Located in the Visitor Center, the Ginkgo Restaurant and Café offer indoor dining, as well as outdoor seating and picnic lunches to go.
They are the perfect choice for a picnic, lunch with friends, a quick snack, or weekend brunch after a walk through the woods.
Enjoy a healthy assortment of beverages and locally sourced food, freshly created with a commitment to sustainable practices. The menu of internationally inspired meals includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, as well as craft beer and wines, baked goods, and coffee. The widely acclaimed menu and venue are also available for private events and catering.
The Ginkgo Restaurant is a Level 3 Certified Green Restaurant®.
Online Ordering at the Ginkgo Restaurant
Skip the line at the Ginkgo Restaurant and enjoy more of the Arboretum by using our convenient online ordering system.
Place your order online for pickup.
Once you’ve ordered, you’ll receive an estimated pickup time based on the current queue. Orders are packaged in to-go containers so you can enjoy your meal while enjoying the Arboretum.
Catering Options
Catering for events hosted at The Morton Arboretum is available from the Gingko Restaurant through Signature Events at The Morton Arboretum.
Important Information
Hours: The Ginkgo Restaurant and Ginkgo Café hours vary by season. Open hours may be modified to accommodate select special events.
The Ginkgo Restaurant is currently open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (seasonal hours vary).
The Gingko Café is currently open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily (seasonal hours vary).
Parking: The nearest available parking is in parking lot P-1, the main parking lot for the Visitor Center, on the Arboretum’s East Side.
Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available in the Visitor Center and the nearby West Pavilion.
Seating: The Ginkgo Restaurant is a sit-down dining room for those who have placed orders. For those who purchase to-go options from the Ginkgo Café, there are nearby tables and chairs inside the Visitor Center and outdoors in Arbor Court.
Shelter: Both the Ginkgo Restaurant and the Ginkgo Café are inside the Visitor Center. The outdoor seating area adjacent to the Visitor Center is not covered.
Accessibility: Accessible parking is available in parking lot P-1, which features a permeable concrete paver system that allows rainwater to pass through. These pavers are uneven, but the accessible parking spaces and pathways from parking lot P-1 to the Visitor Center have smooth pavers.
Admission: The Ginkgo Café and nearby table seating in the Visitor Center are accessible to all guests during open hours. The Ginkgo Restaurant dining room is open to guests who are dining at the Ginkgo Restaurant, but is also sometimes used for scheduled classes, events, and private events.
Water: Drinking fountains with bottle fillers are available in the Visitor Center. Beverages are available to purchase at the Ginkgo Restaurant and the Ginkgo Café.
Ginkgo Restaurant
The Ginkgo Restaurant is a sit-down restaurant that offers a full lunch and beverage menu, including freshly made sandwiches, salads, burgers, and assorted alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
View the Ginkgo Restaurant menu.
Place your order online for pickup.
The restaurant accepts cash and credit cards.
Ginkgo Restaurant Seasonal Hours
The Ginkgo Restaurant hours vary by season. The restaurant is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day.
April–October
Monday–Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on weekends
November–March
Wednesday–Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on weekends
Weekend Brunch Service
On Saturdays and Sundays only, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., enjoy brunch favorites such as brioche French toast, biscuits and gravy, or oatmeal, paired with a mimosa or bloody mary.
Brunch will be served on Saturdays and Sundays along with the rest of our regular menu offerings.
Online Ordering at the Ginkgo Restaurant
Skip the line at the Ginkgo Restaurant and enjoy more of the Arboretum by using our convenient online ordering system.
Place your order online for pickup.
Once you’ve ordered, you’ll receive an estimated pickup time based on the current queue. Orders are packaged in to-go containers so you can enjoy your meal while enjoying the Arboretum. Online ordering is available from opening until 30 minutes before closing. Whether you’re in the restaurant or out on the grounds, you can avoid waiting in line and make the most of your visit.
Ginkgo Café
A modified assortment of freshly made food and beverages is currently available at the Ginkgo Café, ranging from bakery items to salads and sandwiches. Espresso beverages, hot tea, and drip coffee are also available.
View the Gingko Café menu.
There are a limited number of tables and seating near the Café in the Visitor Center. Tables inside the Ginkgo Room are reserved for Ginkgo Restaurant guests only. Visitors are welcome to sit outside in Arbor Court or picnic anywhere on the Arboretum grounds. Please plan accordingly.
Ginkgo Café Seasonal Hours
The Gingko Café hours vary by season. The café is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
May–October
Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
November–February
Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
March–April
Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Outdoor Concessions
Starting on Saturday, May 2, summer concessions will be available outside the Visitor Center in Arbor Court on weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting.
View the summer concessions menu.
Traveling Tap Beverage Bike
On weekends and holidays through Sunday, September 28, cold beverages are available to purchase from the Traveling Tap Beverage Bike, a mobile beverage service at The Morton Arboretum.
The Traveling Tap offers one craft beer on tap, one nonalcoholic beer on tap, a fruit juice option, and water for purchase.
The bike will be stationed at several locations in the Arboretum’s central area from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day).
The Traveling Tap Beverage Bike accepts credit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay only. Cash is not accepted.
Fall Color Concessions
Celebrate the flavors of fall with special seasonal concessions available in Arbor Court every Friday through Sunday during October.
Enjoy a delicious lineup of autumn favorites—including freshly popped kettle corn, taffy apples, barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, apple cider doughnuts, and hot apple cider.
Arboretum Signature Beer
Golden Leaf Lager
Crisp and easy-drinking, Golden Leaf Lager features subtle elderberry notes balanced by a bright lime finish.
Golden Leaf Lager is available to purchase at the Ginkgo Restaurant and the Ginkgo Café, as well as on a seasonal basis from the concession stand in Arbor Court and the Traveling Tap Beverage Bike, the Arboretum’s mobile beverage service.
This beer is brewed especially for The Morton Arboretum by Noon Whistle Brewing in Naperville, Illinois.
Arboretum Private Wine Collection
Created in celebration of the Arboretum’s centennial year in 2022, the Private Wine Collection is a custom trio—Arbor Red, Arbor White, and Arbor Sparkling—crafted in partnership with Lynfred Winery.
Arbor Red
Rich and layered, Arbor Red is an American red table wine that pours a deep garnet hue, with inviting aromas of blackberry and vanilla. A medium‑light blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Sirah, and Merlot, it is fruit‑forward and smooth, finishing with a subtly sweet oak character.
Arbor Red is available to purchase in split portions at the Ginkgo Restaurant and Café, and by the glass throughout the summer events season.
Arbor White
Arbor White is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, with aromas of green apple, peach, and delicate wildflowers. Crisp yet smooth, it is a perfect choice on warm summer nights.
Arbor White is available to purchase in split portions at the Ginkgo Restaurant and Café, and and by the glass throughout the summer events season.
Arbor Sparkling
Arbor Sparkling is an American demi‑sec sparkling wine offering inviting aromas of ripe peaches and honey. The finish is clean, vibrant, and refreshingly crisp.
Arbor Sparking is available to purchase by the glass throughout the Arbor Evenings concert season and at select special events.
Catering
To make planning your event most convenient, catering for events is managed by Signature Events at The Morton Arboretum. Signature Events is prepared to cater any event, from business meetings to parties to your dream wedding.
Specialized menus are available for weddings, showers, and picnics, and guests can also choose from a wide selection of options off the general menu.
When you are ready to start planning, speak with a Signature Events team member to inquire about your options at 630-719-2457 or submit an event inquiry form.
