The World’s Best Restaurants With a View
Photo by Anthony Delanoix/Unsplash
Dining out isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience, and who doesn’t enjoy a meal that’s accompanied by a magnificent view? Whether you want to dine at the peak of a mountain, at the bottom of the ocean or anywhere in between, these are the world’s best restaurants with a view.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – Rangali Island, Maldives
You can dine nearly 20 feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean at the world’s first undersea restaurant, Ithaa, located at the Conrad Maldives. Sample exquisite fusion cuisine while admiring the coral garden view and a colorful array of marine life.
The Delaire Graff Restaurant – Stellenbosch, South Africa
The Delaire Graff’s impressive wooden terrace is the perfect setting for a meal of locally sourced food and wine in South Africa’s Cape Winelands. A sweeping view of Simonsberg Peak and the Banghoek Valley’s vineyards and olive groves can be enjoyed from the shade of majestic oak trees.
Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant – Diani Beach, Kenya
Discover Ali Barbour’s ancient, naturally sculpted coral cave 32 feet below ground on the Kenyan coast of the Indian Ocean. The cave is open to the sky, so just look up to see the dazzling, star-studded heavens as you dine on seafood and international cuisine.
Nessun Dorma – Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy
With its colorful homes along the Italian Riviera coast, Cinque Terre is like a postcard come to life. Soak up the view from the terrace of Nessun Dorma, a cliffside restaurant that overlooks the Ligurian sea. Leisurely sip on a cocktail or a glass of local wine alongside a meat and cheese platter that’s as delicious as the setting.
Sierra Mar – Big Sur, California, United States
Atop an oceanside cliff, this award-winning restaurant is located at the Post Ranch Inn. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer jaw-dropping views of the surrounding landscape as you enjoy local Californian cuisine at Sierra Mar. Book a dinner reservation so you can watch the sunset during the main course and then marvel at the starry sky over dessert.
The River Cafe – Brooklyn, New York, United States
A Michelin-starred menu and a romantic view of Manhattan’s skyline await guests at The River Cafe, tucked under the Brooklyn Bridge. The cobblestones leading up to the front door, the live piano music and the impressive wine list have made it a popular destination for proposals, weddings and special occasions for over four decades.
Tree Tops – Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia
The Tree Tops restaurant at the luxurious eco-resort, Bawah Reserve, offers guests an opportunity to dine in the canopy of a tropical rainforest. Sample Indonesian and Mediterranean dishes as you drink in spectacular views of the surrounding lagoons. For an experience unlike any other in Southeast Asia, book a table on the restaurant’s Lookout Deck.
Riverside – Uttarakhand, India
You’ll never forget the view from the Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa’s Riverside restaurant, which is located in the shadow of the Himalayas near the bends of the Ganges River. The indoor space at Riverside is enveloped by large windows where you can take in the all-encompassing views as you revel in cuisine from Kashmir, Nepal and other Himalayan provinces. For the ultimate setting, request a table on the terrace.
Echoes – Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia
Set in the Blue Mountains, this World Heritage site and one of Australia’s top food destinations, Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant, is less than two hours from Sydney. Known for its use of fresh, local produce, this restaurant lets you nosh on modern Australian cuisine with an Asian twist while taking in the stunning bird’s-eye view of Jamison Valley.
Cocina del Mar – Los Cabos, Mexico
The Esperanza Resort in Los Cabos houses Cocina del Mar, a restaurant and bar perched atop dazzling cliffs overlooking two private beaches. The view goes beyond the ocean and waves too. Embark on a sensory journey through Baja cuisine, the Sea of Cortez and Cabo’s farms, watching as chefs create your feast in an impressive outdoor exhibition kitchen.