Museum restaurants in Türkiye
Türkiye’s museums are famous for their history, their collections, and their modern practices, but did you know that there are excellent museum restaurants in Türkiye?
Polima Museum Restaurant, Izmir
If you visit the Köstem Olive Oil Museum (Köstem Zeytinyağı Müzesi) in Urla, Izmir, do make time for the Polima Museum Restaurant, located in the Köstem Olive Oil Museum complex. Recognized as the largest olive oil museum in the world, the Köstem Olive Oil Museum includes exhibits on olive oil technology, a contemporary olive oil factory, and an olive collection garden, as well as this upscale eatery.
Featuring garden views, the airy Polima Museum Restaurant offers a farm-to-table menu focused on seasonal, sustainable dishes, with many ingredients sourced from organic farms and, of course, the museum’s own olive oils. In addition, the Polima hosts cultural events such as jazz concerts and film screenings, along with various themed menus. Please click here to make a reservation.
MSA’s Restaurant, Istanbul
The hillside Sakıp Sabancı Museum, overlooking the Bosphorus in Istanbul’s Emirgan neighborhood, is renowned for its onsite restaurant, as well as its world-class collection and exhibits. Featuring a terrace with Bosphorus views, MSA’s Restaurant is run by the acclaimed Culinary Arts Academy (Mutfak Sanatları Akademisi – MSA), and its menu draws inspiration from culinary traditions across the globe. Dishes crafted by MSA chefs, presented in the distinctive ambiance of the museum and against a Bosphorus backdrop, place this gourmet museum restaurant among the top dining establishments in Türkiye.
To make a reservation at MSA’s Restaurant, click here.
neolokal, Istanbul
Set atop Salt Galata, a renowned contemporary art museum in Beyoğlu, is neolokal, a Michelin-starred museum restaurant recognized as a leader in sustainable gastronomy and a standout on the Istanbul culinary scene.
To make a reservation at neolocal, please click here.
Kültür Museum Restaurant, Cappadocia
Cappadocia, a region in Türkiye acclaimed for its cultural and natural tourism, offers much more than just fairy chimneys and balloon tours — the area has rapidly emerged as a center for art and gastronomy as well. One example is the Kapadokya Kültür Müze: Set in the village of Ortahisar, this simple yet evocative museum is home to the upscale Kapadokya Kültür Müze Restaurant. Notable figures such as the Queen of Spain and the Duchess of Alba have dined at the restaurant, which offers a menu focused on local and regional Anatolian fare ranging from olive oil dishes to soups, kebabs, and salads. We suggest visiting Kültür Museum Restaurant to enhance your Cappadocia experience with a blend of culture and gastronomy tourism. You can click here to make a reservation.
Restoran Modern, İstanbul
Set in the dramatic Istanbul Modern museum, the sleek Restoran Modern features floor-to-ceiling windows and a terrace with views of the Bosphorus and the Historic Peninsula. Offering a diverse menu reflecting a commitment to sustainable cuisine practices and seasonal fare, Restoran Modern serves dishes influenced by Anatolian and Mediterranean culinary traditions. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; a child’s menu is also available. Click here to make a reservation.
Popular museum restaurants around the world
You’ll find excellent gourmet museum restaurants outside of Türkiye as well! This section explores some of the world’s most popular museum restaurants.
Brasserie Paul Bocuse Le Musee, Tokyo
Set within the National Art Center in Tokyo, Brasserie Paul Bocuse Le Musee is the establishment of celebrated French chef Paul Bocuse. Art and gastronomy merge at this restaurant, thanks to the center’s stunning architecture, and an exceptional menu focused on French cuisine. The brasserie also offers spectacular views of the city. Visit the link for more information and to make a reservation.
RIJKS Restaurant, Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum, an acclaimed art and history museum in Amsterdam, has housed the RIJKS Restaurant since 2014. Reopened in 2023 after an extensive renovation, the restaurant is now helmed by chefs Friso van Amerongen and Yascha Oosterberg. The RIJKS menu draws inspiration from products that originate from the Dutch landscape and is enriched by the international gastronomic traditions that have influenced Dutch cuisine for centuries. Click here for more information on RIJKS, a notable destination in European gastronomy, and to make a reservation.
The Modern, New York
Set within New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the two-Michelin-starred The Modern complements contemporary French and American cuisine with fantastic views of the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden. The Modern’s seasonal menu includes an array of seafood and game dishes; the bar has an extensive wine list. Click here for reservations.
Acropolis Museum Cafe and Restaurant, Athens
The spectacular Acropolis Museum in Athens, where archaeological artifacts from Athens and the Acropolis are displayed, houses an equally stunning restaurant. Featuring stunning panoramic views of the city, the Acropolis Museum Restaurant is on the second floor of the museum. The restaurant’s menu is updated seasonally and highlights traditional recipes and local dishes.
