Eating out is great and all (huzzah—no dishes to wash up!), but why settle for a regular dining experience when you can have delicious food and drop-dead-gorgeous vistas to boot? Here, eight restaurants around the world with seriously stunning views.
Panorama Alert: These 8 Restaurants Have the Best Views in the World
Overlooking An Erupting Volcano: Hawaii
Like your food served with a side of adventure? Perched on the perimeter of the Kilauea Volcano, The Rim at Volcano House offers diners spectacular views of an actual erupting volcano (from a safe distance, of course). As you observe the reddish glow of the volcanic crater, tuck into a menu inspired by the island with dishes like pineapple-wrapped opakapaka (pink snapper) and rack of lamb rubbed in local Hilo coffee. Enjoy live music Saturday through Wednesday (we dare you to request "Ring of Fire").
Views Of The Sydney Harbor: Sydney, Australia
A dizzying 36 floors up at the luxurious Shangri-La hotel lies Altitude restaurant, complete with floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the city’s best sites like the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the Harbour. Inventive dishes are the star of the show, like pork loin with caramelized pumpkin juice and brûlée cauliflower with truffle ice cream. Counting your pennies? Skip the fine dining experience and enjoy a tipple at the Blu Bar instead.
Views Of The Grand Canyon: Arizona
As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is always going to be pretty damn stunning. Might as well take it all in while enjoying tasty Southwestern fare (like salmon tostadas and polenta corn cakes) at El Tovar Dining Room, which sits atop one of the most jaw-dropping vistas. Just remember to make reservations early since the best tables can be booked up to six months in advance.
Overlooking The Côte D’azur: Eze, France
It doesn’t get more luxurious than the French Riviera. Soak up the atmosphere in style at the two-Michelin-starred La Chèvre d’
Looking Out Onto The Vatican: Rome, Italy
After a day spent traipsing around the Eternal City, you deserve a reward. How about dining at the the only three-star Michelin restaurant in Rome while overlooking its most famous attraction at La Pergola? Get a table outside on the roof deck if you can, order a bottle of Italy’s finest and watch the sun set over St. Peter’s Basilica. Hey, when in Rome...
Views Of Snow-capped Peaks: British Columbia, Canada
You'll need to take a 15-minute gondola ride to reach Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, which lies an impressive 7,700 feet above sea level. But the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains are well worth the trip. Enjoy a cozy cabin atmosphere while sampling French flavors with dishes like venison and bison bourguignon and duck confit. Bon appétit.
Looking Over The Biggest City In The World: Tokyo, Japan
Check out the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo from its tallest building at Sky Restaurant 634, which features floor-to-ceiling views of the capital (on a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance). Extra bonus? Every table is by a window, meaning that there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Overlooking The City Of Light: Paris, France
The Jules Verne Restaurant is inside the Eiffel Tower. So, yeah, the views are pretty damn incredible. Although there really is no bad time of day to grab a glass of Cab, we’re partial to sunset, when you can see why the capital gets its City of Light nickname.