An extensive guide to dining at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Located on the ground floor near the Robert Lehman Collection, The Eatery is a large dining space that is a good place to go if you’ve brought your kids to the museum. It offers a child-friendly experience with booster seats, high chairs, and a special kids’ menu. Must-try dishes include The "Met" Salad and the Roasted Turkey "Rachel" Sandwich.

Timings:

• 11am – 4pm from Thursday to Tuesday

Closed: Wednesday

Head over to The Charles Engelhard Court to find this charming cafe with masterpieces by famous American artists to make your dining experience a little more special. Sip on your choice of beverage, be it a hot coffee or a glass of sparkling Chandon Garden Spritz, while enjoying your artistically enriching view. Try out the Spicy Salmon Roll and "Street Cart" Chicken Sandwich while you’re there.

Timings:

• 11am – 4pm from Sunday to Tuesday and on Thursday 
  
• 11am – 8pm on Friday and Saturday

Closed: Wednesday

This cafe offers stunning views of Central Park, serving as a sort of palate cleanser to prep you for the next set of art you will enjoy at The Met. You can find it on the first floor by the Carroll and Milton Petrie European Sculpture Court. It offers light fare that includes the delicious Le Met Salad and popular cocktails like a dependable Manhattan, a light Cosmopolitan, or an adventurous Mai Tai.

Timings:

• 11am – 4pm from Sunday to Tuesday and on Thursday 
  
• 11am – 8pm on Friday and Saturday

Closed: Wednesday

The Great Hall Balcony Cafe, located on the museum's second is a good place for pick-me-ups and a light bite. Get yourself a Housemade Dessert that is especially curated by Pastry Chef Larissa Raphael. You can nurse a classic cocktail or a beer while you’re here, to give your feet some rest after all that walking.

Timings:

• 11am – 4:15pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday
  
• 11am – 8:15pm on Friday and Saturday

Closed: Wednesday

If you’re a member at The Met, stop by the Balcony Lounge at the Great Hall Balcony on the second floor to take a minute and catch your breath. Have a cocktail and a snack here before getting back to enjoying the art. Don’t miss out on the Steak Tartare and Chicory Salad.

Timings:

• 11am – 4:45pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday (Last seating at 3:45 pm)
  
• 11am – 8:45pm on Friday and Saturday (Last seating at 7:45 pm)

Closed: Wednesday

Make a reservation at The Met Dining Room to enjoy an upscale meal in the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts galleries on the fourth floor. With wonderful views of Central Park, this restaurant offers a seasonal menu featuring "Shrimp & Grits", Grilled Romaine Salad, Le Big Met Burger, and more!

Timings:

• 11:30am – 3:15pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 
  
• 11:30am – 3:15pm and 5pm – 7:45pm on Friday and Saturday

Closed: Wednesday and Sunday

The Cantor Roof Garden on the fifth floor of The Met building hosts The Cantor Roof Garden Bar. Visiting it is guaranteed to make your visit to the museum extra special. This open-air space gives you a fantastic view of Manhattan’s skyline along with an intimate view of the expansive Central Park. Open during warmer months, and based on the weather conditions, the bar reopens on May 16, 2024. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and has limited seating, so head over for a quick drink stop rather than expect a proper meal.

Timings:

• 11am– 4pm from Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday
  
• 11am – 8pm on Friday and Saturday 

Closed: Wednesday