Restaurants and cafés at the American Museum of Natural History

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

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

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

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