experience visit here.
Popular dishes include steak frites, roasted chicken, onion soup, seafood selection, and classic French desserts. This restaurant is located within walking distance of MoMA.
- Location: 60 55th Street, 10019, United States
- Opening hours: 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Culinary highlights: steak frites, onion soup, roasted chicken, seafood, French desserts
- Distance from Moma: around 5 to 7 minutes’ walk
- How to reach from MoMA: Walk north towards West 55th Street
- Average price: $80-$150
8. Limani
It is located at 45th Rockefeller Plaza, New York 10111, United States, and it is a Mediterranean seafood restaurant near MoMA. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and it is well known for Greek-inspired cuisine, fresh seafood, and an elegant dining experience in Midtown. Reservations are available through the official website. The menu includes whole fish, grilled seafood salad, appetisers, and desserts that are prepared with Mediterranean flavors.
Many visitors choose when they want a refined meal after spending time at the museum. The interiors feel bright, spacious, and polished. It creates a setting that feels special without being uncomfortable. It is often preferred by people who enjoy seafood and want a calmer experience near MoMA
- Location: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 10111, United States
- Opening hours: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Culinary highlights: Fresh fish, grilled octopus, sea lobster pasta, Mediterranean dishes
- Distance from MoMA: around 7 to 9 minutes’ walk
- How to reach from MoMA: walk east towards Rockefeller Plaza
- Average price: $100
FAQs About the Restaurants
1. What is the restaurant inside MoMA
The best-known dining spot connected to MoMA is the Modern, which is located near the Sculpture Garden. A visit to the museum can also include casual cafe spaces for coffee, snacks, and light meals.
2. Can I visit the Modern without a MoMA ticket?
Yes, the Modern can usually be visited without buying a museum ticket. It has its own entry, and booking in advance is often a good idea.
3. Are there vegetarian restaurants near MoMA?
Yes, there are many vegetarian restaurants near MoMA, such as Felice 56, Osteria La Baia, and Limani.
4. Which are the best Italian restaurants near MoMA?
Many visitors like Felice, 56, and Osteria La Baia for Italian food, especially pasta and classic dishes.
5. Are there French restaurants near MoMA?
Yes, La Grande Boucherie and Benoit New York are popular choices for French food near the museum.
6. Are there budget-friendly restaurants near MoMA?
Yes, the area has cafes, pizza places, burger spots, and quick lunch options at low prices.
7. Are there family-friendly restaurants near MoMA?
Yes, there are many restaurants, cafes and burger spots that are for families and big groups
8. Which are premium restaurants near MoMA?
The modern Nobu Fifty-seven or Lamani are the premium restaurants near MoMA.