The Art of Noshing
/A few years ago my sister and I discovered the best way to visit a museum is to start with something tasty. Sometimes it’s a glass of wine and a nibble other times we enjoy lunch. It makes so much sense to visit the cafe early - before everyone else gets hungry. The lines are non-existent and you can eat quickly if you desire and don’t need to stop during your visit. There are so many wonderful cafes at museums that some never think about visiting but you should!
My Faves:
Great Hall Balcony Bar: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Bar overlooks the Great Hall and is a low-key spot to grab a cocktail, glass of wine or beer and small bites including cheese plates, charcuterie and sweet treats. It takes 1-1/2hrs to travel from the Chalet and be inside the Met and by then we need a little something before we look at the art and artifacts and the view is terrific! We have on the rare occasion visited the Balcony Bar twice - both at the start and end of a visit. I have also eaten with my sister in the members only: The Balcony Lounge.
The Morgan Cafe: The Morgan Library and Museum. Hands down this cafe has the best food of any institution I’ve ever visited. The wine and food selections on offer are as delicious as any multi-star restaurant. Yes, friends it’s that good!
Westmoreland: Frick Collection. This cafe is a a recent addition to the Frick opening in June 2025. The drinks on offer are top quality. I love the French 75 and have found it lacking in other establishments and not until Paris did I taste one as yummy. The cafe is named for the Frick family Pullman train car and has a petite footprint if you plan a visit get on Resy to make a reservation as soon as possible. It has a small but, exceptional menu.
Mosaic Restaurant: Princeton University Art Museum. The restaurant is on the top floor of the museum with both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu has a nice array of offerings.
L'Augustine: Musee Rodin. We found ourselves needing a little pick me up after our first museum tour in Paris. This lovely cafe is located behind the museum nestled in the garden. We all enjoyed a little something before making our way over to the Eiffel Tower.
Cafe Campana: Musee D’Orsay. This cafe offered us a quick respite before we made our way to our next destination on our second day in Paris. The best mushroom risotto of my life was enjoyed within steps from the roof terrace and amazing views of the Isle.
Cafe Laperouse: Hotel de la Marine. This gem is in the courtyard of the Place de la Concorde that houses the Hotel de la Marine this is where I finally found a French 75 to rival that of the one at the Westmoreland.
The setting and our drinks were so lovely we returned for luncheon on our last day. I enjoyed the best meal of my visit starting with a French 75. The Foie Gras, Ravioli alla zuca and Crème Brûlée vanille des Augustins were all outstanding.
I was blown away not only by the food and drink but the interiors!
I hope you will pop into the next museum cafe you encounter - trust me you will not be disappointed. Until next time be well and I’ll see you on the Gram!
