Looking for something a little different than your average trip to the local sushi spot? Or maybe you’re bored with even the top restaurants and want something a little different to spice things up. Well, not to worry because we’ve got you covered! Below we’ve compiled a list of some of the world’s most insane restaurant locations that will seriously beef up your foodie game.
If you’ve always dreamed of dining in the treetops or wanted to share a meal with the fish, then you’ll find the perfect place on our list. And if you’ve ever wanted an anxiety attack to compliment your dish, then you can check out number 4 on our list, which honestly looks sketch. Even just the picture of this restaurant invokes goose bumps and butterflies in our stomach.
But the important part that all foodies have in mind right now: but how’s the menu and the food? Well, the menu items are just as inventive (and tasty) as the locations. They perfectly compliment the scenery and location.
1. Ithaa
If you’re anything like us then you simply can’t get enough of the beach and water life. Unfortunately when it comes time for dinner, it usually means you’ll have to leave the underwater scape behind. Ithaa, however, combines the beautiful water of scuba diving with dry land so you can enjoy both while you have a memorable meal.
In 2014, the New York Daily News named Ithaa “the most beautiful restaurant in the world” and if you do a quick Google search for images of the restaurant, you’ll quickly understand why. Ithaa translates to “mother of pearl” in the Maldivian language of Divehi and it’s easy to see how it got its name once you step food inside the beautiful place.
The restaurant is nearly 16 feet below sea level and is accessed by a staircase surrounded by a thatched pavilion. All glass walls cover the restaurant and offer viewers a stunning 180-degree view of the coral gardens, colorful fish, sharks, manta rays, turtles, and even curious dolphins.
Where?
Given the beautiful image, it should come as no surprise that this restaurant is located in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Specifically, this food paradise is part of the Conrad Maldives Ranglai Island resort, but you don’t need a reservation to sample their cuisine.
What to expect food wise?
Obviously you’ll have your fill of fresh seafood at Ithaa. You’ll find everything from scallops to flounder to lobster and more on their menu. Basically if it’s from the water, you’ll find it as an option to eat.
2. The Tree Pod
If breathtaking panoramic views are what you’re craving, then you’ll definitely want to check this location out. In our opinion, it has some of the best views in the world both including the other restaurants on this list as well as tourist attractions.
If you’ve never been, Thailand is one of the most beautiful places in the world, which is one of the reasons why we frequent it so much. The Tree Pod is located on a small, beautiful island nestled high (16 feet to be exact) in the treetops. This location offers you unbridled views of the lush rainforest, the beach, and the pristine blue waters of Thailand.
Obviously, this restaurant has very limited seating (think a max of four diners) so come early and come prepared to wait. The “table”, if you can even call such a unique setting that, is constructed of woven rattan and is meant to resemble a giant coconut so as not to detract from the natural beauty of the area.
Where?
You’ll find this extravagant, unique restaurant in Thailand. Specifically speaking, it’s part of the Soneva Kiri, which is a luxe eco-resort located on the Thai island of Koh Kut.
What to expect food wise?
Traditional Thai food is on the menu here and the pre-ordered dishes are delivered by wait staff using a zip-line. We had pork with fresh vegetables and it was some of the most tender, delicious food we’ve had. And of course since it’s Thai food, it did have a kick of heat.
3. The Rim Restaurant
At first glance, the picture above probably looks like the scene of any upscale restaurant at sunset: beautiful colors lighting up the sky and dancing as the sun slowly dips into the horizon to make way for night. However, that’s not the sun you’re seeing; it’s the Hale’ma’uma’u crater and that’s molten lava creating the sunset palette.
The Rim offers breathtaking views of the Hale’ma’uma’u crater and its pool of molten lava from nearly every angle of the restaurant. Locals recommend coming during the late evening just after sunset for the best views. Even though the lava is viewable during the day, it definitely stands out more at sunset. Plus there’s something so magical about seeing the lava paint along with the sunset or seeing it create its own mock sunset colors.
If you’re visiting during the day, you can expect to see the beautiful Hawaiian landscape stretching all the way down to the beautiful shores. So if you’re unable to catch the molten lava show at sunset, you won’t have to worry about sacrificing views for food.
Where?
The Rim is located on top of the Kilauea Caldera in Hawaii so you won’t need a passport to visit this unique location!
What to expect food wise?
The menu features locally sourced meat, veggies, and of course super fresh seafood caught right in the Hawaiian waters. Wild mushrooms and sweet potatoes grown on the Hamakua Coast are also popular features on the menu.
4. Fangweng Restaurant
From the outside, this restaurant looks super sketch. It feels as if it’s just hanging on by a thread but we’re honestly here for it! The view from this restaurant is also top notch (just in case you had any doubts). From your window seating you’ll be able to see all the way down into the valley and across to other mountain peaks. It’s stunning, especially around sunset time as the area comes alive with the beautiful colors.
Before you get to your dining table, you’ll pass through the restaurant’s unassuming gray entrance. This entrance gives you a false sense of normalcy in our opinion, which makes the experience that much cooler. Afterwards, you’ll walk down a precarious path that leads to the dining area. Here, you’ll be suspended several hundred feet above the ground and you’ll have unbridled views of the area.
Don’t want to feel queasy from the views while you eat? Part of the dining area is located inside a natural cave. This means you’ll be able to experience the vast views but you won’t have to deal with butterflies in your stomach while you’re trying to eat your meal.
This definitely isn’t the place for the feint of heart or those who are afraid of heights. But if you’re brave enough, it’s definitely a place you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Where?
Grab your passport because you’re off to China (specifically the Hubei province) if you want to check out this thrill seeker’s food paradise.
What to expect food wise?
The menu is a conglomerate of local specialties and Hubei cuisine. Many of the entrees featured freshwater fish but you can also find duck, pork, and even turtle surrounded by vegetables and smothered in a heavy, spicy sauce.
5. Labassin Waterfalls Restaurant
Honestly, pictures simply don’t do the restaurant and its location justice. Here you’ll dine on picnic tables in the gentle flow of the beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush jungles and stunning colorful flowers. It can difficult to hear each other over the cascading water, but we thought that was part of the charm. It was so soothing eating lunch with the white noise of the water in the background.
Bamboo tables stand in just a few inches of water allowing guests to soak their tired feet in the cool spring water while they eat. We highly recommend water sandals or shoes that you can leave on as we found some of the rocks to be very slippery and rough. So make sure whatever you have on your feet has good grip! We also noticed a lot of patrons came barefoot but the rocks were much too slick for our lack of balance skills.
While dining, you can also expect to be visited by tropical birds and curious monkeys from time to time. The restaurant advocates against feeding the wildlife so make sure you stick to admiring them and keep the food to yourself.
And also if you’re curious, yes there is a gentle mist from the waterfall that is prevalent while you’re eating but we didn’t find that it distracted from the meal or compromised its flavor. In other words, the mist didn’t make our food soggy, and it felt refreshing in the warm air.
Where?
This absolutely gorgeous and unique restaurant is located at the Villa Escudero Resort in Pablo City, Philippines.
What to expect food wise?
Unfortunately, you’ll only be able to enjoy the scenery and cuisine during lunch, as that’s the only time the restaurant is open. Food wise, the restaurant serves up traditional Filipino dishes that are served buffet style.
6. The Rock Zanzibar
This is another super kitschy place that we absolutely adore! The tides also control how you reach the restaurant, which we thought was really cool.
During low tides, you can actually walk directly to the restaurant from the shorelines. The water is at max knee deep during the low tides (and a short walk) so even your younger kids should be able to make the journey. When the tides are higher, a boat service is available to take you from your beach lounging spot to the restaurant.
Like many of the others on our list, seating is extremely limited. One look at the picture above probably told you that as well! There are 12 tables in this tiny restaurant seating a max of 4 at a time, so make sure you come early. Peak times such as 12 pm to 2 pm are when you’ll experience high wait times so we suggest coming around 11 or as late as 3.
There is also a patio area that overlooks the sea so if you can stand outside and soak up the warm sun and salty breeze while you sip a drink of your choice. Inside, the restaurant is covered with a Makuti palm tree roof, which really helps you stay on island time.
Where?
The Rock is located in Tanzania just off the coast of the Michanwi Pingwe beach. And as the name of the restaurant suggests, it’s located on a literal rock in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
What to expect food wise?
You should expect fresh, quality seafood and honestly, would you want anything different? We can’t imagine eating a burger in the middle of the ocean so seafood really sets the mood.
7. LumiLinna Snow Castle Restaurant
So for this unique restaurant, we’re going to travel away from the warm, beachy/tropical areas of many of the places on our list and travel somewhere a little (okay, a lot) colder for the last featured restaurant on our list.
You’ll definitely want to pack your warmest gear if you’re planning on dining here as the inside temperature is a chilly 23 degrees Fahrenheit year round. You’ll also be seated against tables constructed completely of ice while sitting on tree stumps covered with reindeer fur and sheepskin. So don’t worry about freezing your butt off but your elbows are definitely in danger if you have a habit of putting them on the table.
This is another beautiful location where pictures simply don’t do the restaurant justice. LumiLinna Snow Castle Restaurant is a winter wonderland that is sculpted entirely from ice and snow. Lanterns and beautiful light play off the sparkling snow and ice creating a dream world that feels miles from reality.
Unfortunately, you’ll only be able to enjoy this restaurant from January to April. That’s because the warmer weather melts and deconstructs the restaurant and each year, it has to be rebuilt using a special set of molds.
Where?
The Finnish city of Kemi houses the LumiLinna Snow Castle restaurant. The restaurant is part of the larger Snow Castle which also includes a Snow Hotel and a Snow Chapel should you wish to say your vows in a sparkling winter wonderland.
What to expect food wise?
Most of the menu items are centered around locally sourced fish like perch and salmon. However, you will also find a variety of hearty soups and even lamb on their menu. In other words, you’ll find a lot of warm, hearty dishes to keep you comfortable in the cold temperatures. There are also warm drinks as well as cold classics like Coke on the list.
Hungry yet?
We’re dying to know which of these exotic restaurants has piqued your interest! Are you more excited to perch cliffside and enjoy some fine Chinese cuisine or would you prefer to enjoy your meal underwater while surrounded by gorgeous tropical fish? Also, are there any exotic gems that we left that you think deserve a spot on our list? If so, we’d absolutely love to hear about them and your experiences there as well.
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