Art of the Plate: Best Restaurants Near MoMA New York

Art of the Plate: Best Restaurants Near MoMA New York

Your ultimate MoMA-area dining guide, from luxe to low-key.

Find food that’s as artful as the museum itself.

MoMA isn’t just a feast for the eyes — it’s also surrounded by some seriously great eats. Whether you’ve just spent the afternoon admiring Picasso, Pollock, or a cutting-edge installation, chances are you’ve worked up an appetite. Luckily, the museum’s Midtown location puts you within walking distance of a range of restaurants — from elegant tasting menus and power-lunch steakhouses to buzzing cafés and wallet-friendly gems.  

High-End 

The Modern 

  • Walking distance: Located inside MoMA 

  • Nearest subway: 5th Ave/53rd St (E, M) 

  • Cuisine: Contemporary American 

  • Google rating: 4.6 

The Modern is the culinary crown jewel of MoMA, serving seasonal American fare that’s as elegant as the art surrounding it. With two Michelin stars, the restaurant is split into two spaces: the formal Dining Room overlooking the sculpture garden and the more casual Bar Room.  

Expect delicate, imaginative plates like sea urchin with apple, or duck with smoked honey. Every dish looks as good as it tastes, with plating that’s practically a gallery exhibit. The vibe is sleek and sophisticated — white tablecloths, minimalist design, and top-tier service that never feels stiff. The wine list is expansive, and sommeliers are happy to guide you to a perfect pairing.  

Il Gattopardo 

  • Walking distance: 2 minutes 

  • Nearest subway: 5th Ave/53rd St (E, M) 

  • Cuisine: Southern Italian 

  • Google rating: 4.6 

Il Gattopardo brings southern Italian flair to Midtown Manhattan with a menu rooted in traditional recipes and seasonal ingredients. This elegant spot is tucked in a townhouse just steps from MoMA, making it ideal for a post-gallery dinner. Inside, you’ll find white linen tables, warm lighting, and a classy but inviting atmosphere.  

Highlights include house-made pasta like the paccheri with Neapolitan ragù, as well as fresh seafood, veal ossobuco, and a must-try signature eggplant parmigiana. The wine list leans heavily Italian and is well-curated to match the menu.  

Limani 

  • Walking distance: 6 minutes 

  • Nearest subway: 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M) 

  • Cuisine: Mediterranean Seafood 

  • Google rating: 4.5 

Limani brings the sunny shores of Greece to Midtown with its refined Mediterranean seafood menu and sleek, white-washed decor. Just a short walk from MoMA, this high-end restaurant is known for ultra-fresh fish, bold olive oil, and bright, balanced flavors.  

Signature dishes include whole lavraki (Mediterranean sea bass), grilled octopus, and creamy tzatziki served with warm pita. The ambiance is chic and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows and soft lighting that makes lunch feel like a seaside retreat. The wine list is extensive with Greek and international selections, and staff are quick to offer pairings that elevate your meal.  

 

Le Bernardin 

Le Bernardin 
  • Walking distance: 10 minutes 

  • Nearest subway: 7th Ave (B, D, E) 

  • Cuisine: French Seafood 

  • Google rating: 4.7 

Le Bernardin is one of NYC’s most acclaimed dining institutions — three Michelin stars, countless James Beard awards, and a reputation for flawless seafood. While it’s a little further from MoMA, it’s well worth the walk if you’re in the mood for culinary excellence.  

The tasting menu is a masterclass in refinement, featuring signature dishes like the barely touched scallop, poached lobster, and wagyu with black garlic jus. Each course is plated with precision and paired beautifully with wine from their award-winning cellar.  

Aquavit 

  • Walking distance: 8 minutes 

  • Nearest subway: 51st St (6) or 5th Ave/53rd St (E, M) 

  • Cuisine: Nordic 

  • Google rating: 4.6 

Aquavit offers something totally different near MoMA — sleek, modern Nordic cuisine in a quiet, upscale setting. This two-Michelin-starred spot showcases the artistry of Scandinavian cooking, with dishes like gravlax with dill mustard, smoked venison, and a rotating seasonal tasting menu.  

There’s also a sleek lounge offering a la carte bites and an extensive aquavit and cocktail list.  

Mid-Range 

PizzArte 

  • Walking distance: 4 minutes 

  • Nearest subway: 57th St (F) 

  • Cuisine: Italian (Neapolitan pizza) 

  • Google rating: 4.5 

PizzArte blends Naples’ culinary roots with New York sophistication — and it’s just a quick stroll from MoMA. Inside, you’ll find a warm, art-filled space that doubles as a gallery, featuring rotating exhibits and a creative yet relaxed ambiance.  

The star of the show? Neapolitan-style pizzas with blistered crusts, tangy tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella. Go classic with a Margherita or opt for more adventurous toppings like truffle oil and speck. The antipasti — think burrata, fried calamari, and arancini — are just as satisfying. There’s a solid selection of Italian wines and craft beers to round out the experience. 

The Whitby Bar & Restaurant 

  • Walking distance: 4 minutes 

  • Nearest subway: 5th Ave/53rd St (E, M) 

  • Cuisine: Modern American 

  • Google rating: 4.7 

The Whitby Bar is tucked inside The Whitby Hotel and feels like a curated escape from Midtown’s corporate vibe. This whimsical spot features vibrant wallpaper, plush seating, and modern art — perfect if you want a bit of aesthetic flair with your food.  

The menu is modern American with global influences, offering dishes like tuna tartare, roasted cauliflower steak, or their fan-favorite Whitby cheeseburger. Afternoon tea is also popular here and makes for a fun, elegant midday break. 

La Bonne Soupe 

La Bonne Soupe 
  • Walking distance: 6 minutes 

  • Nearest subway: 5th Ave/53rd St (E, M) 

  • Cuisine: French bistro 

  • Google rating: 4.5 

La Bonne Soupe is a charming French bistro that’s been winning hearts since the 1970s. With cozy banquettes, chalkboard menus, and French pop playing in the background, it’s got a true Left Bank feel right in Midtown.  

The menu sticks to crowd-pleasers — French onion soup bubbling with Gruyère, croque monsieur, quiche Lorraine, and a delightfully simple steak frites. Don’t skip the chocolate mousse or tarte tatin for dessert. The wine list is affordable and well-curated, and prix fixe lunch and dinner deals offer serious value. 

Soba Totto 

  • Walking distance: 8 minutes 

  • Nearest subway: 51st St (6) 

  • Cuisine: Japanese (Soba and yakitori) 

  • Google rating: 4.5 

Soba Totto is a hidden Midtown gem specializing in house-made soba noodles and sizzling yakitori skewers. The vibe is warm and wood-paneled — think Tokyo izakaya meets NYC energy. It's a little off the beaten tourist track but totally worth the short walk from MoMA.  

Their soba noodles, served hot or cold, are freshly made with buckwheat and perfectly chewy. Try the duck dipping soba or the classic tempura soba combo. Pair your bowl with a few skewers from the grill — chicken thigh, shiitake mushroom, bacon-wrapped asparagus — all expertly seasoned and charred. There’s also a solid selection of sake and Japanese whisky. 

Little Collins 

  • Walking distance: 6 minutes 

  • Nearest subway: 51st St (6) 

  • Cuisine: Australian café 

  • Google rating: 4.6 

Little Collins brings Aussie brunch vibes and serious coffee game to Midtown. With clean, bright decor and a quick-service setup, it’s ideal for grabbing breakfast, brunch, or a solid mid-afternoon pick-me-up.  

The menu includes avocado smash on sourdough, grain bowls, banana bread, and the spicy, crave-worthy “Big Dill” egg sandwich. Coffee fans will appreciate the expertly pulled espresso and flat whites — strong, smooth, and served fast.  

 

Budget-Friendly 

Xi’an Famous Foods – Midtown East 

  • Walking distance: 8 minutes 

  • Nearest subway: 51st St (6) 

  • Cuisine: Northwestern Chinese 

  • Google rating: 4.4 

Xi’an Famous Foods serves up spicy, hand-pulled noodle dishes that are anything but ordinary. It’s a fast-casual spot with bold flavors and generous portions — perfect after a long museum stroll.  

The standout is their spicy cumin lamb noodles, which come tangled in thick, chewy ribbons coated in fragrant, chili oil-heavy sauce. The stewed pork burger (think slow-cooked meat in a crispy flatbread) is also a winner, and everything’s made fresh to order. 

Melt Shop – Midtown 

Melt Shop – Midtown 
  • Walking distance: 0.2 miles (~4 minutes) 

  • Nearest subway: 5th Ave/53rd St (E, M) 

  • Cuisine: American (Grilled cheese) 

  • Google rating: 4.3 

Melt Shop turns the humble grilled cheese into something crave-worthy. With a sleek fast-casual setup, this Midtown location is just a few blocks from MoMA and perfect for a quick bite.  

The classic melt is buttery, crisp, and packed with gooey cheese, while more adventurous combos include fried chicken, bacon, or truffle oil. Sides like crispy tots, tomato soup, and milkshakes round out the experience.  

The Halal Guys – 53rd and 6th 

  • Walking distance: 6 minutes 

  • Nearest subway: 7th Ave (B, D, E) 

  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern (street food) 

  • Google rating: 4.5 

The Halal Guys started as a humble food cart and has become a global sensation — and you’re never far from the original when visiting MoMA.  

Located at the corner of 53rd and 6th, this street cart dishes out combo platters of chicken and beef gyro over rice, topped with their famous white sauce and optional fiery red sauce. The pita is soft, the meat is juicy, and the portions are generous. You’ll smell it before you see it — and yes, there might be a line, but it moves quickly. 

Toasties 

  • Walking distance: 6 minutes 

  • Nearest subway: 51st St (6) 

  • Cuisine: Deli/sandwiches 

  • Google rating: 4.5 

Toasties is a classic NYC deli that keeps Midtown running. Known for its massive sandwiches and customizable options, this is a great lunch stop if you’re heading to or from MoMA.  

Choose from dozens of meats, cheeses, spreads, and toppings to build the sandwich of your dreams — or try one of their signature creations like “The Godfather” or the turkey avocado panini. The menu also includes wraps, breakfast options, salads, and fresh coffee. 

Bibble & Sip 

  • Walking distance: 6 minutes 

  • Nearest subway: 7th Ave (B, D, E) 

  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired café & bakery 

  • Google rating: 4.6 

Bibble & Sip is a whimsical café known for its matcha cream puffs, lavender lattes, and soft-baked pastries with a creative twist. The interior is compact and charming, with panda-themed branding and a menu that fuses Asian flavors with Western treats.  

Beyond sweets, they serve savory bites like egg sandwiches, ham & cheese croissants, and house-brewed teas and espresso drinks. It’s a perfect pitstop for breakfast, a light lunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up after MoMA.  

For more, check out the best of NY’s historical sites, and become an expert of the city after dark. 

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