The story
The Modern occupies a sleek space within Manhattan’s Museum of Modern Art, its dining room looking directly onto the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden. The atmosphere is modern and refined, a calm backdrop for Chef Thomas Allan’s precise, playful cooking.
Chef Allan leads the kitchen with a philosophy of welcoming “all curious and inspirited diners.” His approach is contemporary, rooted in fresh, seasonal ingredients and executed with technical finesse. The restaurant’s two Michelin stars reflect the consistency and ambition of his work.
At dinner, guests choose between two distinct tasting experiences. Impressions is a succinct but adventurous progression, while Abstractions offers a more extensive signature journey. Both change frequently; recent highlights have included tuna with radish and shiso, eggs on eggs on eggs, sea bass with crab and squash blossom, and a lamb rack with kumquat and chèvre.
Lunch brings a three-course prix fixe alongside an eight-course tasting menu, both showcasing the same seasonal, contemporary cuisine. The Kitchen Table, a private perch for up to four guests in the heart of the kitchen, offers an enhanced tasting menu for those who want to watch the action up close.
The Modern’s contemporary cooking is precise and layered, with surprise-and-delight bites woven into the longer menus. The wine program is equally thoughtful, with pairings available at several price points. Whether for a leisurely afternoon or a celebratory dinner, the restaurant delivers a polished, memorable meal in one of New York’s most iconic cultural settings.
Recognition
Details
Location
Instagram
X