Dining
Discover the delicious side of the Academy
From the Café's wide selection of multicultural cuisine, fresh pastries, and gourmet coffee, to The Terrace Restaurant's seasonal share plate menu, craft beer, and wine selection, you'll find delicious, sustainable, family-friendly options to please every palate.
The Academy is proud to work with the following fine local food and beverage purveyors: Frog Hollow Farms, Belfiore, Niman Ranch, Andytown Coffee Roasters, California Endive Co, and Coke Farms.
The Academy Café
Hours of operation
Daily, 9 am-4 pm
Thursday NightLife, 6:30-9 pm
Map
New! Guests may use their EBT/SNAP card for food purchases in the Academy Café. All EBT/SNAP rules apply.
Plus, try our NEW Breakfast menu. Available Monday-Friday from 9-11 am.
The Academy Café honors the agricultural bounty of California and highlights local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients. Enjoy freshly prepared as well as grab-and-go items every day of the week, from classic favorites like fresh pizza, mac 'n cheese, and soups, to our tasty new plant-based taqueria station.
The Terrace Restaurant
Hours of operation
Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays, 11 am-3 pm (hours subject to change)
Thursday NightLife, 6-9:30 pm
Map
The Terrace Restaurant features dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, served in a beautiful outdoor, fast-casual setting. Relax in the West Garden with a glass of wine, or try our selection of regional beers.
NEW! Now offering brunch on weekends and holiday Mondays.
View lunch menuView brunch menu
Meet our Executive Chef!
Chef Rob Lilly comes to us from Harlem, New York City, where he spent more than 10 years as Executive Chef and Owner of a full-scale events and catering company. His passion for food comes from growing up in a melting pot of culture where he was exposed to cuisines from all over the world.
He has worked alongside dozens of restaurateurs and hotel groups, creating menus, training staff, and providing guidance and insight into how to run a successful operation.
He has made the Bay Area his home and is thrilled to blend his East Coast flair with a little West Coast seasoning while serving the guests and staff here at the California Academy of Sciences. Stop by the Café or The Terrace Restaurant to say hello!
