Amuse Restaurant

Reviews

• Dev W.

  star star star star star_border 12 June 2026

  A very good restaurant but not great (to be clear, I will go back). We are incredibly lucky to have a world class museum that also has a good restaurant. The view is outstanding with glass walls that overlook trees and sculpture garden and reflecting pool. The vibe is elegant artsy cool with a range of people - ages, racially, traditionally dressed, fashionable, and casual. A small bar and lounge area with people having drinks.
  
  The food was very good. A limited menu as to be expected since it is not a huge place with an emphasis on fish and beef. My entree of crabcakes was very good - not too bready but enough to keep the cake together but a little bland. My issue is with the side - rice and starches. I would have enjoyed something lighter so I could have justified a dessert.
  
  The service was friendly, relaxed, and welcoming. Reasonably priced. A few pointers - make reservations especially if there is a special exhibit.

• Vivian L.

  star star star star star 30 May 2026

  I thought the food was delicious and beautifully arranged. They allowed us to take our time when we were there and we're very speedy with the service and did not check in on us obsessively like some restaurants. I will say that it is pricey, but it is what I would expect for a restaurant attached to an art museum.

• Lydia A.

  star star star star star 30 May 2026

  Amuse is the restaurant on the third floor of the VMFA, and is a great place to get drinks or dinner, especially if you're already visiting the museum. I've only had a few of their small plates but the food has always been good, and I love their cocktails. They do a different specialty cocktail menu with each new main exhibit themed around the exhibit. The service has always been good when I'm there and the decor is beautiful and clean. Plus there's a great view and a huge outdoor deck with seating.

• David J.

  star star star star star 22 May 2026

  I've very much enjoyed the food, service, and ambiance of this seemingly hidden RVA gem.
  We like going for their weekday happy hour. The appetizers/small plates are so delicious, that when we went recently went for a stop-over pre-game app and drink before dinner rezzies elsewhere, we just stayed here.
  The mussels and the accompanying broth and bread are way worth the visit alone, along with a nice Cava or beer. (Great single glass and wine choices as well). Their fried curried oysters are perfectly executed. For added naughtiness, their french fries with accompanying garlic aioli rival any in Richmond.
  The fact that parking is easy versus other RVA area restaurants is a
  huge plus if, like me, you're not fond of the hideous "Where we gonna park-street journey," and subsequent obligatory schlep.

• Mike M.

  star star star star star 22 May 2026

  We went here for dinner. To be honest, I was quite shocked. The entrees were phenomenal. My father and I love steak restaurants and didn't expect to be blown away by a ribeye here...and we were. The food was delicious. The steak was beautifully cooked and the sides that accompanied it were plenty. Overall, it was a great experience. My only complaint is the appetizer list is small in terms of shareable items. If you don't want mussels or oysters there aren't really any appetizers to order for the table besides a basket of fries. I wish they offered more, but this didn't take away from the food, service, and atmosphere of the restaurant. The windows are expansive and the decor is upscale. This is a must visit restaurant especially following the VMFA happy hour downstairs.