The World’s Best Destination Restaurants

By Marie-Antoinette Issa.

Imagine savouring exquisite cuisine in a cave, under the sea or even beneath a waterfall. For those in search of culinary escapades that are as much about the atmosphere as the food, here’s our guide to 10 of the world’s best destination restaurants:

Nestled twenty feet above the ground on the remote island of Kood, the private bamboo pods at Soneva Kiri provide a dining experience that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Upon arrival, guests enter the pod at ground level before being hoisted into the lush canopy of Kood’s ancient forest.

 

These pods, resembling birds’ nests, offer breathtaking views of the stunning shoreline below. As if that weren’t enough, each pod comes with a personal waiter who delivers the finest gourmet cuisine via a zip-line, ensuring that you can enjoy a refreshing breakfast, leisurely lunch or a romantic candlelit dinner high among the treetops.

For a truly unique dining experience in the Philippines, look no further than the Waterfalls Restaurant at the Villa Escudero resort. Situated beneath a man-made waterfall, this enchanting eatery offers bamboo tables right next to the Labasin waterfall, where guests can indulge in a traditional Filipino buffet while soaking their feet in the cool, shallow waters.

 

After your meal, don’t miss the chance to refresh yourself by taking a dip in the waterfall - after all, getting wet is part of the fun! Villa Escudero is set within a historic coconut plantation and offers a range of activities, including paddling on a native bamboo raft, birdwatching and excursions to nearby villages.

Beneath the waves of the Indian Ocean lies the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, a truly extraordinary dining experience located 4.87 metres below sea level and offering unparalleled 180° views of sea life while you dine. This underwater gem (which means ‘mother-of-pearl’ in Dhivehi) is surrounded by vibrant marine life and its glass walls provide stunning panoramic views of the ocean.

 

Diners are treated to a multi-course meal featuring a fusion of Maldivian and European flavours, all while observing the beauty of fish swimming just inches away. The ethereal glow of the water creates an otherworldly ambience, making it an ideal spot for a romantic getaway or a special occasion. 

Perched 22 metres above the Indian Ocean, The Rock Restaurant in Zanzibar is famous for its breathtaking location. Once an old fisherman’s post, this iconic restaurant can be reached on foot during low tide, while a boat ride is necessary when the tide rises. The journey to the restaurant is part of the adventure, and upon arrival, guests can lose themselves in the 360-degree views of the sparkling ocean. The menu is a seafood lover’s dream, featuring local delicacies like lobster and King prawns, all cooked to perfection on the grill.

 

In Bali, The Cave by Chef Ryan Clift is an exclusive subterranean restaurant with only 22 seats, featuring seven or 10-course menus that showcase Chef Clift's modern gastronomy, complete with optional wine and cocktail pairings. Discovered in 2013 during villa construction, this beautifully preserved natural cave now offers a distinctive dining experience, surrounded by breathtaking stalactites and curving walls.

 

Head Chef Tay Chan Yong meticulously oversees the daily operations with both precision and passion, working under the visionary guidance of Culinary Director Chef Ryan Clift. Together, they create an unparalleled culinary journey for every guest.

At the pinnacle of the Aiguille du Midi, Le 3842 stands as the highest restaurant in Europe, accessible only by cable car. With more than 50 years of history, this remarkable establishment is situated at a staggering height of 3842 metres. The breathtaking views from the cable car ride will leave you in awe, and the restaurant itself offers panoramic vistas of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.

 

The Chef crafts traditional Alpine cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, allowing guests to savour the authentic flavours of the region while enjoying the majestic backdrop of the Mont-Blanc range.

In the heart of Istanbul, a thousand-year-old cistern has been transformed into a unique dining venue called The Sarnic. This historic site features high domes supported by six stone piers, providing an atmospheric backdrop for an extraordinary meal. Dining here is a feast for the senses, where guests can savour traditional Turkish dishes while surrounded by the echoes of history.

Sacro e profano Trevi, located in ancient Rome, is an exceptional restaurant situated within an old church that has been thoughtfully converted into a dining establishment. Recommended by Rick Steves, this venue features an unassuming exterior that belies the beautiful interior, adorned with intriguing frescoes. The combination of history and culinary excellence makes for a delightful dining experience in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

 

At 165 metres the Singapore Flyer is the world’s largest giant observation wheel, offering stunning views of Marina Bay’s skyline and glimpses of neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia.

 

 

The Full Butler Sky Dining experience includes exclusive Gueridon service, a four-course menu, wine pairing options and personalised butler service - all enjoyed from the comfort of a spacious capsule. It’s an extraordinary way to dine with a view that will leave you breathless.

 

Finally, for an experience closer to home, secure your seats at the Sounds of Silence, where dining takes place under the magnificent canopy of the desert night sky. The evening begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the breathtaking Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. A bush tucker-inspired buffet showcases native ingredients such as crocodile, kangaroo, barramundi and quandong. As the night unfolds, a resident star talker guides guests through the celestial wonders of the southern sky, pointing out constellations and planets.