Even the most delicious dishes in the world will not taste exactly the same if you enjoy them in a cramped and messy space. A restaurant with a stunning view can elevate the dining experience from an ordinary event to a memorable meal for a lifetime. Whether you are looking out at the city skyline, glittering coastlines or rural landscapes with rolling mountains, check out the top 10 restaurants with the most beautiful views in the world below to see how a restaurant with a beautiful view can provide an exceptional dining experience!
1. Vertigo Restaurant, Bangkok, Thailand
Vertigo offers an outdoor dining experience on the rooftop with a sparkling view of the city of Bangkok – the first rooftop grill and bar experience of its kind in Asia. Enjoy soft grilled seafood and premium steak while gazing out at the vast city skyline and sipping cocktails from the Moon Bar. The rooftop restaurant’s food is diverse and stylish, ranging from seafood to premium steak, and like its drinks, it is of the highest quality. The prices are reasonable, but many still consider it the best rooftop restaurant in Bangkok, and most agree that it is definitely worth every penny.
The rooftop of Vertigo & Moon bar on the 61st floor at the Banyan Tree Bangkok offers a stunning 360-degree view of the Bangkok skyline and surrounding area. It’s a breathtaking scene, where the restaurant area is called Vertigo and the bar area is called Moon Bar. The most impressive feature of Vertigo and Moon Bar is the stunning view. The 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Bangkok, where the adventurous can step out onto a glass-floored “alk.” Overall, Vertigo at Banyan Tree Bangkok is a must-visit, and the combination of outdoor dining and elevated cocktails couldn’t be more perfect.
2. Sierra Mar Restaurant, Big Sur, California, USA
With a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, the Sierra Mar restaurant at Post Ranch Inn is a farm-to-table restaurant celebrating the coastal victory of Big Sur and the surrounding communities. Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn offers a sense of dining at the edge of the continent. Looking westward from the modern, impressionistic building that curves down the Big Sur coastline, you’ll feel like you’re floating above the ocean.
The slate and reclaimed wood flooring exude a natural, sophisticated and refined atmosphere that does not compete with the unparalleled views through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the restaurant. Sierra Mar’s menu is diverse, featuring dishes inspired by the Big Sur region, such as Morro Bay oysters, Monterey red abalone, and cheese from the Schoch Family Farm in Monterey County. The drinks from Sierra Mar’s Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine list enhance the inspiring culinary experience.
Sierra Mar, Big Sur, California, USA offers a family-style lunch experience for $75 per person, along with a fixed four-course dinner menu priced at $145 per person. Both lunch and dinner are served in limited quantities to hotel guests and the public. The minimum age for guests at the restaurant is 18 years old, and pets are not allowed.
3. Il Pirata Restaurant, Praiano, Italy
Il Pirata, located in Praiano, Amalfi Coast, is the epitome of authentic Mediterranean cuisine combined with unique landscapes, offering rare and exciting moments. Since the 1960s, our mission has been to provide high-quality food for those who desire to combine a sensual and comfortable environment with expertly crafted dishes, to live a dining experience that is different from the usual. While mainly serving classic Amalfitano dishes such as Totani e patate (squid with potatoes) and fresh local seafood with pasta, Il Pirata’s menu also features premium and creative dishes, highlighted by the pasta paccheri alla pirata.
Il Pirata restaurant in Praiano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy boasts a beautiful natural stone setting and a stunning terrace overlooking the wide sea and traditional, authentic Mediterranean cuisine. The kitchen prepares seasonal dishes and has an excellent selection of fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables. The restaurant even has a sunbathing area with access to the beach and organizes small events with live music and a magical atmosphere.
The Lounge Bar at Il Pirata restaurant is located uniquely within a cave, offering a cool and intimate atmosphere day and night. It is a paradise where drinks and people come together to enjoy pure beverages. The restaurant also has a wine cellar with the best national wines available. Come and enjoy the exciting experiences in this paradise, as it will be an unforgettable experience.
4. Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, Golden, Canada
The Eagle’s Eye restaurant is located at an altitude of 7,700 feet atop Kicking Horse Mountain, allowing you to dine while taking in breathtaking views of five national parks. The 360-degree view showcases over 1,000 snow-capped mountain peaks along the horizon in the Purcell, Selkirk, and Rocky Mountain Ranges. Hand-carved tabletops, locally sourced wood and stone create an elegant atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows frame panoramic views of the Rocky, Purcell, and Selkirk Mountain ranges. The Rocky Mountain cuisine is accompanied by a curated selection of Canadian wines and craft beers. Lunch is served daily until 3:30 pm.
Nassim Meddane Chef offers an impressive menu featuring ingredients that are well-suited to Western Canadian cuisine, such as Alberta beef, salmon, bison and venison, along with a great selection of BC wines. Dining with a grand panoramic view, where award-winning chefs create dishes influenced by classic French techniques and inspired by the Rocky Mountains, is the reason why they have produced exquisite meals. Salmon, bison, venison and other local dishes are among the highlights of the menu, celebrating the unique flavors of the restaurant. Eagle’s Eye is the perfect place to host office parties, family gatherings, weddings, or any other special occasions.
5. Grotto Restaurant – Krabi, Thailand
The Grotto is one of the most unique restaurants in Thailand and according to travel editors, it should be on the list of the 100 most impressive restaurants in the world. The restaurant is located in Krabi province on the Railay peninsula, right on Phra Nang Beach, and is itself a part of the luxurious Rayavadee resort. This resort is a great place to stay if you have something to celebrate, such as a honeymoon. The Grotto overlooks the Happy Island on the Andaman Sea. As the name suggests, The Grotto is located inside a cave. Many travelers who have been to Railay will recognize The Grotto.
The cave which exists thanks to the large limestone cliffs adjacent to Rayavadee and Phra Nang Beach. This extends from the beach to an open space with a covered roof, where all the tables are located. In front of you, you can see Phra Nang Beach with the majestic Happy Island rising from the surface of the open sea. The large limestone rocks that descend create a rugged and impressive image. At the back of the Grotto restaurant, you feel like you’re dining in a cave, as the space looks small and narrow.
The Grotto also has a small bar where you can enjoy drinks. A little further away are some long chairs with tables. An ideal place for a delicious lunch or a cocktail! The lunch menu includes some salads, shareable dishes, pasta, fish, sandwiches and burgers. The dinner menu is similar to the lunch menu. Only the sandwiches and burgers have been replaced with grilled dishes, including lamb chops or a 1.2 kg Tomahawk steak.
6. Delaire Graff Restaurant, Stellenbosch, South Africa
The Delaire Graff restaurant is a year-round culinary destination in Cape Winelands. Shaded by pine oak trees, the Delaire Graff restaurant offers visitors a truly special dining experience. Overlooking the vineyard and olive grove on Simon Sberg Mountain, the view extends all the way to the Ban Hoek Valley. Inside, the restaurant boasts an artistic and elegant interior, making it a perfect year-round destination for fine dining. Enjoy a contemporary, upscale bistro menu accompanied by some of South Africa’s finest wines in a place dedicated to high-quality cuisine and generous hospitality.
Experience your favorite creative pub-style dishes, perfected with the unique flavors of South Africa combined with unparalleled wine in a breathtaking setting. Explore the restaurant’s seasonal experiences, including plant-based menus and dining options. Enjoy modern cuisine paired with special South African wines at Delaire Graff Restaurant, discover the balance and inspiration of Asian flavors at Indochine Restaurant, or choose to dine in the peaceful privacy of your own Guest Lodge. The restaurant’s world-class chefs and mixologists serve exquisite flavors in the spectacular setting of the Stellenbosch Valley.
7. Torre D’alta Mar Restaurant, Barcelona, Spain
Torre d’Alta Mar in Barcelona is surely the “most interesting” restaurant in Barcelona located on Passeig Joan. This restaurant perches on top of the Torre de San Sebastián cable car tower, 75 meters (246 feet) high, and is a convenient spot to enjoy a more spectacular view than any other eatery. A private elevator will take you up to the Torre D’Alta Mar restaurant at the top of the tower, where you can enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the city and the sea. The tower is one of three cable car towers and is the final stop of the cable car through the port of Barcelona. The building was designed by Carles Buigas and was built in 1929 for the Barcelona Universal Exposition.
The main menu of Torre d’Alta Mar restaurant consists mainly of Catalan-style seafood dishes and the service is excellent. The menu includes elaborately prepared dishes, with a special focus on rice and fish, such as beef tenderloin with red pumpkin or John Dory fillet on chicken peas, smoked aubergine and hummus cake. Enjoy the spectacular views of the city and the sea while savoring delicious dishes such as foie gras or mushroom stew sauce and sipping on fine wines. As a high-end luxury restaurant, it mainly serves upscale customers.
8. Skyline Restaurant, Queenstown, New Zealand
The Skyline of Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar on the top of the Gondola in Queenstown is truly impressive. Located just a five-minute walk from the center of Queenstown, Skyline provides an inspiring view of the area as well as entertainment and adventure activities for the whole family. While dining, the floor-to-ceiling glass windows and panoramic views will enchant you day and night. Queenstown has many places to eat, but none are as perfect as this one! Enjoy delicious New Zealand cuisine for dinner, served with the best views in town at the Skyline Queenstown Restaurant.
Stratosfera Restaurant & Bar at Skyline offers a unique dining experience with its buffet-style all-you-can-eat option featuring a variety of dishes for everyone, from locally-sourced wild meats to seasonal vegetarian options and a memorable dessert station. The famous Taste of New Zealand buffet offers fresh seafood, salads, grilled meats, and delicious desserts, all with stunning panoramic views from the windows. It’s the perfect spot for a special evening and the best place in Queenstown to watch the sunset! Live music creates a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful backdrop to enjoy the award-winning cuisine.
9. Duck & Waffle Restaurant, London, UK
Duck & Waffle is the highest 24/7 restaurant in London, considered to be one of the “must-visit” dining destinations in the city. It’s lively and modern, serving British and European cuisine from the top of London’s tallest building, 110 Bishopsgate, also known as the Heron Tower, at a height of 230m. The restaurant provides dining services all day, literally, as it serves guests from sunrise to sunset, throughout the night, and every hour within the timeframe of 7 days a week. Executive Chef Tom Cenci joined Duck & Waffle in 2012 as the Senior Executive Chef.
Duck & Waffle restaurant has a dress code policy defined as “Smart Casual” and they have sent emails reminding guests to refrain from wearing sportswear or ripped jeans. No basement shoes or flip-flops. In the evenings, they encourage wearing a collared shirt or blazer. Designed by Centra Ruddy, an award-winning international architecture firm, the restaurant is a visual feast. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer diners stunning views of London, from the city’s streets up to Wembley and down to the docks. There is also an outdoor terrace. The dishes are heavily influenced by traditional British cuisine and European flavors, using local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients.
10. Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant, Diani Beach, Kenya
Tourists flock to Kenya’s Diani Beach to admire the white sand beaches and luxurious resorts, but as the sun sets, the splendor of another local gem, Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant, is revealed. Diners enter through a simple white-painted facade, then descend 33 meters underground to enjoy their meal in an ancient coral cave with a wide mouth overhead for stargazing. Located in a cave believed to be between 120,000 to 180,000 years old, Ali Barbour’s brings outdoor dining to a completely different space.
In the evening, Ali Barbour’s Cave restaurant is illuminated by the dim light of candles, and diners are often mesmerized by the sparkling stars above. Established by George and Jackie Barbour in the 1980s and named after the play “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” the restaurant is designed to preserve the natural elements of the cave, with only the kitchen and bathroom being modernized. Although the menu is international, seafood is a specialty. You can enjoy a meal caught in the Indian Ocean just a few steps from your table and possibly at the same sea level. The restaurant opens daily at 6:30 pm and has a dress code of “smart/casual” (meaning no beachwear).
From the highest outdoor restaurants in the world offering a luxurious rooftop dining experience, to those perched high on rocky cliffs with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, or simply those with a sweeping view of an impressive city skyline, all of these can make your dining experience even more enjoyable. Of course, the price tag for a prime location at a superb view restaurant is not cheap, but it is totally worth it.