Museums' in-house food options are typically pretty mediocre and overpriced. While Provenance Cafe - the cafe inside the Cleveland Museum of Art - is not really inexpensive, it is much better than mediocre. The cafe offers everyday fare like burgers, fries, flatbread pizzas, and sushi. They also have a rotating menu with items inspired by current exhibits. I ordered food off the rotating menu - chicken curry ($15.25). I also got dessert - a cupcake ($4.25) and chocolate chip cookie ($3). The chicken curry was served with rice and naan. The curry was surprisingly delicious - it was flavorful and had a nice spice. It went great with the rice and naan, which came out hot and crispy and was sprinkled with a tasty seasoning. The cupcake was decent. It was a vanilla cupcake with buttercream frosting and mango curd. The cupcake was a tad dry, but I liked the frosting and curd (did wish there was a bit more curd though). The cookie was great. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. An extra star for the setting, which can't be beat. read more

Provenance - Chicken curry, chocolate chip cookie, and vanilla cupcake - New American Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

A group of us stopped by this restaurant to order drinks from the bar so we could sit out at the atrium and wait until the concert that we were going to attend there at the art museum started. It was the most disorganized service I have ever witnessed! There were five couples and we stood politely and very patiently- hey we were all in a good mood and waiting for the candlelight concert to begin!! But of the three women behind the bar only one was making drinks. One was talking to one of the waitresses and one I think was supposed to be manning the cash register. The conversation between the barista and the waitress took so long that finally the girl at the cash register reprimanded the barista and told her she needed to start working! Oh, by the way, it was not just the 10 of us waiting for drinks. There were people sitting around the bar and others standing in line - there had to be at least 20 people standing around waiting for drinks! I finally just could not take it anymore and left my husband there and I went out to sit in the atrium until the drink came. It took way too long to get the drinks - but we were not going to let the poor beginning of our night ruined the rest of it. But the workers there were pitiful and disorganized, and did not care at all about the service that they were giving, or I should say the lack of service that they were offering to everyone there I would not recommend this place and I would not go back read more

Tl;dr - this is a fine-dining restraurant with a beautiful interior inside of a world-class museum that has middling, overpriced food and poor service. My boyfriend and I had a double date lunch here in January 2026, before checking out the special exhibit on Italian fashion, because it was convenient and the menu had some yummy sounding items on it. I had some hesitations about grabbing brunch here because it was so expensive (and we were already out like $30 bucks on the special exhibit tickets) but gave it a go anyway. Our server wasn't attentive at all and only came by a couple times. As for food, I had a coffee ($4), a biscuit ($3.25), and a bowl of fall oats ($16). The biscuit was delicious and worth the money (and was an off menu item, btw) while the coffee was only okay and the bowl of fall oats, while gorgeously plated and colorful, was not worth $16 dollars! My boyfriend had a hot tea ($4 - no free refills) and a eggs benedict ($22). He loves eggs benedict and thought this was a good one but left still hungry. The salad on the side didn't fill him up much either. Our friends had a breakfast sandwhich and a french omelette, both of which came with tiny sides of either home fries, or a salad. On our check, we paid about $65 after tax and tip for a brunch for two. If you are a museum member, present your museum member card before payment for 10% off your bill. That is a nice perk but I am not a member of the museum this year, sadly. I LOVE the Cleveland Museum of Art but I think the attached restaurant is not worth the price for the most part. Financially, I think we would have been better off at the grab and go cafe the museum also has inside. I have had a bowl of tangine there a few years ago for only $10! Lol next time! read more

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Excellent bite to eat at the cafe. They genuinely have something for everyone. We enjoyed fresh rolled sushi. The flatbread was also delicious. Grilled chicken sandwich and fries were also great. Fresh and great flavor. Good portions. Busy lines when crowded but staff are friendly. Be patient with the wait time because everything is made fresh. Great place to grab a bite during your break at the museum. Atrium is clean and spacious to enjoy your food. read more

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This was my first time ordering food for lunch in the café at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Long ago, the set up was cafeteria style. Now, it's grand. The people next to us ordered flatbread pizzas that were made to order right in front of us in a pizza oven. Wow! My friend and I ordered salmon sandwiches, again made from scratch. Topped with tomato and tartar sauce, the dish was accompanied by our choice of a side--green salads for us. Our chef, Will, served us scrumptious results. We brought our trays to the atrium which affords sunshine and greenery. Loveliness for a lunchtime repast. Because we are museum members, we received a 10% discount. read more

Provenance - The atrium at the Cleveland Museum of Art - New American Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

Lovely bustling cafe located in the Cleveland Museum of Art. The line system was interesting as you had to go to a specific counter depending on the hot entree you wanted to order. We witnessed this cause some confusion at first I enjoyed the open kitchen area where you could watch your meal being prepared upon order. The amount of food options were vast, including pizza, burgers, sushi, salads, Mac & cheese, and special rice bowls made for the Murakami Exhibit. The cafe also had a specific dessert island with several delicious looking desserts to choose from. We paid around 35 dollars for two grilled chicken sandwiches, fries, and a chocolate chip cookie. The food was great. Fries were nicely seasoned and crispy. The cafe did have drink selection such as pop, wine, and beer; as well as free water. The wife open seating area in the museum atrium created a fun & busy vibe. We were very happy with our choice to see what the museum had in terms of food. Better quality than expected for a museum cafe. read more

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What an elegant way to spend part of my birthday! This is a top shelf locale that pays attention to the fine details. Our group of four were pleased with everything from drinks to meals to view. Special bonuses you won't get elsewhere: -Art-themed cocktails inspired by works of art (Strawberry Thief, designed by William Morris, c 1936) -postcard that you can sit and write and the museum will post to anywhere in the world! This is a place where you won't be rushed through your meal. You will feel welcome to sit, chat, relax, enjoy. It is worth every penny. read more

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Thoroughly enjoyed my lunch at Provenance! I came to the art museum specifically to dine here. I have visited the museum several times, but I've never had a chance to eat at this restaurant. What first struck me was the ambience. Lots of natural light! This coupled with the minimal decor made the space feel airy. I can imagine dinner here would be lovely. This was a great spot to meet up with a friend. I also saw several tables that appeared to be business related. Our waitress assisted us in choosing a perfectly crafted cocktail (I prefer something less sweet and she suggested a light gin drink--can't remember the name!). We also had a delicious white burgundy. For lunch, my friend and I shared the seasonal panisse (delicious!) and a salad. Highly recommend this restaurant and cannot wait to go back! read more

We stopped in for a drink after seeing a fashion designer speak. I had the martini which is one of the best I have had. It has Lustau dry, benedictine and orange bitters with your choice of gin or vodka. read more

This place is always busy. Been here 6 times and only ever got seated at the bar. Which is awesome! The specialty cocktails are amazing and the bartenders really know their craft. This is the type of place you go to for craft drinks that take house made ingredients that take weeks to prepare. Truly a great place to try a unique cocktail before viewing the art. read more

Kale salad was gritty with sand, server was sweet, ambiance wasn't as nice as just eating at the cafe and getting a seat in the atrium. $14 for a "semifreddo" that was neither semi nor fredo? Please. read more

I've been to both the restaurant and cafe and both were nice. The cafe has some grab-and-go things like sushi, sandwiches, juices, etc. They also have hot foods (like the lamb kafta I got and soups. They have a sushi station and a bakery section as well. The restaurant is definitely more upscale than the restaurant. The staff was very friendly here. I came for brunch a few times with friends. The food was delicious! The portions are a bit small but it's not super pricey so my friends and I split a few plates to share. We got the herb and ricotta frittata, crab cakes, and like a smores/chocolate waffle. We also shared a cocktail which was light and refreshing. All were super good! It's also just nice that it's inside the art museum so you have something to do before or after you eat! read more

Provenance - lamb kofta with pita - New American Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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Great food, a wonderful location. Highly recommend. I go there for my birthday every year

Sad to write this review as this stellar Museum deserves the same in a cafe. This review is for the CAFE, not the restaurant. There were maybe 6 people in the main food line and we waited at least 30 minutes for a mediocre cheeseburger with cold French fries. The staff seemed bored, annoyed and to have contempt for customers who want to order food, despite customers' warmth, patience and attempted friendliness towards them. The ingredients of a tofu wrap could have been tasty but the wrap was soggy & gummy from sitting too long in the refrigerated display case. I regret not choosing the sushi instead! Offerings looked fresh and creative, and folks behind that counter seemed interested and gracious. The dessert/beverage staff upheld the value for attentive, friendly customer service for the whole staff. The coffee was rich & smooth; the desserts tasty and pretty. By being the last interaction before heading to a table, they somewhat redeemed the experience for us. We ate at a table by the bamboo garden. The light is beautiful but the air conditioning was freezing us out while 75 degrees outdoors. (Same for in the exhibit itself!) Very uncomfortable even wearing jackets and sweaters. Disappointing for an architecturally beautiful space and world class institution. read more

Ummm, not sure what to say about this lil spot. The food is tasty and very elegantly served but certainly not worth the price... three crepes served with a berry compote and fresh whipped cream $15???? C'mon... smh Ham Benedict on a savory biscuit (not even flaky) $15?...chef.... very disappointing ... perhaps add a slice of melon or fresh fruit to make it worthwhile... For these prices, you should offer a side or glass of mimosa or... something... read more

Provenance - The Ham Benedict on a soft, biscuit.. it was OK - New American Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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We enjoyed our dinner. It comes at a leisurely pace, but everything was good. The service was good as well.

Made reservation ahead of time for a great experience at the museum of art. The staff was accommodating and when we arrived we were seated at a beautiful table facing the city. The bread and tea were delicious with detailed presentation of toast and seasonings. The tea I ordered was crispy and fresh. We ordered off the Michael Angelo menu which was the taste of art . This included Porcini & Roasted Fennel Soup so light but full of exquisite flavor.The second course Seared Local Walleye cooked to perfection the sides so creative lemon parsnip purée with Tuscan kale which was charred for taste.To top it off Almond Semifreddo toasted apples with a decadent ginger crumble. I highly recommend this beauty for a late night dine in or any special occasion . read more

As a special treat we made reservations at Provenance during an excursion to the art museum. We were led to a really charming spot looking out on the rain. Then we checked out the menu. There seemed to be a disconnect between what category items were in and what they were. As part of the " sharing" we got so confused that we had to ask and the very charming and very young helper explained that some things were big enough for two and some were not. There seemed to be no particular way you could tell. We ordered and got an ap, two main dishes and desserts. Everything was ok, if not wonderful but really expensive for what we got. On our way out, we saw a ton of people at the bar. That looked like the place to be in this restaurant. read more

Some places are so good, you think about not recognizing them publicly lest they get over crowded. So don't come on New Year's Eve, as that is out time slot annually! I think a trip to the Art Museum should always end with an artistic meal such as they serve here. With cocktails. The French 75 and Curry Chicken brought in 2020 a little early for me! Make reservations! read more

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Spent a quiet Sunday brunch with 5 family members and everything was perfect. We had a table with a great view, excellent service, and very good food. The brunch menu is a bit limited but we all liked what we ate including trout on greens topped with a fried egg... and smoked salmon on a corn pancake. They offer a really interesting selection of mixed drinks... but we didn't try them. read more

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Love this small upscale restaurant located in the CLEVELAND Museum of Art. It really is a hidden gem of sorts. Hours are a bit irregular so check to see hours before going. The staff are top notch and friendly. The drinks are unusual and worth trying--they change regularly. The food is some of the best you will enjoy in CLEVELAND. The menu changes according to exhibit and availability of fresh in season produce. It is not a big menu, but anything you try will be excellent. The Brussels sprouts appetizer is top notch as well as the curried chicken salad. I don't think you would be disappointed in anything you order. It is a bit pricey for what one would expect to pay in a museum food spot, but this is not your ordinary museum restaurant, it is extraordinary. read more

Provenance - New American Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

A simple, yet elegant menu full of flavor. Great for an intimate dining experience, all while right in the Art Museum. I've been to the CMA plenty of times before and had never seen this restaurant! It is tucked right to the left of the Cafe area, if you walk to the corner. We came to meet friends for their Saturday brunch menu. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices on here. There aren't a lot of options, for good reason. Each plate is carefully crafted, each ingredient thoughtfully selected so that you are left feeling satisfied. I got the Crab Cake Sandwich, which a friend of mine had suggested. The fennel apple slaw added a nice crunch and refreshing contrast to the heavier crab cake and pork belly slice. It came with delicious smashed potatoes, which were still crunchy on the outside but creamy on the inside. I couldn't resist and also got a side of the sage sausage, which went nicely with the meal. I was delightfully stuffed from everything (without feeling weighed down); I probably would not eat the top bun if I got it again. My friend ordered the amazing Calabrian Fried Chicken which came on top of a cornmeal waffle. This was honestly the FIRST thing that I saw on the menu and would have gotten it if my friend had not suggested the crab cake. The fried chicken was not greasy, as you usually get with a "chicken and waffles" plate, and the housemade relish also paired well with the rest of the ingredients. I didn't think it was very spicy, so I would have liked it a little spicier BUT I have a high spice tolerance and we didn't want to ask for hot sauce to change the flavor of the overall dish. I'm getting this the next time I come for the the brunch menu. The Provenance restaurant is geared towards more of a smaller, intimate kind of dining experience, in my opinion. The staff here was wonderful and very attentive. I was hesitant about the prices for everything on the menu, but I would come back for a special occasion or just to treat myself once in a while. It may also be a bit pricier because of its location within the CMA. But hey, the CMA is free admission, so I'd love to show my support by paying a little more at their in-house restaurant. read more

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Disclaimer: This review is based solely on my bar experience (service and drinks). After spending nearly 2 hours in the Yayoi Kusama exhibit, my friends and I stopped in Provenance for a cocktail. We sat at the bar and, even though he was in the middle of making drinks for other guests, Andrew immediately greeted us with a smile then brought over menus. He answered all the questions we had and was full of SO MUCH KNOWLEDGE! The current drink menu was created to highlight and play off the current exhibit, which made the experience so much better! Here's a rundown of the drinks we had: Blackberry Dot - passionfruit, vodka, white tea, and in-house made blackberry caviar (the caviar complemented the polka dots in Kusama's exhibit) Midnight Light - a modern take on the Aviation with kumquat shrub and citadelle. Ginzu Sour - similar to a NY Sour with freeze dried cherry dust sprinkled on top. Despite going to the museum countless times prior, this was the first time I'd been to the bar and super bummed to know I was missing out all along! Ending a museum visit with a cocktail is my new favorite tradition and one I encourage everyone to adopt. read more

Provenance - Ginzu Sour - New American Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

I had been here during the week for lunch a long time ago, and we came in again for brunch yesterday. It was pretty empty, though a few more parties trickled in while we dined. Perhaps it was because it was brunch as opposed to weekday brunch, but there was no bread service this time. This was a bit disappointing because I recall my son really enjoying the bread last time. At first, the restaurant reminded me of some of the museum restaurants in NYC, like the Modern inside MoMA or Untitled inside the Whitney Museum, but less pretentious and with fewer offerings. There is a nice clean look to the restaurant with a few tastefully picked pieces of artwork throughout. We sat in the main dining area, but I believe there is another sitting area inside. While the feel of Provenance reminded me of the Modern, the food does not compare. It is far from being of Michelin quality; other than being prepared well (technique and seasoning were spot on), there is nothing particularly special about it. They do pay attention to the presentation though, which is only fitting for being located in a museum of art. My mother-in-law's latke came with a few slices of smoked salmon, shaped into a pretty pink rose. While tasty, the food is not Michelin quality like the Modern but is still very good. Prices are a bit high and the portions can be small, depending on what you order. I had the szechuan trout, which despite being the most expensive item on the menu was definitely the smallest and left me hungry. The fish was cooked well, though it may have been overcooked simply because it was such a thin piece of fish -- even the server said, "it's hard to see but the trout is in there" when placing it in front of me. I did appreciate the crispy skin. To my dismay, there was nothing particularly szechuan about it, save for the light dusting of crushed szechuan peppercorns on top that one can barely taste. A ginger tartar sauce accompanied the dish, but ginger is not a szechuan flavor. I think it would've been better to have the szechuan peppercorn in the tartar sauce instead, or better yet skip the tartar sauce altogether in favor of a more authentic szechuan sauce. A few more greens would've at least make me feel like I had more than an almost unfindable piece of fish and an egg with some vegetable garnish. Out of the four dishes we ordered (trout, calabrian chicken and waffles, latke, and lamb burger), my favorite was the lamb burger, which is of decent size and quite tasty. The place is beautiful, and it is not cheap, but it's a nice place to take out-of-towners or to go to for a special occasion without totally breaking the bank. For a cheaper option with comparably tasty food, try the more casual Cafe next door. read more

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Provenance has some strong pros and strong cons. We weren't touring the museum, but I invited a friend here for brunch to meet her newborn. Pros: + The ambiance is elegant. It has big windows with landscape views that are quite picturesque. We had a great snowy view! + For a museum, the food is chef quality. I really enjoyed my chicken and waffles and a bloody mary. + Excellent staff. Our server was wonderful! Cons: + The menu prices are expensive, but I suppose that comes with the territory of being a restaurant inside a museum. + I had a weird moment trying to enter here. I was carrying 2 small baby presents for my friends newborn. All around me, there were strollers/double strollers, students with huge backpacks, etc. However, a guard stopped me in the Atrium to inform me I couldn't bring them in. He said I couldn't take them in Provenance and the issue was "How it is perceived." Um, what? He asked me what was in them. I mentioned a book and onesies for the mom and newborn I was meeting. He said another problem was, "We sell books in the bookstore" (side note: I doubt the CMA bookstore carries Dr. Seuss). He put up a pretty weird fight with me. But legit, shouldn't you be searching those huge double strollers and backpacks? My duck onesie and board book in a gift bag are hardly suspicious. + I digress, but here's the moral of the story: Provenance is not a good choice for a celebration, birthday, etc. When they call you the day before to confirm your reservation, they should consider telling people they cannot bring anything in. I would love to use the space for celebrations, but it's not realistic. Overall: Provenance is a fine choice if you're in the museum already and need a quick bite, but I would not go out of my way to come here again. read more

Provenance - Great views! - New American Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

I happened to be in Cleveland for the Easter Weekend and not being from this metropolis, I asked my sister to find us a place to eat. My sister made reservations to Provenance for Easter brunch. I really enjoyed my time here. Firstly, this restaurant is in a museum ! How cool is that?! Secondly, the decor of the Provenance is quite chic; the large windows with a great view of the gardens is so nice. Thirdly, the food isn't all that bad. I had the egg & potato strata, which was quite tasty. I also enjoyed the goat cheese & chive muffins. Fourthly, the service was fantastic - everyone was super friendly and attentive. My server noticed that I needed a refill of joe before I did! The meal is a little on the pricier side, but the way I figure, you're getting an awesome experience and you're supporting the Cleveland Museum of Art. Great for: out-of-towners, appreciators of art, nice meal read more

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Yummy, elegant, and reasonably priced restaurant inside the Cleveland Museum of Art that prepares soul food dishes as haute cuisine. Had the best fried chicken do my life here: excellently seasoned with cumin and pepper, perfectly light and crisp. Our server Jesse was also very friendly. read more

Great for: After exploring the museum, top off your cultured afternoon with some fine dining in a light airy room just off the atrium full of fresh food and unexpected flavors that are sure to delight if you are into expanding your palette. My Favorite: Where to start :) We loved the grilled carrots, the fried manchego, the curried stew...the list goes on. The Maine Scallops though were the highlight for me. I have such a love hate relationship with scallops where, if not cooked properly, they are rubbery and have a fish taste to them. Not the case here. They were buttery and had a unique flavor added by the molasses that really stood out. Quick Tip: Skip the wine pairing if doing the tasting menu. The wine comes out at the very beginning of the meal in smaller quantities than other pairings I've had and didn't really add anything to the meal. They have a drink menu full of some unique mixed cocktails. If you're into trying new drinks, go that route. If not, stick to the wine list instead. Some Detail: First of all, get yourself a reservation. Less for the fact of securing a seat and more for the interaction with the hostess (reason for the 4 star). Both times we were greeted with less than enthusiasm at a lack of reservation. Don't let that keep you away though. The food was incredible here. We've done the tasting menu and several off the seasonal menu (it changes by season so don't get too attached to those dishes...you'll want to trust me). Full of flavor and really interesting combinations (cauliflower and chickpea was a fan favorite for us...and my husband hates chickpeas) you'll leave questioning why you never thought of those pairings in the best way. Final Notes: Be ready to drop over $150 for two people at this place. Though it's in a museum, the food is some of the best I've had in Cleveland and as you explore the menu with drinks, it quickly adds up. Going in with that expectation though, this can make for a really wonderful afternoon in the city of art and culinary. read more

Provenance Cafe is the more casual, self-serve eatery at the Cleveland Museum of Art (the adjacent Provenance is the more upscale sit-down establishment). Having worked in museums of CMA's ilk, I know how hard it is to get the food service right, and this place does a very admirable job. If you're in a real rush, they have pre-made sandwiches, salads, yogurts, and drinks in a refrigerated case. If you have a bit more time, I would recommend one of their soups, or a tandoor-heated sandwich. I was a bit disappointed that they had run out of their chicken chili when I visited this week, so I opted for the "melty turkey sandwich" with artichokes, red pepper, and some sort of chipotle mayo. The tandoor oven adds a comforting warm glow to the environment, and it beautifully crisps up the sandwiches and breads. They prepare the sandwiches with a light touch, and I appreciated that mine wasn't overly gooped up with the mayo, etc. A meal in the cafe affords you the time to sit and be dazzled by the soaring atrium that connects the older and newer parts of the museum. Even on a gray day, it's bright and relatively warm in the space. It's amazing that a museum like this still has free entry. Aside from checking out the exhibitions, if I were in the area and had a spare hour, I would come to the cafe just to read and soak in the atrium. read more

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Provenance at the Cleveland Museum of Art is off to a great start with lots of room to grow! Let's start with the great stuff: Atmosphere is chic and modern without making you feel like a pretentious jerk-face for eating lunch there. (Yea, normally my lunch consists of eating miscellaneous items from my fridge in front of my computer...so what?) I loved the textures in the wall decor and the minimal whites, chrome of the tables and chairs and dark grey floors. But the real showstopper was the festive view, featured through the entire wall that's a window facing outside! It's nothing crazy, but really, really natural and pretty with lots of evergreens. It gives the whole room some warmth and natural tones. The vibe certainly fit the new atrium of the Museum. The food was super-creative and very tasty! I loved the ever-changing menu of special dishes made to coordinate with whatever exhibit is being featured at the Museum. BUT I couldn't help but try something off their regular lunch menu--scallops? Yes, please! Perfectly seared, served with crunchy, roasted kale, fingerling potatoes and roasted fennel (which I normally hate, but loved here!) My only complaint was that it didn't need the additional olive oil drizzled on top, since the roasted veggies already had enough. The result was almost too oily, but not quite. My very handsome man tried the Moroccan spiced chicken and I didn't hear one complaint from him as he cleaned his plate. But my favorite item? The roasted garlic soup--I know, it doesn't sound like it would be interesting, but it was amazing. Just try it (I almost licked the bowl...) Now, here's where there is room for improvement: Although the service was super-sweet, they all seem like they would benefit from a confidence boost. Our waitress seemed to fumble over a lot--like a LOT. I watched her pour a beer for another table and it overflowed everywhere. She then walked out with dishes from the kitchen and had to turn around because the food moved everywhere on the plate and fell over... She didn't seem to have a hard time pronouncing anything, but she just seemed really uncomfortable, as did some of the other servers. This is something I do believe they'll work out after a while. They're new--remember that. Overall, I'd definitely come back for a lunch date at the Museum and definitely to try a dinner service. I think they only have dinner service on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5-9PM, so just keep that in mind! read more

Provenance - New American Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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What a lovely cafe. My friend and I both had the flatbread pizzas which were freshly made and delicious. There's wine if you want. One of the better museum cafes I have been to. read more

We went for lunch here last weekend. This is a modern-american restaurant that takes on the theme of "food as art". This is reflective of the fact that it sits at the heart of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The newly-renovated Museum itself is a gorgeous space (more on that in a separate review coming up). The modern art theme continues into the bar and the small restaurant that happens to be owned by Douglas Katz, the same chef of "fire food and drink" fame. There are floor to ceiling windows that give a great view of the outside landscape. This is not to be confused with Provenance Cafe -- which is next door and it is a food court which I have not tried, yet. The Van Gogh exhibit was up that week, and special menu was Van Gogh-inspired. It would have been comical had they put pig ears on the menu, but I digress... Here's what we ordered: thai calamari for starters, mac and cheese for the kid, pan roasted ohio trout for entree, and "draadjesvlees" (beef stew) entree from the dutch-themed specials. The calamari. This is an example of calamari done right: soft, crunchy, non-greasy and not over-battered. The thai-chili sauce on the side had smoky-sweet flavor that seemed like an asian take on barbecue sauce. Cilantro was mixed in with the calamari. I'm a big fan of trout. I love trout with the skin on. They did just that. The skin was seared -- even better. I love trout because, among most fish, it can easily take on a smoky flavor. It was served hot. The lentils on the side provided a great balance. The draadjesvlees was beef stew, braised right. Slow-cooked, maybe with a hint of red wine as far as I could tell -- just a guess, but the result was juicy and tender comfort food perfect for that winter afternoon! I am coming back. Coming back to this lovely museum and to this great restaurant. These are Cleveland treasures. read more

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Very elegant space. We sat at the bar. We were told since we didnt have reservations. Well the restaurant was 80% empty. Hmmm. Anyway the barkeep was entertaining, gave recommendations and we were happy with out choices. Its a bit pricey and the chefs table brunch was not too impressive. Coffee is served in tiny mugs but refills were granted. I think i had 4 refills. Anyway it was our farewell to cle brunch. A beautiful space in a beautiful museum (free too!). read more

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Four stars. The food is decently priced and the arugula salad that came with tuna melt sandwich was pretty fresh. There are indoor as well as outer sittings overlooking the beautiful museum atrium. With a good amount of sunlight floating in, having lunch over a glass of wine makes you feel like you are on a vacation. The dessert pastries looked pretty decadent with very reasonable prices ($2-$3). I know I will be paying the double amount back in NYC. The museum is free entrance (!). I would definitely come back for lunch if I worked in the area. Pretty good overall; pretty great for museum food. read more

Provenance - New American Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

Anything better than this in Cleveland is impossible! Okay, I am not talking about the food but the whole package. Think about the package, free entry and coatcheck in a meuseum + large atrium in winter+ outdoor seating in winter + people watching + many gourmet options. Now that is a great deal, even better in summer when they have outdoor concerts! Food here is awesome and they have very innovative options on their cafeteria style menu. I have had their burgers, sandwiches, dessert, tea and coffee and asian fusion food. Everything has been great. Perfect place for a date! read more

This place is way over priced and the food just isn't worth it! I had a black bean burger with provolone cheese and the garlic fries! The burger was under cooked which made it mushy and tasteless! The fries were cold and greasy! When I went back and asked for hot fries, they were just dropped in hot grease, which made them greasy! Yuck! read more

I came here on a Saturday during which time they only serve a brunch menu with very very very limited items including this pathetic dish that is a slice of thick toast with one egg, some greens for $16, the herb frittata with ricotta, had no ricotta and no herbs to speak of and was watery they also would not substitute potatoes for the greens. I atmosphere is nice, But the service was poor, inattentive, and forgetful. The waitress brought our hot beverages, but didn't bring any sweeteners or ask if we wanted any. We couldn't get her attention as she was MIA, We ordered a side of toast and hey gave us one slice of bread that was barely toasted and looked right out of the bag. This is such a poor show for the Cleveland Art Museum. They should really hire another restaurant company to operate here. I would not waste my money or time here. You would be better off going to the connecting takeout area as this was a huge disappointment all around. read more

Just had the pleasure of a return visit and was equally as delighted as before! This time we sat at the bar which worked out beautifully as reservations are scarce during a special exhibit on now. Once again, style, flair, delicious food and wines and even real serious vegetarian options. And the best part is prices are very reasonable for this quality of food, service and setting. Can't wait to go again! read more

A restaurant that is fancy, chill, and affordable: Provenance is all of these things. I base my review on my recent experience co-planning and attending a semi-private brunch event here. The quick version: it went wonderfully and the price was excellent. The setting of the restaurant in the western side of the atrium of the Cleveland Museum of Art is absolutely gorgeous. The interior of the restaurant is equally aesthetically pleasing. I love the palette of black, white, and grey, and the floor-to-ceiling windows opening out onto the lush and verdant trees. Provenance is a large space, with three distinct areas of restaurant seating and a back room that can be portioned off with dividers for semi-private events like the one that my mother and I planned to celebrate my graduation from PhD school. Nicole Newcomer, the Catering Sales Manager, helped us with every detail of planning brunch for 23 people. We decided to choose a first course of the "chef's table," which included plates of fresh fruit, a wide variety of pastries, clotted cream and granola and other serve-yourself goodies. My boyfriend (the croissant connoisseur) gave high ratings to the croissants on offer. It was possible to offer our guests a choice of three entrees, but we decided to go with one entree for simplicity's sake. The eggs, sweet potatoes, and bacon were well-plated and tasty. We were able to notify in advance the kitchen that two of our guest are allergic to dairy, and their two special plates arrived with everyone else's plates without a hitch. The two servers who were assigned to us were excellent. My mother, the primary contact person, appreciated that Nicole called us the day before the event to see if we had any questions or additional requests and that she was so easy to contact via e-mail or cell phone when we were planning the event. Here's a weird but super important detail to note: Provenance's chairs are awesome. Sleek metal frame and seriously comfy but still sleek grey cushioning. SO COMFY. SO MODERN. Oh, art museum decor, you are doing it right. I know that I've only been here one, but Provenance merits five stars from me based on how wonderfully my family's event here turned out and based on how much I'd like to come here with my boyfriend for lunch or dinner the next time we return to the Cleve. How great it is that the museum has free admission and that their fancypants restaurant is fantastic and not too spendy! Also, eating here has 100% solidified my conviction that the Cleveland Museum of Art is my dream location for my wedding and reception in the near-ish future. read more

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I don't understand all of the glowing reviews for Provenance. My experience was mediocre at best! My family and I went for brunch and the service was pretty terrible. Definitely not the level of attention one would expect from a place that charges $20 a plate for breakfast food! Our waitress was frequently MIA, and when my crab quiche first arrived it was cold. I asked the waitress if she could heat it up, and she took so long in the kitchen that the rest of my party had mostly finished their meals before my food showed up again. Also, those with allergies be warned: my mother ordered the poached chicken waldorf salad, and was rather peeved to discover that it contained onions, which was definitely not listed in the menu description. I was also very disappointed in the "chef's table" as most of the options were pretty picked over (hardly any fruit) and not replenished the entire time we were in the restaurant. Decor is very boring: modern, but more reminiscent of an office park than a high-end eatery. Given the fact that Provenance is located inside an art museum of all places, I expected it to be much more visually stimulating. The food itself was tasty, and the reason for three stars instead of two. But I don't think I would ever eat here again. read more