Garden Cafe

Quick, friendly service. You order at the counter, pick up your drinks at the counter and then get a number to take to your table for food to be delivered. Food was good and was a nice, fast option within the National Gallery of Art.

We came in as soon as it opened and it's a lovely place for brunch. This is the best time to come because it can get crowded really fast in there. We got a Burrata Tomato Arugula salad, Tuna Pokè, and an Ice matcha latte with oat milk. Everything was delicious and the portion sizes were big for the prices. The Iced Matcha Latte was very sweet, which I am a big fan of. One thing that was a bit strange though is that they had exposed water cups sitting at room temperature behind the machines ready to hand out for when people ask for water.

Located inside NGA, this cafe is actually not so bad for being a museum cafe. I can't speak for the food (which I suspect is overpriced and not fresh), but the coffee is from La Colombe which is my favorite spot in Philly. I was actually impressed that they even offer La Colombe's iconic draft latte on tap, including the oat version. Almond and oat milk are available for additional charge in traditional drinks. My draft oat latte was served over ice, not how it's done in Philly, and perhaps why there was none of the iconic foam (also means you get less coffee). Also, you are not allowed to bring food and drink outside the cafe area (understandable). However, you are require to sit to eat or drink. Especially with half the tables unavailable for social distancing, I guess if you don't find a seat you're out of luck.

The weekend buffet is small in variety, but compared to the past is better quality and has something for everyone. Food options rotate seasonally.Staff does a good job keeping the buffet from getting dry, overcooked, cold or soggy. It could be more tidy however. The charcuterie was very good, with the cabrales blue cheese being the most prominent/tantalizing this cheese lover's ever had. Our server Senedu was so friendly and efficient, and highly recommended. Our only disappointment was the desserts, which were dry and/or underwhelming. But overall food & service compensated, especially the ambiance: hushed noise level, imposing fountain, lighting, sculptures & high ceilings...an experience hard to beat anywhere else.

I was pleased with my meal at Garden Cafe. I was hesitant to try it with only 3 stars, but I was looking for something conveniently located in the smithsonian and was pleasantly surprised. It's not a huge buffet but there are definitely enough choices to fill your plate. The main meat dish, which was chicken today, was a little dry but everything else was very good and of good quality. Not a typical buffet. Our service was perfectly fine. I thought the waitress was very nice. Atmosphere was probably the best part of the experience. Very pretty and French-like. Would definitely come back.

In terms of best food bang for your buck, you should come here (National museum of art). They serve lunch buffet style for only $20.75 per person AND its really well prepared classy dishes. Clean, fast service. We came when they had a Russian theme based on the new art meets ballet Russian exhibition so we had caviar, beef stroganoff, pastry lined salmon, and other yummy stuff. Russian black bread was delicious. Go there early or you might get stuck in a line.Sometimes your server writes your tip in but today ours didn't. Guess depends on your luck.

Stopped in while checking out the art museum. The menu is limited but I ordered the chicken pesto flatbread, my wife ordered the avocado toast. That bread was very good, chicken was aLittle dry. The avocado toast was tought to cut, needed a serated knife. She said it tasted good, but had to work on it.

The main issue with this cafe is their drinks. Their matcha latte's taste bad and their hot chocolate is more foam than drink. Not the mention the drink portions are tiny. Their food is both bad but i had to purchase water additionally to the drinks i had just bought just to be able to enjoy my food.

Judged by the standards of a museum cafe, this one is not bad at all. Located in the central location of the lowest level in the National Gallery of Arts, this eatery has all you need to recharge yourself while staying close to an action. Ambience is great, food as expected. The only drawback is that the place is frequently crowded even off-season. If you prefer to have more space, walk toward the East Wing (modern art) - there is another cafe in the tunnel and yet another on the second floor of the East Wing.

Very slow and very mediocre. I waited 10 minutes for my coffee (after waiting 10 minutes to order). The croissant I got was also tough and dry. Food is bad,Service is slow.