An exceptional meal can become even more memorable when the setting is every bit as impressive as the cuisine. Across the world, restaurants are turning extraordinary landscapes into part of the dining experience, placing tables beneath the Indian Ocean, opposite ancient pyramids, above glittering city skylines and along some of the world’s most dramatic coastlines. Inspired by Travel + Leisure’s collection of restaurants celebrated for their spectacular views, we have selected eight experiences particularly suited to travellers looking for something truly memorable.
1. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Rangali Island, Maldives
More than 16 feet beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant transforms dinner into an underwater spectacle. Located at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, its transparent arched structure provides diners with a 180-degree panorama of the surrounding coral reef, allowing tropical fish and other marine life to drift overhead while guests dine below.
The intimate setting makes Ithaa particularly suited to a special occasion or romantic dinner.
2. 139 Pavilion, Cairo, Egypt
Few restaurant views carry the historical weight of 139 Pavilion. Set within Marriott Mena House in Cairo, its garden terrace looks directly towards the Great Pyramids of Giza, allowing guests to dine within sight of monuments that have dominated the landscape for thousands of years.
As morning light falls across the pyramids, one of the ancient world’s most recognisable landmarks becomes the backdrop to an otherwise leisurely meal.
3. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
At Giraffe Manor, the view occasionally puts its head straight through the window. The celebrated Nairobi property is home to resident Rothschild’s giraffes, which appear around the manor during breakfast and can also be encountered during afternoon teatime.
The experience combines the atmosphere of a historic country house with one of Kenya’s most unusual wildlife encounters.
4. Nessun Dorma, Manarola, Italy
Perched above Manarola, Nessun Dorma provides a front-row seat to one of the Cinque Terre’s defining views. From its terraced seating, diners look across vineyards and the Ligurian Sea towards the colourful houses of the village cascading down the cliffs.
Nessun Dorma turning the location into an opportunity to engage with Ligurian culinary tradition as well as admire it.
5. Le Jules Verne, Paris, France
There are countless restaurants overlooking the Eiffel Tower, but Le Jules Verne offers something entirely different: dinner from inside it. Positioned more than 400 feet above Paris, the restaurant opens towards views of the Seine and the city’s extraordinary skyline from within France’s most recognisable landmark.
The two-Michelin-starred restaurant transforms a visit to the Eiffel Tower into one of Paris’ most distinctive fine-dining experiences.
6, Sierra Mar, Big Sur, California
California’s Highway 1 is renowned for dramatic coastal scenery, and Sierra Mar occupies an extraordinary position directly above it. Located at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, the restaurant appears suspended above the cliffs, with enormous windows opening towards uninterrupted views across the Pacific Ocean.
The Pacific remains the undisputed centrepiece of the restaurant, particularly as the sun begins descending towards the horizon.
7.Dasheene, St. Lucia
At Dasheene, walls would almost feel unnecessary. Located within Ladera Resort, the restaurant’s open-air design frames one of the Caribbean’s great natural panoramas: St. Lucia’s iconic Pitons rising dramatically between the restaurant and the sea.
The restaurant becomes an especially atmospheric setting for a romantic evening.
8. Altitude, Sydney, Australia
Sydney possesses one of the world’s most recognisable harbours, and Altitude turns it into the backdrop for dinner. Located high within Shangri-La Sydney, the restaurant looks directly towards Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the water below.
Ater sunset, the Opera House and illuminated harbour create an entirely different panorama from the daytime view.
When the View Becomes Part of the Menu
The most memorable restaurants do more than place good food beside an attractive window. They use their surroundings to create an experience that could not simply be reproduced elsewhere. Ithaa belongs beneath the waters of the Maldives; Nessun Dorma makes sense overlooking the villages of the Cinque Terre; Dasheene is inseparable from the Pitons; and Le Jules Verne turns one of the world’s most visited monuments into the dining room itself.
For travellers, these restaurants can therefore become destinations rather than additions to an itinerary. Securing the right reservation—particularly a terrace, window or sunset table—can be just as important as choosing the hotel.
Matthew Rian Travel Concierge can incorporate exceptional dining experiences into bespoke journeys around the world, from underwater restaurants in the Maldives and cliffside tables in the Caribbean to Michelin-starred dining above Paris. Alongside handpicked luxury accommodation, private transfers and personalised experiences, our team can curate itineraries where an unforgettable table becomes one of the defining moments of the journey.
