Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

4.8 (2193)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220

Make a reservation

Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

4.8

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Richmond

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 7, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 25 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Great for scenic views
Innovative

Amuse, located on Level 3 of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, offers sweeping views of the Robins Sculpture Garden and the Cochrane Atrium—an atmosphere as inspiring as the galleries themselves. Our culinary team crafts a menu that evolves with the seasons and with our special exhibitions, celebrating Virginia’s rich agricultural heritage through locally sourced ingredients.
We welcome guests for lunch Monday through Saturday, brunch on Sunday, and dinner Wednesday through Friday. There is a complimentary coat check on the first floor near the main entrance to the VMFA.
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience for all, we kindly ask that children remain seated with their families, for their safety, and be supervised throughout your visit.
Further, we are honored to be a place where guests come for all occasions including celebrations! We kindly highlight that plants with potted soil, balloons, glitter, and confetti are not allowed in Amuse and the VMFA in general.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun 11:30 am–4:30 pm Wed–Fri 11:30 am–8:00 pm
Phone number
(804) 340-1580
Website
https://vmfa.museum/visit/dining/amuse-restaurant/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Will Burgess
Private party facilities
Book your next special event with us! We are pleased to offer the Birch Douglass Private Dining Room as Amuse's own private dining space.
Private party contact
Andrew Griffith - General Manager: (804) 340-5780

Location
200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220
Neighborhood
Richmond
Parking details
The museum provides access to a spacious parking garage (up to 600 vehicles) for $6.00 per vehicle. Street parking is also abundant around the museum.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

The Great Wave$17.00
Our dirty martini: crisp and marine choice of Roku Gin or Haku Vodka, Kombu Vermouth, Umami Tincture
Cuckoo Bird$14.00
Our Junglebird: bittersweet & juicy Goslings Dark Rum, Pineapple, Campari, Lime, Absinthe Spritz
A Letter to Yourself$13.00
Our Gin Rickey: tart and refreshing Tanqueray Gin, Raspberry, Lime Juice, Mineral Water
Portofino Spritz$12.00
Our Italian Spritz: herbal and refreshing Italicus Bergamot Liqueur, Tonic, Prosecco, Olive
Devil in Disguise$15.00
Our El Diablo: smoky and zesty Cazadores Reposado Tequila, Mezcal, Creme de Casis, Gingerbeer, Lime
Eye of the Tiger$15.00
Our Lion's Tail: aromatic and bold Four Roses Bourbon, Lime, Chai Masala
The Gangster Moll$16.00
Smooth and luxe Dewar's Scotch, Disaronno Amaretto, Cocoa Nib Bitters, Cherry
Looking Glass Fizz$14.00
Our Brandy Alexander: creamy & dreamy Brandy, Creme de Cacao, Half & Half, Egg, Club Soda, Nutmeg

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Soda Du Jour$7.00
Ask your server for today's selection
Raspberry Lime Cooler$8.00
St Agrestis 'Phoney Negroni'$10.00
Served over ice with orange
Seasonal N/A Beer$6.00
Athletic Brewing Co, Connecticut
Dirty Iced Chai Latte$9.00
Chai, Milk, Espresso
Masala Chai Arnold Palmer$8.00

Prosecco Cocktails

Ginger Sparkler$12.00
Ginger Liqueur, Prosecco
Purple Rain$12.00
Creme de Violet, Cocci Americano, Lemon, Prosecco
Death in the Afternoon$12.00
Absinthe, Prosecco
Raspberry 75$12.00
Raspberry, Lime, Gin, Prosecco

After Dinner

Quinta dos Pesos 'Carcavelos'$11.00
Portugal
El Maestro Sierra Fino Sherry$8.00
Jerez-Xeres D.O., Spain
Quinta do Infantado Ruby Port$8.00
Douro, Portugal
Acha 'Atxa Vermouth Rojo'$8.00
Basque Country, Spain

Sparkling

NV Jaume Serra Cristalino
Cava, Spain
- Glass$11.00
- 1.5 Glass
NV Mas Dahoia Brut Rosé
D.O. Cava, Spain
- Glass$14.00
- 1.5 Glass$19.00

White Wine

2024 Colutta Pinot Grigio
Friuli, IT
- Glass$13.00
- 1.5 Glass$18.00
2023 Famille Fabre, Sauvignon Blanc
France
- Glass$13.00
- 1.5 Glass$18.00
2022 VMFA Viognier by Michael Shaps
Charlottesville, Virginia
- Glass$17.00
- 1.5 Glass$23.00
2023 Domaine des Homs Chardonnay
Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- Glass$15.00
- 1.5 Glass$20.00
2023 Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Riesling
Mosel, Germany
- Glass$16.00
- 1.5 Glass$21.00

Rosé

2023 J Mourat Rosé
Loire Valley, France
- Glass$15.00
- 1.5 Glass$20.00

Red Wine

2023 Commuter Cuvée Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley, Oregon
- Glass$15.00
- 1.5 Glass$20.00
2024 G. D. Vajra Langhe
Piemonte, Italy
- Glass$13.00
- 1.5 Glass$18.00
NV VMFA Meritage by Michael Shaps
Charlottesville, Virginia
- Glass$17.00
- 1.5 Glass$23.00
2023 The Fabelist Cabernet
Paso Robles, California
- Glass$16.00
- 1.5 Glass$21.00

Happy Hour

Everyday - 3p-4:30p

Sunspell Cabernet Sauvignon$9.00
South Australia
House Spritz$8.00
Aperitivo Mazzura, Soda, Prosecco
Beer$5.00
Bartender's Choice

Beer Selection

Petite Cider$7.00
Potter's Craft Cider / Charlottesville, VA
- 12 oz$7.00
Vienna Lager$8.00
Devil's Backbone, Virginia
- 12 oz$8.00
Never Never Calm Calm$10.00
The Veil Brewing Company, RVA
- 16 oz$10.00
Optimal Whit$7.00
Port City Brewing, Alexandria, VA
- 12 oz$7.00
West Coast IPA$9.00
Vasen Brewing, RVA
- 16 oz$9.00

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

4.8

(2193)

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Richmond
Best Service
Richmond
Best Ambiance
Richmond
Innovative
Richmond
Healthy
Richmond
Great for scenic views
Richmond
Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offers "excellent food and service" with a creative menu that complements the museum's exhibits. Diners appreciate the "beautiful setting" and attentive staff. While prices are noted as high, the unique dining experience, "lovely ambience," and "professional and friendly waitstaff" make it a memorable destination.

2,193 Reviews

C
Christine
New York City11 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food was not as good as previous dining visits and selection limited
Is this helpful?
S
Sarah
Richmond5 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A ladies lunching must do! 😉 beautiful view and great service
Is this helpful?
B
Bob
Richmond6 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 30, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Chef had excellent offerings, very innovative dishes. The only complaint was the duck breast was advertised to be medium-rare, but came out on the rarer side of rare. Still delicious, but would have been better cooked a bit more. All in all, Amuse is one of the best restaurants around.
Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine ArtsResponded 5 days ago
Hello, Thank you for dining with us and recommending us to other guests! I apologize for the error with the duck. I will be sure to share that with the culinary team. Please come back to see us again soon. With gratitude, Andrew Griffith General Manager
Is this helpful?
A
Adriana
Richmond4 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 30, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food was had by all. Service was flawless, friendly and attentive but giving us space. We'll be sure to come back
Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine ArtsResponded 2 days ago
Hello, Thank you for your patronage and your kindness! I am glad you enjoyed everything. Please let me know if you ever need any assistance as I am happy to help. With gratitude, Andrew Griffith General Manager
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond1 review
5.0
Dined on October 30, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Two of us shared the Lion's Mane steak. Absolutely perfect! I have not seen the lion's mane on any other menu's around town, so was very excited to see it at Amuse. Soooo good! Two thumbs up to the chef. Server was attentive without being over attentive. A wonderful girls lunch out! Keep up the good work!
Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine ArtsResponded 5 days ago
Hello, Thank you for your kind feedback and for dining with us! We so often only hear when something goes wrong and appreciate guests taking the time to let us know they had a nice time. Please come back to see us again soon! With gratitude, Andrew Griffith General Manager
Is this helpful?
M
Miriam
Tampa1 review
2.0
Dined on October 30, 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Menu was limited and too ultra chic for my taste. Just returned from 4 days in New Orleans at top tier restaurants and also Paris. The food was way overpriced which probably contributed to the restaurant being almost empty for a Friday lunch when most places are full. Tried to be aloof but failed 👎
Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine ArtsResponded 6 days ago
Hello, Thank you for dining with us and for taking the time to share your feedback with us. I apologize for your disappointing experience and hope you will give us a chance to show we can do better. With gratitude, Andrew Griffith General Manager
Is this helpful?
D
Dee
Richmond2 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 29, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server, Cat, was knowledgeable and quick. We had a Ballet performance at 6:30 and our dinner service was seamless. I love how the menu changes with the season but I wish it was updated on the website. The carrot cake and the salmon were divine!
Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine ArtsResponded 5 days ago
Hello, Thank you for dining with us and for sharing your feedback! I am sorry for the menu issue. We will work to get it posted earlier when we have a menu change like we did last week. Please come back to see us again soon. With gratitude, Andrew Griffith General Manager
Is this helpful?
J
Jim
Richmond13 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 28, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
From the lovely welcome (they even printed a congratulatory message on our menus), to the service, to the little complimentary touches (amuse-bouche, sorbet at the end of the meal), to the fantastic and well prepared and presented food, our time at Amuse was perfect.
Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine ArtsResponded 5 days ago
Hello, Thank you for your business and the kind feedback! I am glad you enjoyed the little extras we do to help guests feel valued. Please come back to see us again soon. With gratitude, Andrew Griffith General Manager
Is this helpful?
P
Pam
Richmond11 reviews
4.0
Dined on October 27, 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The ambience was wonderful as always! The food was just average & arrived lukewarm. Very disappointed as I eat there frequently. Prices have also increased SUBSTANTIALLY on the MP seafood items and were ridiculous for lunch. In the future, I will go for drinks to enjoy the ambiance but will skip the good since the quality was definitely not worth the price.
Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine ArtsResponded 5 days ago
Hello, Thank you for your business and for taking the time to let us know about your experience. I apologize for the disappointing experience on your last visit. I will pass your feedback about pricing on to the culinary team. I hope you give us another chance. With gratitude, Andrew Griffith General Manager
Is this helpful?
S
Sandra Gold
Washington DC88 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 27, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent venue and eclectic menu. Impeccable service. Something for everyone. Dining at Amuse completes an outing to the VMFA.
Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine ArtsResponded 5 days ago
Hello, Thank you for your kind words and business! We appreciate you and hope you come back to see us again soon. With gratitude, Andrew Griffith General Manager
Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun 11:30 am–4:30 pm Wed–Fri 11:30 am–8:00 pm
Phone number
(804) 340-1580
Website
https://vmfa.museum/visit/dining/amuse-restaurant/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Will Burgess
Private party facilities
Book your next special event with us! We are pleased to offer the Birch Douglass Private Dining Room as Amuse's own private dining space.
Private party contact
Andrew Griffith - General Manager: (804) 340-5780

Location
200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220
Neighborhood
Richmond
Parking details
The museum provides access to a spacious parking garage (up to 600 vehicles) for $6.00 per vehicle. Street parking is also abundant around the museum.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Yes, Amuse offers an extensive beverage program: creative craft cocktails, prosecco cocktails, a curated wine list (reds, whites, rosé, sparkling) and after‑dinner fortified wines and ports.

Amuse sits on Level 3 with large windows overlooking the Robins Sculpture Garden, offering a main dining room with scenic window tables, bar seating for drinks, and the ability to host private parties.

Plan a Sunday visit, Amuse is repeatedly praised as a perfect spot for Sunday brunch or a relaxed Sunday meal, when guests especially enjoy the museum views and themed brunch offerings.

Yes, Amuse runs exhibition‑themed menus and special offerings: there’s a Happy Hour menu, and the kitchen has offered periodic prix‑fixe and holiday menus tied to events and exhibitions.

Yes, families dine here comfortably: reviewers describe bringing children to brunch and celebrating birthdays with kids, and staff are noted for making special occasions feel welcoming.

The Fried East Coast Oysters are a clear stand‑out, they're on the current menu and guests repeatedly praise them as some of the best in Richmond.

Amuse can be bustling at peak times, guests report it being "exceptionally busy" and noisy when larger groups pack the dining room, while Sunday visits, especially brunch, often feel more relaxed and can seat promptly.

Amuse sits on Level 3 of the VMFA with sweeping views of the Robins Sculpture Garden; the dining room feels elegant and artful with large windows and a relaxed fine‑dining tone, though it can get loud when busy.

Sunday is a favourite for brunch at Amuse, guests repeatedly praise the Sunday brunch experience and the dedicated brunch menu.

Yes, Amuse's elegant setting, views of the sculpture garden, and many positive anniversary and date-night visits make it a lovely choice for a special evening.

Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is open Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday 11:30 am–4:30 pm, and Wednesday through Friday 11:30 am–8:00 pm; brunch and a happy-hour menu are also offered.

Guests frequently describe portions at Amuse as generous, several reviewers note large or very generous servings for entrees and shared dishes.

Yes, Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts accepts private parties and has hosted special events and celebrations for guests.

Yes, Amuse's menu rotates with the seasons and with special exhibitions, giving each visit a refreshed, exhibition-inspired selection.

Yes, the team at Amuse has accommodated special diets, for example providing gluten-free crackers during service and creating a vegan sorbet for a guest.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a reservation

Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

4.8

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Richmond

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 7, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 25 times today

Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Make a reservation

Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Birch Douglass Private Dining Room

Custom inquiry

Amuse Classics

The Great Wave$17.00

Cuckoo Bird$14.00

A Letter to Yourself$13.00

Portofino Spritz$12.00

Devil in Disguise$15.00

Eye of the Tiger$15.00

The Gangster Moll$16.00

Looking Glass Fizz$14.00

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Soda Du Jour$7.00

Raspberry Lime Cooler$8.00

St Agrestis 'Phoney Negroni'$10.00

Seasonal N/A Beer$6.00

Dirty Iced Chai Latte$9.00

Masala Chai Arnold Palmer$8.00

Prosecco Cocktails

Ginger Sparkler$12.00

Purple Rain$12.00

Death in the Afternoon$12.00

Raspberry 75$12.00

After Dinner

Quinta dos Pesos 'Carcavelos'$11.00

El Maestro Sierra Fino Sherry$8.00

Quinta do Infantado Ruby Port$8.00

Acha 'Atxa Vermouth Rojo'$8.00

Sparkling

NV Jaume Serra Cristalino

NV Mas Dahoia Brut Rosé

White Wine

2024 Colutta Pinot Grigio

2023 Famille Fabre, Sauvignon Blanc

2022 VMFA Viognier by Michael Shaps

2023 Domaine des Homs Chardonnay

2023 Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Riesling

Rosé

2023 J Mourat Rosé

Red Wine

2023 Commuter Cuvée Pinot Noir

2024 G. D. Vajra Langhe

NV VMFA Meritage by Michael Shaps

2023 The Fabelist Cabernet

Happy Hour

Sunspell Cabernet Sauvignon$9.00

House Spritz$8.00

Beer$5.00

Beer Selection

Petite Cider$7.00

Vienna Lager$8.00

Never Never Calm Calm$10.00

Optimal Whit$7.00

West Coast IPA$9.00

Loved For

Review summary

Dining areas

Additional information

FAQs

Does this restaurant serve alcohol?

What seating arrangements/rooms does this restaurant have?

When is the best time to go to Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts?

Does this restaurant have any specials deals or experiences?

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

What is this restaurant's stand-out or favorite dish?

When is this restaurant busiest and quietest?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

What is the best day to go to Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts?

Is this a good pick for date night?

What are this restaurant's opening hours?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

Does this restaurant have private dining?

Does this restaurant have dynamic or rotating menus?