Terrace Cafe Introduce
Welcome to the heart of Midtown Manhattan, where culture and cuisine meet in perfect harmony. Nestled on the sixth floor of the iconic Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Terrace Cafe offers a dining experience that's both a peaceful retreat and a culinary delight. For New Yorkers and visitors alike, this isn't just a place to grab a bite; it’s an extension of the artistic journey, providing a stylish and comfortable space to recharge and reflect. Whether you've spent hours wandering through MoMA's hallowed halls or you're simply looking for a fantastic lunch spot in the area, the cafe provides a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that caters to a variety of tastes. Its friendly, professional service and high-quality offerings make it a standout choice in a neighborhood packed with dining options. It’s the perfect blend of casual comfort and elevated style, making it a truly unique New York City destination.
This is a place where every detail is considered, from the carefully crafted menu to the inviting atmosphere. It’s the ideal spot for a midday break, an afternoon coffee, or a pre-theater dinner. The Terrace Cafe prides itself on providing a space where you can enjoy great food and drinks without the typical Midtown hustle. The combination of its convenient location inside one of the world's most famous museums and its serene, well-appointed setting creates a truly special experience. New Yorkers looking for a quiet escape with excellent food will find themselves right at home here. The emphasis is on fresh, delicious food and a relaxing environment, ensuring that every visit is a memorable one.
For those in search of a quick bite or a full meal, the Terrace Cafe’s menu is designed to satisfy. The dishes are expertly prepared, using high-quality ingredients to create flavorful and satisfying options. The cafe's commitment to quality extends to its beverage program, which includes an impressive selection of wines, cocktails, and coffee. This focus on providing a complete and enjoyable experience is what makes the Terrace Cafe a true gem in the city. It's not just about the food; it's about the entire feeling of being there—a feeling of comfort, style, and a little bit of luxury right in the middle of Manhattan. It’s a place where you can sit back, relax, and let the world melt away while you savor a delicious meal.
Located on the sixth floor of the Museum of Modern Art, the Terrace Cafe is situated at 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA. This prime Midtown location makes it incredibly accessible for anyone in the city. The cafe is a convenient stop for museum visitors and a destination in itself for locals. Being right in the heart of Midtown, it's easily reachable by public transportation, including multiple subway lines and bus routes. Its central position makes it a perfect meeting point for groups and a great place to start or end a day exploring the city. The convenience of its location within the MoMA building means you don't have to leave the museum to find a fantastic meal, which is a major plus for anyone trying to maximize their time enjoying the exhibits. The cafe's entrance is well-marked and easy to find once you are inside the museum.
Beyond its central location, the Terrace Cafe is committed to being accessible to everyone. The establishment features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, as well as a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, restroom, and seating. This commitment to accessibility ensures that all guests can enjoy a comfortable and stress-free dining experience. The building itself is equipped with elevators to the sixth floor, making it simple for people with mobility challenges to reach the cafe. This dedication to inclusivity is a testament to the cafe's mission to serve the entire community. Whether you're coming from across town or just down the street, getting to the Terrace Cafe is a breeze, and its accessible features ensure that everyone is welcome. The thoughtful design of the space and its amenities makes it a reliable choice for a wide range of needs.
The Terrace Cafe provides a wide array of services to ensure a fantastic dining experience for all guests. Here are some of the key offerings:
- Diverse Dining Options: The cafe is a great choice for various meals throughout the day. You can enjoy a relaxing brunch, a quick and delicious lunch, or a sophisticated dinner.
- Table Service: Guests can enjoy the comfort of a full-service experience with attentive and professional staff.
- Catering: The Terrace Cafe offers catering services for events, bringing their high-quality food to your special occasion.
- Dessert Menu: A dedicated dessert menu with delightful options like Pavlova, Vanilla Cheesecake, and Flourless Chocolate Cake is available to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Beverage Program: A comprehensive selection of beverages is on offer, including beer, wine, cocktails, and coffee, perfect for pairing with your meal or enjoying on their own.
- Reservations: The cafe accepts reservations, which is highly recommended to ensure you get a table, especially during peak hours.
- Payment Flexibility: They accept various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and easy.
- Catering to Diverse Diets: The menu includes options for various dietary needs, such as vegan options, vegetarian options, and dishes that cater to those looking for organic dishes.
- Outdoor Seating: On sunny days, the outdoor seating provides a beautiful setting to enjoy your meal, offering a unique al fresco dining experience.
- Onsite Services: With services like dine-in, this is a great spot for a sit-down meal.
The Terrace Cafe is celebrated for its unique features that set it apart from other restaurants in the city. These highlights contribute to its outstanding reputation among New York diners.
- Rooftop Seating: One of the cafe's most impressive features is its rooftop/open dining area. This outdoor space provides a serene and scenic setting to enjoy your meal, especially on a beautiful day.
- Excellent Coffee: The cafe is known for serving great coffee, including a high-quality Moma Blend Coffee, Cappuccino, and Latte, making it a perfect spot for a caffeine fix.
- Great Cocktails and Wine List: The beverage menu is a highlight, featuring a selection of excellent cocktails like the Greyhound and Classic Margarita, as well as a comprehensive wine list with a variety of choices, including Champagne, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Fast Service: Customers consistently praise the cafe for its fast and efficient service, making it a great option for those with limited time.
- Comfortable Atmosphere: The cafe offers a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, making it a comfortable place to relax.
- Small Plates and Quick Bites: The menu features a variety of small plates and quick bite options, allowing you to sample multiple dishes without feeling too full.
- Diverse Menu Offerings: From comfort food like Mac n'cheese to more refined dishes like Tuna Tartare, the menu caters to a wide range of cravings.
- Family-Friendly: The cafe is good for kids and has a welcoming atmosphere for families, making it a great spot for a meal with the whole family.
- Wi-Fi and Charging Points: It offers free Wi-Fi and multiple charging points, which is a significant convenience for anyone who needs to stay connected or recharge their devices.
- LGBTQ+ Friendly: The cafe is noted as being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, reflecting its inclusive and welcoming environment.
- Private Dining Room: For special occasions or events, a private dining room is available.
For more information or to make a reservation, you can contact the Terrace Cafe using the details below:
Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
The Terrace Cafe stands out for a multitude of reasons, making it a top choice for dining in New York City. Its location within the MoMA is a major draw, offering a unique and artistic backdrop for your meal. It provides a peaceful and refined alternative to the often-chaotic street-level dining scene in Midtown. The combination of a stylish setting, attentive service, and a high-quality menu creates an experience that is both convenient and memorable. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a tourist seeking a special dining experience, the Terrace Cafe delivers on all fronts.
One of the most compelling reasons to choose the Terrace Cafe is the balance it strikes between quality and convenience. The food, while seemingly simple, is expertly prepared and presented. The menu’s variety ensures there’s something for everyone, from light salads like the Roasted Peaches and Arugula to more substantial fare like the Roast Beef Sandwich or Fried Chicken. The price point is considered reasonable for a high-quality establishment in New York City, especially given the portion sizes, which are designed to be satisfying without being overwhelming. This thoughtful approach means you can enjoy a full meal without feeling stuffed, a major benefit, especially if you plan on continuing your day of sightseeing or museum exploration.
Another key highlight is the incredible beverage selection. The cafe’s commitment to offering a great wine list and delicious cocktails elevates the dining experience. You can easily find the perfect pairing for your meal or simply enjoy a refreshing drink on its own. The option for rooftop seating is a huge bonus, providing a scenic and open-air environment that is a rarity in this part of the city. This feature alone makes it a worthwhile destination. Finally, the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, along with the friendly and fast service, ensures that every visit is a positive one. The Terrace Cafe is more than just a place to eat; it’s a destination that enhances your New York experience, blending cultural immersion with culinary excellence in a way that feels both effortless and luxurious.
Terrace Cafe Food & drink
Snacks
- Rosemary Focaccia $12.00
Cured olives, citrus butter
- Hummus $12.00
Herb vinaigrette, flatbread
- Warm Artichoke Dip $14.00
Potato chips
Soups
- Corn Soup $13.00
Wild rice, green shiso
- Tomato Gazpacho $14.00
Cucumbers, olio verde
Salads & Sandwiches
- Summer Squash $18.00
Ricotta, sunflower sprouts
- Market Bean Salad $19.00
Soft-boiled egg, avocado, bacon
- Roasted Peaches And Arugula $19.00
Citrus, blue cheese, pistachio
- Salmon Rillette Sliders $18.00
Cheddar-chive biscuit, radish slaw
- Lobster& Prawn Salad $24.00
Brioche roll, celery remoulade
- Grilled Chicken Wrap $19.00
V
Sweets
- Pavlova $10.00
Passion fruit curd, stawberries
- Vanilla Cheesecake $10.00
Sour cherries, pistachio
- Flourless Chocolate Cake $10.00
Sweet mascarpone
- Cookie Plate $10.00
Chocolate chip, brownie, snickerdoodle
Wine
- Champagne
La caravelle cuvee nina, france nv 35 half bottle
- Prosecco
Montefresco, veneto italy
- Pinot Grigio
Il conte, trentino alto aldige italy 2017
- Sauvignon Blanc
Brochet, loire france 2014
- Chardonnay
Sean minor 4b, central coast ca
- Rosé
Daumas gassac, 'guilhem', france 2016
- Pinot Noir
Cycles gladiator, california 2015
- Côtes Du Rhône
Les garrigues, rhone france 2016
- Merlot
Macaria vineyards, north fork of long island 2014
Cocktails
- Greyhound $12.00
Vodka, fresh grapefruit, lime
- Classic Margarita $12.00
Tequila, fresh lime
Beer
- Pale Ale $9.00
Leffe blonde, belgium
- Von Trapp $9.00
Pilsner, vermont
Beverages
- Reed's Ginger Beer $6.00
- Boylan's Root Beer $6.00
- Natalie's Fresh Lemonade $6.00
- Hibiscus Iced Tea $6.00
Coffee & Espresso
- Moma Blend Coffee $4.50
- Cappuccino $5.50
- Latte $5.50
- Hot Chocolate $5.00
- Hot Tea $4.00
Half Bottles
- Champagne $35.00
La caravelle cuvee nina, france nv
- Chablis $35.00
Savary, france 2015
- Rioja $35.00
Muga reserva, spain 2012
Savory Plates
- Potato Chips $10.00
With caramelized onion dip
- Chicken Liver Mousse $15.00
With caramelized shallot and cherry mostarda with hazelnuts
- Roasted Eggplant Dip $13.00
With sesame lavash
- Grilled Shrimp Ceviche $16.00
With avocado mousse
- Red Oak Lettuce $14.00
With fennel, almonds, and orange vinaigrette
- Grain Salad $14.00
With butternut squash, zucchini, kale and parmesan
- Roasted Carrot Soup $13.00
With caraway granola and crème fraiche
- Cured Salmon $17.00
With everything bagel spice & pickled beets on rye toast
- Blt $16.00
House-made bacon and heirloom tomato
- Mac N'cheese $11.00
With panko-parmesan crust
- Leek And Goat Cheese Quiche $16.00
With brussels sprouts salad
- Roast Beef Sandwich $16.00
With horseradish and crispy onion
Sparkling
- Prosecco
Ananas, italy nv
- Champagne $35.00
(375ml) la caravelle, cuvee nina,france nv
Rosé
- Peyrassol
Provence, france 2019
Red
- Barbera D'alba
Luigi voghera, piedmont, italy 2017
- Cabarnet Sauvignon
Hedges, 'cms' washington 2018
Small Plates
- Vegetable Crudite $14.00
With green goddess hummus
- Grilled Flatbread $14.00
With fromage blanc and artichokes
- Baby Romaine Lettuce $14.00
With shaved winter vegetables and buttermilk
- Bitter Greens Salad $14.00
With red pear and citrus
- Tuna Tartare $16.00
On a nori cracker
- Charred Carrots $15.00
With wild rice and pistachios
- Roasted Beets $15.00
With aged goat cheese and candied peanuts
- Cauliflower $14.00
Marinated in piperade with yogurt and basil
- Butternut Squash Soup $16.00
With spiced creme fraiche
- Mushroom Polenta $16.00
With watercress and parmesan cheese
- Lobster And Shrimp Roll $21.00
With celery on toasted brioche
- Egg Salad Scone $16.00
With bacon, lettuce and tomato
- Cheeseburger Sliders $17.00
With comte cheese and pickles
- Fried Chicken $17.00
With chili-lime avocado sauce
Canned Cocktails
- Southern Tier Gin And Tonic Gin, Cucumber, Elderflower $15.00
- Cardinal Spirits Maui Mule Vodka, Passionfruit, Ginger $15.00
- St.agrestis Negroni Gin, St. Agrestis Amaro, Sweet Vermouth $15.00
Others
- Two-Course Lunch $29.00
Per person
- Soup & Salad $28.00
Per person
- Soup & Sandwich $28.00
Per person
- Cheese
Terrace Cafe Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Rooftop seating
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Assistive hearing loop
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Terrace Cafe Photos










Terrace Cafe Location
Terrace Cafe Reviews
saladlunchatmospheretipartgazpachotablefloormac and cheeseroast beef sandwich
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This place is on the sixth floor of the Museum of Modern Arts(MoMA). It is good for a quick refreshment after roaming around the museum for the whole day. However, you need to invest some time off your art watching schedule since this is a sit and dine restaurant. The food is quite okayish and felt a bit higher on the price. We also grabbed a cup of hot chocolate, which was quite refreshing. It also has a rooftop/open dining area which is great if you would like to hang out in the sun. This place also has multiple charging points, so if your phone needs some juice, this is the place to be.
June 22 · Kaustav BhattacharjeeVery nice cafe with a good selection of savory dishes. It was nice to be able to sit down and enjoy lunch without leaving the museum because there were so much more to see! Price was reasonable for NYC. There portion was just right too. Finished it all w/o stuffing ourselves. We didn't want to carry around leftovers in a box in the museum! Mac and Cheese and Chick pea salad were both delicious! Service was excellent as well!
August 16 · Akiko Ujiielocated on the top of the moma. food was tasty price was reasonable(but not cheap though of course) and most of all loved the atmosphere. paintings on walls amd view through the window.
June 22 · Sol ParkUnauthorized tip fraud! ATTENTION!!! We ask at the entrance if the typical American cheesecake is available and upon confirming they make us sit at the table. So we order a chocolate cheesecake and two hot chocolates with cream. Upon delivery, we notice a portion of cheesecake that does not conform and looks rather dry, old, in short, in fact when tasting the flavor it is unpleasant and we send it back. We consume the two hot chocolates, which are very good, and ask for the bill: 13 dollars in total, in fact they have canceled the cost of the rejected cheesecake. I pay by card and they ask me for a tip with three ranges of possibility 18%, 20%, 22%. I refuse to give a tip explaining about the disappointment with the cheesecake, the reason for the stop on the terrace, the annoyed waiter tells me he doesn't agree but then leaves. After 4 hours, I check the transaction and it shows 5 dollars debited for a total of 13+5=18$, 35% of the total! Without authorization, without having signed. An unscrupulous fraud.
July 25 · Giuseppe AngiolettiWe went to MOMA to enjoy a day of Art and when we felt that we needed a break we stepped into the Terrace cafe. We didn't have a reservation so we had to wait like 20 minutes, to get in. However, the wait was worth it. We enjoyed a table on the patio and ordered a Gazpacho, carrot cake and some other chocolate cake and coffee because we miss Spain, and as a surprise, it was really good.The staff are very nice and friendly, the price is a little too high, but I guess is compensated by the great atmosphere of MOMA
September 03 · Geraldine Hernández Al Attrach
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