English
USD
Language
Currency
Contents

Restaurants and cafes at the American Museum of Natural History

If exploring and walking around the American Museum of Natural History has worked up your appetite, you're in luck! This museum offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste. From table-service dining, to a casual cafe experience, there’s an option for every type of foodie. Scroll through to find the best food options at the museum.

Restaurants at the American Museum of Natural History

The Restaurant at Gilder

The Restaurant at Gilder is the only table-service dining option at the museum that cooks up American fare. Their contemporary American cuisine is highlighted by their menu that emphasizes sustainability and uses locally sourced ingredients. But it’s not only about the food here. At the restaurant, you can admire the gorgeous sunlit Kenneth C. Griffin Atrium while you eat. You can find child-friendly, plant-forward, and vegan choices. Don’t forget to try the New York Style Cheesecake, the Grilled Short Rib Steak and the Fried Chicken Sandwich here.

Timings: Open daily for lunch from 11:30am to 3:30pm.

Location: Floor 2

Museum Food Court

The Food Court is open for longer than the other dining options at the museum making it a go-to for a quick breakfast dash or an after-visit snack on your way out. Its menu changes daily but accommodates different tastes and dietary preferences including gluten-free and nut-free options. You can expect a simple, casual fare like mac and cheese, pizzas, and hot dogs.

Timings: Open daily for lunch from 10:30am to 4:30pm.

Location: Lower Level

Cafe on 1

Stop by Cafe on 1 after exploring the life-sized model of a blue whale at the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life and interacting with the exhibits at the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, for a quick snack break. The cafe offers a casual dining experience with a variety of quick bites and gourmet selections including panini sandwiches pressed to order and cheese and dried fruit plates. 

Timings: Open daily for lunch from 11am to 4:30pm.

Location: Floor 1

Cafe on 4

If walking past the giant T-rex and the Titanosaur has gotten you famished, there is an option for a quick meal right on the 4th floor of the museum. Cafe on 4 provides a simple fare with a selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts and other grab-and-go items. The menu includes a variety of beverages making it a convenient stop for refreshments near the dinosaur exhibits. 

Timings: Open daily for lunch from 11am to 4:30pm.

Location: Floor 4




Book tickets to the American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History Tickets
Extended validity
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
More details
Combo (Save 5%): American Museum of Natural History Tickets + Edge Observation Deck Timed Entry Tickets
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
More details
Combo (Save 24%): American Museum of Natural History + 90-Min NYC Downtown Sightseeing Cruise
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Guided tour
More details
American Museum of Natural History plus 1-3 Top NYC Attraction Tickets
Free cancellation
Extended validity
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
More details
Combo (Save 8%): American Museum of Natural History Tickets + The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Tickets
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Audio guide
More details
New York CityPASS®: Choose 5 Attractions
Free cancellation
Extended validity
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
More details

Frequently asked questions about dining at the American Museum of Natural History

Can I find vegetarian or vegan options at the museum's restaurants?

Yes, the Restaurant at Gilder offers plant-forward and vegan choices. The other cafes also provide various light, casual bites catering to different dietary needs.

What dining option is best for quick meals at the American Museum of Natural History?

Museum Food Court and Cafe on 4 are great for quick bites, offering grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, soups, and snacks.

Are there gluten-free options?

Yes, the Museum Food Court offers gluten-free options, and the other dining outlets in the museum accommodate various dietary preferences.

Where can I take my children to eat?

Head over to the Restaurant at Gilder. This is a great choice for families since it offers child-friendly meals.

Is outside food or drink allowed in the American Museum of Natural History?

Except for water bottles, you cannot bring outside food and drinks into the American Museum of Natural History.