When visiting America's largest and most elegant art museum, you'll likely spend many hours wandering from exhibit to exhibit and eventually hunger will set in. From casual to elegant, The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers a wide variety of dining options, listed below. Many first-time and even repeat visitors are unaware that the Met offers splendid dining options, starting in the early morning hours and extending to late-night cocktails and dining on Friday and Saturday nights. Now that the museum has announced its new director will be the youthful Thomas P. Campbell, we predict even more buzz and excitement in the coming years for this august museum. On to the dining options:

Balcony Bar with live music Waiters serve appetizers and cocktails from a full bar, accompanied by live classical music. Not appropriate for children. Recommendations: small plates, charcuterie, cheeses.

Location: Second-floor balcony overlooking the Great Hall.

Hours: Friday and Saturday evenings only, 4:00–8:00pm

American Wing Café Soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts, served overlooking both a lovely sculpture-filled courtyard and Central Park

Location: 1st floor, Englehard Court

Hours: Fri-Sat: 11:00am–8:30pm Sun, Tue-Thu: 11:00am-4:30pm

Roof Garden Café and Martini Bar Cocktails and light fare served al fresco, with panoramic views of Manhattan. Recommendations: A light late breakfast or a sunset drink. Open May–October, weather permitting.

Location: 5th floor rooftop; take elevator from Henry Kravis wing

Hours: Sunday,Tues–Thurs,10:00am–4:30pm Fri-Sat: 10:00am–8:30pm Martini Bar: 5:30–8:30pm

The Trustees Dining Room Contemporary American cuisine in a formal setting for Museum Members. Full waiter service of contemporary American cuisine in a sophisticated, elegant setting with expansive views of Central Park. Experience the fine art of dining at the Museum for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Each month, our chef prepares a four-course tasting menu highlighting a different domestic or international cuisine. In addition to our extensive wine list, the Trustees Dining Room now offers a reserve wine list to complement your meal. Recommendations: this is one of New York's premier members-only destinations, and brunch is extremely popular. Reservations are recommended; please call 212-570-3975.

Hours: Lunch, Tue–Fri: 12:00pm-2:30pm Dinner, Fri-Sat: 5:30-8:30pm Brunch, Sat: 11:30am-2:30pm Brunch, Sun: 11:00am-2:30pm

the cafeteria The Museum’s main dining facility features casual self-service dining with a wide variety of choices. The menu includes an extensive selection of hot entrées, grilled and cold sandwiches, salads, sushi, snacks, and desserts for lunch, snacks, and dinner. Booster seats and high chairs are available, as are special New York City Taxi Cab Kids Meals. Recommendations: great for families with small children.

Location: Ground floor below the Medieval Hall

Hours: Sun, Tue-Thu: 11:30am–4:30pm Fri-Sat: 11:30am–7:00 pm

Petrie Court Café and Wine Bar European-style, à la carte restaurant and sophisticated wine bar with a view of Central Park. Recommendations: an early weekend breakfast, a leisurely weekday lunch, or a relaxed afternoon tea.

Location: 1st floor in the Carroll and Milton Petrie European Sculpture Court

Hours: Sun, Tue–Thu: 9:30am–4:30pm Fri-Sat: 9:30am–10:30pm Breakfast, 9:30am-11:00am Lunch, 11:30am-4:30pm Dinner, Fri-Sat: 5:00pm-10:30pm