In addition to being one of the world's best, most recognizable chefs, Massimo Bottura is an art junkie. It's no surprise then that Osteria Francescana, his three-Michelin-starred Modena restaurant, houses some of his favorite works. Perhaps most noteworthy (and misunderstood) is Gavin Turk's Trash sculpture, a wonderfully lifelike painted bronze cast of a very full trash bag. Elsewhere in the restaurant, guests will find contemporary works from artists including Maurizio Cattelan, Damien Hirst and Takashi Murakami.
When handled with care and plated with love, food can be elevated to an artform. But any good restaurateur will tell you that it's not just about what's on the menu. The world's best restaurants go above and beyond to account for every last detail of the dining experience. Handsome yet comfy furniture? Check. Cool ceramics and cutlery? Check. The perfect playlist? Vibe check. Amazing art? Now that's an added bonus.
While most restaurant owners will tell you that the art on their walls isn't an afterthought, some eateries take curation to the next level with museum-worthy masterpieces. These restaurants double as art galleries – with just as much to look at on the walls as there is to savor on the menu.
Just this once, it's okay to skip the museum and instead book a reservation at one of these restaurants, where you'll find works from Yayoi Kasuma, Picasso, Miró and Takashi Murakami.