10 Restaurants With Arts and Smarts
Tired of eating in the chains? Checking Yelp? Chasing down the Michelins?
Here are ten restaurants and cafés in some of the most interesting, creative and unexpected spaces and places from New York to London, D.C. to Miami. Venues range from high-end cafeteria to two Michelin star affairs, all drawing inspiration from their unique settings. Get ready to feed your body, mind and soul.
1. The United Nations Delegate Dining Room
1st Ave./46th St., New York
Nowhere else in the city can you dine alongside ambassadors, delegates and international dignitaries, enjoy stunning views up and down the East River, and take in the art collections and design of this iconic building. The United Nations prix-fixe luncheon is available Monday to Friday between 11:30AM and 2:30PM by advanced reservation only. Price is $39.99 per person, exclusive of beverages and tax. Lunch and guided tour reservations can be made online.
2. Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
11 W 53rd St., New York
The Modern may overlook the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, but the view never threatens to overshadow the food. That would be pretty hard to do given The Modern’s list of awards and accolades: two Michelin stars, a three star New York Times review, four James Beards and a Grand Award from Wine Spectator. Go expecting greatness. It features a bright and airy setting and an evolving seasonal menu of note.
But if you prefer a more intimate dining experience, you can – literally – sit at The Kitchen Table, seating for four in the heart of the kitchen with a tasting menu tailored to your gastronomic pleasures. Website
3. MOMA PS1
22-25 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City, New York
MoMA PS1 is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit contemporary art institutions in the United States. An exhibition space rather than a collecting institution, MoMA PS1 devotes its energy and resources to displaying the most experimental art in the world. The M. Wells Dinette is embedded within this energetic space, plying a popular menu of Quebecois specialties. According to reviews, it’s well-worth the trip across the bridge. Website
4. The Museum of Arts and Design
2 Columbus Circle, New York
As far as views go, we’re on a roll here. ROBERT offers a breathtaking view of Central Park and Broadway from its post atop The Museum of Arts and Design at Columbus Circle. Described as “elegant, sexy and romantic,” ROBERT celebrates design and beauty in its decor and culinary creativity. It’s a perfect respite from the city for lunch, dinner or drinks at sunset.
5. Mitsitan Native Food Cafe
On the National Mall at 4th St/Independence Ave. SW
Downstairs, in the basement of the Museum of the American Indian in D.C., is an unexpected gem of a restaurant. While the food is served cafeteria-style, it’s nothing like the usual cafeteria fare.
“Mitsitam” means “Let’s eat!” in the Native language of the Delaware and Piscataway peoples and the menu is sourced from the indigenous cuisines of the Americas. Each of the five food stations depict regional lifeways related to cooking techniques, ingredients, and flavors found in both traditional and contemporary dishes. Buffalo and elk burgers and chicken mole soft tacos are two examples from the broad and exciting menu that offers a different kind of history lesson. Website
6. National Academy of Sciences
500 5th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is a private, nonprofit organization of the country’s leading researchers.
The National Academy of Sciences building is identified by a 12-foot high sculpture of a seated Einstein in the garden and the exceptional beauty and symmetry of the building. Step inside and revel in a time warp and treasure chest of the finest art and craft available. It’s possible you could be the sole visitor.
The cafeteria opens to the public at 12:45 pm and closes at 1:30 pm. Like the hours of operation, the menu is restricted: two excellent daily features (salmon and chicken, for example) with fresh sides and a creative salad and sandwich bar. Website
7. V&A Cafe, South Kensington
Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London
The V&A Cafe is billed as the world’s oldest museum restaurant. There are three opulent Victorian-era “refreshment rooms” plus the courtyard Garden cafe, a hidden oasis in the center of the museum. The rooms were by design superstars James Gamble, William Morris and Edward Poynter with layers of opulent details befitting a Victorian museum of decorative arts. Even high tea service is period correct; food historian Natasha Marks recreated Queen Victoria’s afternoon tea, which is served on Sunday from 3:00pm until 5:00pm. Service is cafeteria-style so be prepared to hawkish about finding a table during busy times. Bonus: Admission to The V&A museum is always free. Website
8. Magazine Restaurant, Serpentine Sackler Gallery
Kensington Gardens, London
Forming part of the Serpentine Sackler Gallery in London’s Hyde Park, The Magazine was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid. By all accounts the food is amazing, but the architecture steals the show. The Magazine dining room features a flowing membrane roof, and columns that flood natural light into the room. Stunning glass walls also give the impression of dining in the surrounding garden. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and weekend brunch. Website
9. Keeper’s House, Royal Academy of Arts
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London
Keeper’s House offers a restaurant, a café, a cocktail bar, a garden, and a place to encounter art at the Royal Academy. The Restaurant is a formal dining experience in jewel-colored rooms filled with dramatic decor. The Shenkman Bar offers cocktails and small bites and opens onto the Keeper’s Garden. The Keeper’s Garden is an art oasis, a gallery of sculptural work, open for dining during clement weather. The Courtyard Cafe is the perfect place to grab a quick bite or lounge through an extended lunch. Website
10. Wynwood Kitchen & Bar
2550 NW 2nd Ave, Miami
Jam-packed with art, famed street artist Shepard Fairey’s floor-to-ceiling mural dominates the bar area. Canvases by Christian Awe, futuristic paintings by Santiago Rubino and an 11-foot sculptured man by David Benjaman Sherry are just a few of the points of interest in this place to see and be seen. Food is latin-influenced global cuisine served with creative cocktails, artisanal beers and a reputable wine list. Serving up all ’round cool in Miami’s arts district. Website
Our Luxury Hotel Consultants Recommend:
A distinct 1930s-inspired Art Deco hotel, The Chatwal has a rich history and a standard of service that has reached new heights of luxury. Featuring 76 perfectly-designed rooms and suites, The Chatwal provides the perfect intimate retreat in the midst of Midtown’s hustle and bustle. In a former life, this chic hotel was the original Lambs Club attracting members such as Charlie Chaplin and Fred Astaire. The Chatwal New York offers historic charm, a great pre-theater crowd, and is amongst the action without being immediately on top of it.
Langham Place, New York, Fifth Avenue is a commanding presence on famed Fifth Avenue. With notable attractions just minutes away, the impressive amenities and dedicated service have set a new benchmark for Manhattan luxury hotels. Langham Place, New York, Fifth Avenue has got it all.
Located in one of Manhattan’s most desirable neighborhoods, The Surrey is an Upper East Side luxury hotel that is elegant and whimsical. Just one block away from Central Park, The Surrey features residential-style accommodations that evoke a home-away-from-home feel, while providing guests with an array of thoughtful amenities and the generous service one would expect from a Manhattan luxury hotel.
1. The United Nations Delegate Dining Room
1st Ave./46th St., New York
Nowhere else in the city can you dine alongside ambassadors, delegates and international dignitaries, enjoy stunning views up and down the East River, and take in the art collections and design of this iconic building. The United Nations prix-fixe luncheon is available Monday to Friday between 11:30AM and 2:30PM by advanced reservation only. Price is $39.99 per person, exclusive of beverages and tax. Lunch and guided tour reservations can be made online.
2. Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
11 W 53rd St., New York
The Modern may overlook the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, but the view never threatens to overshadow the food. That would be pretty hard to do given The Modern’s list of awards and accolades: two Michelin stars, a three star New York Times review, four James Beards and a Grand Award from Wine Spectator. Go expecting greatness. It features a bright and airy setting and an evolving seasonal menu of note.
But if you prefer a more intimate dining experience, you can – literally – sit at The Kitchen Table, seating for four in the heart of the kitchen with a tasting menu tailored to your gastronomic pleasures.
3. MoMA PS1
22-25 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City, New York
MoMA PS1 is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit contemporary art institutions in the United States. An exhibition space rather than a collecting institution, MoMA PS1 devotes its energy and resources to displaying the most experimental art in the world. The M. Wells Dinette is embedded within this energetic space, plying a popular menu of Quebecois specialties. According to reviews, it’s well-worth the trip across the bridge.
4. The Museum of Arts and Design
2 Columbus Circle, New York
As far as views go, we’re on a roll here. ROBERT offers a breathtaking view of Central Park and Broadway from its post atop The Museum of Arts and Design at Columbus Circle. Described as “elegant, sexy and romantic,” ROBERT celebrates design and beauty in its decor and culinary creativity. It’s a perfect respite from the city for lunch, dinner or drinks at sunset.
5. Mitsitan Native Food Cafe
On the National Mall at 4th St/Independence Ave. SW
Downstairs, in the basement of the Museum of the American Indian in D.C., is an unexpected gem of a restaurant. While the food is served cafeteria-style, it’s nothing like the usual cafeteria fare.
“Mitsitam” means “Let’s eat!” in the Native language of the Delaware and Piscataway peoples and the menu is sourced from the indigenous cuisines of the Americas. Each of the five food stations depict regional lifeways related to cooking techniques, ingredients, and flavors found in both traditional and contemporary dishes. Buffalo and elk burgers and chicken mole soft tacos are two examples from the broad and exciting menu that offers a different kind of history lesson.
6. National Academy of Sciences
500 5th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is a private, nonprofit organization of the country’s leading researchers.
The National Academy of Sciences building is identified by a 12-foot high sculpture of a seated Einstein in the garden and the exceptional beauty and symmetry of the building. Step inside and revel in a time warp and treasure chest of the finest art and craft available. It’s possible you could be the sole visitor.
The cafeteria opens to the public at 12:45 pm and closes at 1:30 pm. Like the hours of operation, the menu is restricted: two excellent daily features (salmon and chicken, for example) with fresh sides and a creative salad and sandwich bar. Website
7. V&A Cafe, South Kensington
Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London
The V&A Cafe is billed as the world’s oldest museum restaurant. There are three opulent Victorian-era “refreshment rooms” plus the courtyard Garden cafe, a hidden oasis in the center of the museum. The rooms were by design superstars James Gamble, William Morris and Edward Poynter with layers of opulent details befitting a Victorian museum of decorative arts. Even high tea service is period correct; food historian Natasha Marks recreated Queen Victoria’s afternoon tea, which is served on Sunday from 3:00pm until 5:00pm. Service is cafeteria-style so be prepared to hawkish about finding a table during busy times. Bonus: Admission to The V&A museum is always free. Website
8. Magazine Restaurant, Serpentine Sackler Gallery
Kensington Gardens, London
Forming part of the Serpentine Sackler Gallery in London’s Hyde Park, The Magazine was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid. By all accounts the food is amazing, but the architecture steals the show. The Magazine dining room features a flowing membrane roof, and columns that flood natural light into the room. Stunning glass walls also give the impression of dining in the surrounding garden. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and weekend brunch. Website
9. Keeper’s House, Royal Academy of Arts
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London
Keeper’s House offers a restaurant, a café, a cocktail bar, a garden, and a place to encounter art at the Royal Academy. The Restaurant is a formal dining experience in jewel-colored rooms filled with dramatic decor. The Shenkman Bar offers cocktails and small bites and opens onto the Keeper’s Garden. The Keeper’s Garden is an art oasis, a gallery of sculptural work, open for dining during clement weather. The Courtyard Cafe is the perfect place to grab a quick bite or lounge through an extended lunch. Website
10. Wynwood Kitchen & Bar
2550 NW 2nd Ave, Miami
Jam-packed with art, famed street artist Shepard Fairey’s floor-to-ceiling mural dominates the bar area. Canvases by Christian Awe, futuristic paintings by Santiago Rubino and an 11-foot sculptured man by David Benjaman Sherry are just a few of the points of interest in this place to see and be seen. Food is latin-influenced global cuisine served with creative cocktails, artisanal beers and a reputable wine list. Serving up all ’round cool in Miami’s arts district. Website