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I Ate Here: Cafe Gala at The Dali Museum, St. Petersburg, Florida

December 12, 2013 By Johnna Leave a Comment

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure for more information.

One of my very favorite ways to spend an afternoon is visiting an art museum.  On a recent trip to St. Petersburg, I visited The Dali Museum and had a lovely, mid-afternoon bite to eat at the museum’s restaurant, Cafe Gala.

The Dali Museum, St. Petersburg, FL

The museum features a large collection of Salvador Dali’s paintings (nearly 100), sculptures and drawings.  Housed in a stunning building designed by architect Yann Weymouth, the museum building itself is almost as entertaining to view as is the collection of art. The glass bubble wrapping around the building is referred to as The Enigma.

Salvador Dali was obsessed with spirals, the helix shape.  It’s beautifully represented by the helical staircase in the three-story museum.

Staircase at The Dali Museum

Within the museum is Cafe Gala, a lovely spot to grab a light meal, or in my case, a mid-afternoon nibble.  For less than $6, I had the Plato España (Olives, Piquillo Peppers, Manchego Cheese, Roasted Almonds). I also had a cup of locally roasted Kahwa coffee.

nibbles at Cafe Gala

To make this gluten-free, I simply asked that the bread not be included on the plate.  The cashier wasn’t aware of what was gluten-free but was quick to check with her manager.  There were several other small plates and salads which were gluten-free.

light lunch at cafe gala at The Dali

I ate inside in the cafe space, which feels a bit like being outside with views across the way to the waterfront.

courtyard at The Dali

There is also outdoor seating in the Avant-Garden under enormous yellow umbrellas.

Bench at The Dali

Speaking of outside, there is a labyrinth, a mathematical garden and this Wish Tree.  Visitors remove their museum wristbands, write a wish on them and tie it to the many ribbons of wishes floating from the tree.  I enjoyed watching so many wishes dancing on the breeze.

wish tree at The Dali (500x375)

The Wish Tree at The Dali Museum

While museum admission isn’t required to dine at Cafe Gala, I highly recommend the museum.  I opted to join a complimentary docent-led tour and learned so much more than I would have on a self-guided walk through the collection.

view from inside The Dali

Cafe Gala is located within the Dali Museum, One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, Florida, 33701.  727.823.3767.  Onsite parking is available for a charge.  Metered street parking is available a short walk from the museum.  Museum admission is not required to dine at Cafe Gala or to shop at the museum store.

Eat With:  Moderate caution.  The cashier during my visit wasn’t knowledgeable but was quick to ask for help.  The manager was very knowledgeable, so best to ask for assistance.

Café Gala on Urbanspoon

Johnna’s I Ate Here series is not intended as a restaurant review, rather a summary of Johnna’s experience dining out.  You may or may not have a similar experience.  Menu prices, items and ingredients featured were current at the time of writing.  Please read the menu carefully and ask your server for assistance in ordering if you have dietary restrictions. It’s a good idea to call ahead and let the restaurant know of your food needs.

Filed Under: In the Kitchen Tagged With: dining out, florida, gluten-free, I Ate Here, travel, vegetarian

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sidebarWelcome! I'm Johnna and this is my kitchen... You'll find gluten-free food, fun and travel here, from original recipes to travel and dining recommendations along with tips on simply having fun. Pull up a chair, join me at my kitchen table! Read More

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