Kansas City is recognized as being one of the top art cities in the nation. Internationally recognized museums have become a standard for the Kansas City art landscape. And, these days it's not just the museums that are gaining notoriety, the restaurants located in these museums are also generating a significant amount of buzz.

1. Café Sebastienne at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

Café Sebastienne combines the worlds of contemporary art and contemporary cuisine in the heart of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Café Sebastienne and its Executive Chef Jennifer Maloney have received both local and nation recognition. Zagat has recognized Café Sebastienne as one of America's top restaurants eight years running.

The artistic cuisine is complemented not only by the aesthetic setting, but also the eclectic wine list. Chef Maloney uses fresh seasonal ingredients and local organic produce each week in her innovative menus. Her dinner selections change weekly to take advantage of the market's current offerings, and her lunch menus change seasonally.

Planning Information

• Hours: Open for lunch 11 a.m  to 2:30 p.m. Tue.-Sun.,
  Open for dinner 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat.
• Price: Over $20
• Zagat Guide

2. Cafe Tempo at Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

Café Tempo, located 20-minutes southwest of downtown KC, shares space between the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art and Regnier Center. Café Tempo features upscale salads, soups, panini sandwiches and desserts for lunch and pastries, quiche and French toast for breakfast.

Espresso drinks, fresh fruit and beverages will be constants. Patrons can sit down and enjoy the natural light of the café or pick up a fresh to-go meal. Café Tempo is located on the campus of Johnson County Community College.

Planning Information

• Hours: Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.
• Price: $10 to $20

3. Rozzelle Court Restaurant at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The dramatic style of a 15th-century Italian courtyard, Rozzelle Court Restaurant at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art serves artful cuisine worthy of its glorious setting. Rozzelle Court Restaurant offers self-service dining and welcomes all visitors, including families. Named the city’s number one spot “to sneak a kiss,” it is also the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Planning Information

• Hours: Lunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wed. - Sat.; Lunch, Noon—2 p.m., Sunday; Dinner, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday
• Price: $10 to $20