March 4, 2024 | Alex Summers

Bucket-List Scenic Restaurants Around The World


Dining experiences are about more than just the cuisine—they also include the atmosphere and scenery that come with the meal. There's nothing like enjoying delicious food while taking in beautiful cityscapes or natural scenery. Countless restaurants across the world provide breathtaking sights alongside their excellent food. Here are 10 picturesque restaurants in the world where food lovers can treat their eyes as well as their palates.


Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Maldives

Ithaa is the first underwater restaurant in the world made entirely of glass, and it’s located five meters below the Indian Ocean's surface. The 180-degree panoramic view of the ocean floor is enjoyed by diners who are surrounded by colorful coral reefs and marine life. 

Ithaa is an immersive and fascinating dining experience, enhanced by the inventive fusion menu.

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Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, MaldivesDaniel Gillaspia, Flickr

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El Farallón, Mexico

Perched on the cliffs of the Pacific coastline in Cabo San Lucas, El Farallón provides a stunning setting for seafood enthusiasts. Diners can indulge in the freshest catches of the day while listening to the sound of the waves crashing below and watching the sunset on the horizon.

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The natural rock formations cradle the restaurant and give it an intimate and romantic feel.El Farallón, MexicoEl Gran Dee, Flickr

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Asiate, New York, USA

Asiate, a restaurant with panoramic views of the famous Manhattan skyline, is situated on the 35th level of the Mandarin Oriental in New York City. The dining room is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, which create an upscale atmosphere for tasting the contemporary American fare.

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The atmosphere of Asiate is especially charming at night when the lights of the city are all on below.Asiate, New York restaurantPablo Monteagudo, Flickr

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Grotta Palazzese, Italy

Situated within a naturally-occurring limestone cave, Grotta Palazzese is a restaurant carved into the cliffs of Polignano a Mare's Adriatic shore. With unhindered views of the ocean, diners are treated to a spectacular twilight scene.

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The mix of delicious Italian food and the natural splendor of the cave makes for very romantic and enchanted dining.Grotta Palazzese, ItalyClaudio, Flickr

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Duck & Waffle, London, UK

Unmatched views of the London skyline can be seen at Duck & Waffle, which sits on the 40th floor of the Salesforce Tower skyscraper. Dining is available around the clock, so visitors can take in the beauty of the city during the day or night.

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The restaurant is a favorite among those seeking a distinctive dining experience served with breathtaking views, and its specialty dish, duck and waffle, only serves to heighten its appeal.Salesforce Tower skyscraperDale Cruse, Flickr

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Aramburu, Argentina

Aramburu is an innovative take on Argentine cuisine, nestled in the heart of Buenos Aires. The restaurant has a little courtyard that is lit up with fairy lights, creating an enchanted dining environment.

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The luscious vegetation and the quaint settings go well with the culinary treats, resulting in a peaceful haven within the busy metropolis.Puerto Madero, Buenos AiresDeensel, CC BY 2.0 ,Wikimedia Commons

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Le Jules Verne, France

Le Jules Verne, a restaurant offering unparalleled views of the City of Lights, is sat atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris. With views of famous sites like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Seine River, guests can enjoy top-tier French cuisine in a classy atmosphere.

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Set against the lovely backdrop of Paris's glittering lights, Le Jules Verne will certainly make for one unforgettable dinner.Le Jules Verne, FranceArnaud 25, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Sirocco, Thailand

One of the tallest open-air restaurants in the world, Sirocco is situated on the 63rd floor of Bangkok's State Tower. Diners can have a fine dining experience with awe-inducing views of the Chao Phraya River, as well as the city and beyond.

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This famous restaurant's appeal is enhanced by the blending of Thai delicacies with Mediterranean flavors.Sirocco, Thailandtps58, Flickr

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Nautika, Croatia

Nautika, which is located in Dubrovnik on the Pile Harbour, provides stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the old city walls. The eatery flawlessly blends contemporary style with the area's extensive historical background.

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While enjoying Mediterranean and Croatian fare, guests may take in the Old Town of Dubrovnik's charms as well as the calming Adriatic waters.Nautika, CroatiaWordRidden, Flickr

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Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant, Kenya

Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant in Diani Beach is tucked away in a naturally occurring coral cave and provides a unique, cozy dining experience. The cave has Swahili-style décor and is beautifully lighted by natural light. 

Through an open roof, guests may gaze at the stars while indulging in seafood and local favorite dishes.

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The ambiance is made even better by the cave's inherent acoustics, making the restaurant truly one-of-a-kind.Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant, Kenyachococliff, Flickr

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Friðheimar, Iceland

The most picturesque restaurant in Iceland, Friðheimar, rests on the edge of the world and offers customers a full view of the magnificent natural beauties of the country. Nestled in the Icelandic countryside, Friðheimar is a greenhouse hotel with incredible vistas of rolling hills and the magical display of the Northern Lights in the winter.

 With its geothermally-heated walls, the restaurant specializes in growing tomatoes, and meals are made with the freshest local ingredients.

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Guests can relax in the warm glow of the greenhouse while enjoying the restaurant's world-class culinary offerings. Friðheimar Greenhouse IcelandPierre-Selim Huard, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Mikla, Turkey

Turkey's prettiest restaurant is Mikla in Istanbul, which stands on the Mediterranean cliffs. Mikla offers an unrivaled view of the Bosphorus Strait, the old mosque domes, and the skyline of the historic city.

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Mikla is found on the top level of the Marmara Pera Hotel. 

The sleek, minimalistic architecture of the restaurant accentuates the beauty of its surroundings. Celebrity chef Mehmet Gürs offers a modern twist on Turkish food, enhancing the sensory experience with a taste element. 

Mikla becomes an even more magnificent place as the sun sets over Istanbul, where the incredible views make for one fantastic evening.

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 The Marmara Pera Hotel IstanbulChapultepec, Wikimedia Commons

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The Cliff House Hotel, Ireland

Positioned on the northern tip of Europe, The Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, County Waterford, boasts as Ireland's most scenic restaurant. This gourmet restaurant offers spectacular vistas and top-notch food in a cliffside setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. T

he expansive shoreline and the roaring waves below are framed by the huge glass windows, providing visitors with a unique backdrop as they eat. The restaurant features a Michelin-starred menu that showcases the finest Irish produce and was crafted by Chef Martijn Kajuiter.

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From locally-sourced seafood to inventive takes on classic Irish cuisine, guests at The Cliff House Hotel are given an immersive experience that combines the grandeur of the coastal surroundings with the delicious flavors of Ireland.Ardmore PeninsulaMik Herman, CC BY-SA 3.0 , Wikimedia Commons

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