Restaurant@The art of eating

The dining room at The Morgan Library

The bar room at The Modern.

Dining room at Cafe Sabarsky.

Dining room at The Modern.

Dessert at The Modern.

Bacon and cheese gallette at The Modern.

Dinner at The Modern.

Pancakes with lemon and mascarpone at The Modern.

Scallops and cucumbers at The Modern.

An artful presentation at The Garden Court, at the Asia Society.

The Garden Court, at the Asia Society.

Reubens and fine dining rarely go together. However, that's set to change as several of the City's best art museums are starting to double as premiere dining spots. amNewYork has rounded up a few choice museum-restaurants where you can definitely find some artful fare.

The Morgan at the Morgan Library Eat like a robber-baron in the same dining room where Pierpont Morgan once menaced a dining staff with his insatiable appetite. Located in Morgan's restored 19th-century brownstone, this cuisine is a beacon of free enterprise. Just consider the brunch showstopper of lemon mascarpone-stuffed French toast with blueberry compote, as well as a dinner menu inspired by the exhibition "Painted with Words: Vincent Van Gogh's Letters to Émile Bernard," where a pleasing Dutch tasting plate awaits. In need of a quick nosh? The glass-enclosed, central court Café serves up deviled eggs, tea sandwiches, and Dutch patat met (french fries with mayonnaise). (225 Madison Ave.; 212-683-2130; Entrees, $19-$28)

Café Sabarsky at Neue Gallery Only slightly more seductive than the kohl-eyed femme fatales who roam Café Sabarsky's evening cabarets are the decadent kaffehaus classics of bratwurst, spätzle, and strudels. Providing polished, old world service amidst glossy period pieces, Café Sabarsky is the culinary expression of Neue Gallery's focus on the art of the Austro-German art of the early 20th century. (1048 5th Ave.; 212-288-0665; Entrees,$12-$27)
The Modern at the Museum of Modern Art Take a step away from the Picassos and Chagalls to walk down the white corridor to the Modern. Featuring Franco-American seasonal menus, the Modern is two restaurants in one. The bar room features snappy, casual fare like beer-braised pork belly with sauerkraut and ginger jus. The formal dining room serves up a luxe full-course menu and innovative dishes, such as the beet-root risotto with gold leaf and spicy diver scallop tartare. (9 W. 53rd St.; 212-333-1220; Entrees, $26-$45) .

Sarabeth's at the Whitney Museum of American Art Two of New York City's most important authorities on good taste have successfully co-existed, for almost 17 years, despite being the ultimate odd couple. The razor-sharp Whitney and down-home eatery, Sarabeth's, share little other than the same roof. Enjoy a bowl of Sarabeth's Velvety Cream of Tomato Soup or a slice of Chicken Pot Pie. Who's to say what's art, anyway? (945 Madison Ave.; 212-570-3670; Entrees, $13.75-$15)

The Garden Court Café at the Asia Society Find an elegant spot to sun yourself, in the glass-enclosed Garden Court Café, amidst flowering vines and floating art installations (when it re-opens January 8th after a brief winter holiday). The Asia Society is the local arbiter of Asian Culture and provides exquisite examples of art, culture, and authentic eats. They serve savory Indian Pancakes to Thai Coffee Cardamom Tiramisu with Coffee Anglaise. Their selection of long leaf loose teas and imported beer is worth a stopover. (725 Park Ave.; 212-570-5202; Entrees, $14-$21)

@ source: http://www.amny.com/ By Nicole Zerillo