[[HIGHLIGHT]]The NCMA Cafe was a bit underwhelming for me.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I used to love the food when this location was the Iris Restaurant, but it was a bit different now. We stopped by during 'Knowing The West" special exhibit night. The menu theme was fun. The drinks were actually very good. I loved the flavors of the jalapeño lime margarita. But for the food, the flavors just weren't there. We ordered a salmon and roasted chicken dish. The chicken was a little better than the salmon. The quality of the salmon seemed low. Next time we'd probably skip the food and just have some drinks. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]The NCMA Cafe is located inside the West Building on the NCAM. It is to your right as you enter the building. It is on the smaller side, so reservations are a good idea.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I like that the menu changes seasonally. The menu has expanded since the cafe opened. On my last visit, I had the seasonal salad and added grilled shrimp. I loved the combinations in it. There were several items I wanted to try, but I just had room for one, so I will need to make a return visit. The service was also excellent for brunch, and I liked that we could have separate checks and pay at the table. read more

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I finally got a chance to try the cafe at the North Carolina Museum of Art. I made reservations for a table when the cafe opened during the week but we didn't need them as there was no one in the restaurant. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There are multiple small tables inside of the cafe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our server was pleasant and helpful. I decided to get the fish and waffle meal from the seasonal menu. The portions were really small. The waffle was different than a regular waffle and was sweet like a cake so I didn't need any syrup on it. The fish was fried well but different from past pictures of the fish being a large filet. This fish was cut up in small nugget sized pieces. Their coleslaw was ok. read more

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I made a reservation for a table while attending the Adult After Hours event this evening with a fellow Elite. The Cafe Manager Hanif was very kind and welcoming, he seated us right away. They offered a Tapas menu with many dishes inspired by small shareable dishes from Spain. Jack was our waiter and he really engaged with us, making recommendations and kept a quirky sense of humor. We decided on mocktails. I asked that the bartender create something special for me. I received a refreshing cucumber mint spritz. We decided on croquettes, a Shrimp dish and tricolor Cauliflower. I enjoyed the Shrimp dish. Very fresh, a decent size and cooked to perfection. The croquettes were good but could have been larger in size with more filling. The cauliflower was plated well. However, it may have been better enjoyed roasted with more flavor. I enjoyed my dessert, the Expresso Panna cotta. I did not taste any expresso, but this was delicious for chocolate lovers. For a museum cafe, I don't expect a Michelin star experience. However, there is much room for improvement. I found the service excellent. Deserving of 4 Stars, however, the flavors missed the mark for me, the value and overall quality of our dishes were subpar. Perhaps because of the Tapas style menu. Perhaps we chose the wrong items? The head chef and cafe manager visited us often checking in on our dining experience. We appreciated the professionalism. I plan to return again and try their brunch. Thank you to the staff for their hospitality. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Beautiful cafe![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Friendly employees and a good place to stop to get a latte and a snack! We split a cinnamon bun and a chocolate croissant! [[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the decor I. the cafe as well- and everything was clean and beautiful.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]What a lovely experience sitting at the bar area-if you are a museum member you get a discount t![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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The café of the North Carolina Museum of Art is a lovely addition to the already beautiful museum. While the menu isn't extensive, it does offer sufficient choice to suit most tastes, with something for everyone. I visited on a Saturday around 11 a.m. for brunch and had booked in advance, which proved wise since the museum gets crowded at weekends. I enjoyed a delicious and shrimp salad and it was wonderfully fulfilling. The decor inside the café is beautifully set to balance with the aesthetic ambience of the museum so that the overall experience is that of an integral part of the work of art. Worth dropping by if you are in the area, sure thing! read more

NCMA Cafe - Wine Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I had an absolutely delightful lunch with my cousin on Saturday at The Cafe at The Raleigh Museum of Art! [[HIGHLIGHT]]This cafe is certainly a bustling place and a bit bit noisy, but with all that aside we had a delicious meal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] After viewing all the art, we took a respite, sat down and watched all the food going by. It was difficult to decide what to order; it all looked so good. We started with a fondue appetizer with a dab of fig jam and a basket of crustini! Killer! For my lunch entree I had a huge wedge of a hearty veggie filled quiche with fruit salad. My cousin had a large scoop of cranberry and pecan filled chicken salad with a croissant and a side fruit salad. Two peach ice teas topped off our meals! read more

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Here's the updated 5-star review for the NCMA Café in Raleigh incorporating your allergy-friendly experience: --- I recently visited NCMA Café during a trip to the museum and it truly exceeded expectations. [[HIGHLIGHT]]From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was bright and modern with a relaxed yet refined museum-dining vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff greeted me warmly and were attentive throughout the meal. What made it truly standout for me was how well they handled my allergies (gluten, dairy and egg). The menu clearly indicates allergen information, and the team was ready and responsive when I told them my restrictions. ([NCMA CAFE][1]) I felt completely at ease asking for substitutions and modifications. I started with a carefully prepared dish that avoided all my allergens and it was delicious -- fresh, flavorful, and presented beautifully. For the main course I opted for a veggie-forward option that the kitchen adapted for me, and it hit the mark: flavorful, satisfying, and safe for me to enjoy. What set this visit apart was how the food, setting, and accommodation for my dietary needs all came together to make it a full experience. If I had any tip for someone with food-allergies: call ahead and let them know your restrictions, then arrive early (before the lunch rush) so you can ask detailed questions. The setting allows you to linger and really enjoy the meal. Overall, this café offered remarkable food, excellent service, and genuine allergy-friendly care -- I'll definitely be returning next time I'm at the museum. Highly recommended. -- Talar read more

I love this cafe for the quality of the food and the excellent service! in fact, I think it's the best restaurant in Raleigh. Yes, the food is delightful but I also just love to be there. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They make you feel like family.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Kaira greets you with such kindness and Jack is an extraordinary waiter. Give yourself a real treat and go to the NCMA cafe! read more

Went to restaurant for brunch Sunday. The menu attempts to be too exotic. I wanted a traditional omlette or egg breakfast but all they offered was one egg based item that was not very appealing. I went for a pumpkin pancakes which were awful. Asked for extra butter and got to frozen pats of butter. Keep your fancy items but add some selections for someone who wants more mainstream options. read more

Husband and I had a lovely brunch here on a Sunday morning. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The space is peaceful, open and bright.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's a great spot to grab a meal before or after visiting the museum but is easy to park and access if you just want to pop in for a meal. Our water was sweet and attentive. They had several alcoholic choices but it was too early for us so we settled for water. Food took a little while but I think a lot of people were seated about the same time we were. For my meal I ordered the vegetable hash over grits and it was phenomenal, a total party for the taste buds. Grits were creamy, the tomato sauce around the sides had a rich smoky flavor and the vegetables were perfectly cooked. Husband ordered the breakfast sandwich with the three sisters stew on the side. He was extremely pleased. I tasted the three sisters and it was fabulous, smoky with a hint of sweet spice. We can't wait to go back. read more

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I used to think this place was a chain and therefore not great quality food, but wow was I wrong. The food is delicious. I've only ever been for brunch but definitely will be back. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Kind staff and good food, a little overpriced but for the location and atmosphere it's not out of place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

My girlfriends and I enjoyed a delicious brunch. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere and scenery was wonderful.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our waiter, Jack was a delight. This was our first time dining at the cafe and he made our experience so enjoyable. He was very knowledgeable about the menu and made suggestions that we very much appreciated. He was so accommodating. His cheerful personality won us over-he kept us in stitches. We will definitely be back and rest assured we will ask for Jack. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This is one of our favorite places to come on a Sunday, and we always enjoy the food and atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We noticed it was busy during our visit, so we understood our waiter might have been tired, and we tried to be patient.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] However, our experience this time was a bit disappointing. When we asked to send our hot drinks back because they were lukewarm, he seemed offended and slammed them down when he returned them. Later, when we requested water that we never received, he only brought one cup and slammed that down as well. After that, he barely waited on us for the rest of the meal. We understand that busy days can be tough, but we were surprised by this experience since we've always had such exceptional service here. Hoping this was just an off day! read more