Introduction
Dining isn’t just about delicious food—it’s about the atmosphere, setting, and unforgettable moments. Imagine enjoying a gourmet meal while overlooking turquoise seas, majestic mountains, or sparkling city skylines. Around the globe, some of the best restaurants combine mouthwatering cuisine with breathtaking scenic outdoor views, making them true bucket-list destinations for food lovers and travelers alike.
This guide highlights restaurants where every meal comes with a view worth savoring. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a family trip, or a solo adventure, these destinations deliver an experience far beyond the plate.
Why Choose Restaurants with Scenic Outdoor Views?
Travelers often search for the best restaurants not only for the food but also for the experience. Here’s why scenic dining stands out:
- Memorable Atmosphere: Dining in the open air surrounded by natural beauty creates lasting memories.
- Romantic Settings: Perfect for proposals, anniversaries, or intimate getaways.
- Cultural Connection: Outdoor restaurants often showcase local architecture and landscapes.
- Photography Opportunities: Great for Instagram-worthy travel shots.
- Relaxation Factor: Fresh air, natural scenery, and delicious food make the perfect combination.
Best Restaurants with Scenic Outdoor Views Worldwide
Here’s a curated list of iconic restaurants offering spectacular outdoor dining experiences:
1. Grotta Palazzese – Polignano a Mare, Italy
- The Experience: This iconic restaurant is set inside a limestone cave overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
- Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants: Dine while waves crash against the rocks beneath you—romance and drama combined.
2. Skyline Restaurant – Queenstown, New Zealand
- The Experience: Accessible by cable car, it offers panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps.
- Highlight: A buffet with local New Zealand flavors paired with an unforgettable mountain backdrop.
3. Sirocco – Bangkok, Thailand
- The Experience: Located on the 63rd floor of a skyscraper, this rooftop restaurant overlooks the glittering Bangkok skyline.
- Why Visit: Known as one of the world’s highest open-air restaurants, it blends fine dining with an incredible city view.
4. Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant – Diani Beach, Kenya
- The Experience: Set inside a 180,000-year-old cave, illuminated by candles and open to the starry sky.
- Highlight: Fresh seafood paired with the natural beauty of coastal Kenya.
5. The Rock Restaurant – Zanzibar, Tanzania
- The Experience: Perched on a rock in the Indian Ocean, accessible by boat at high tide and by foot at low tide.
- Why It’s Special: Offers seafood dishes with a 360-degree view of turquoise waters.
6. Asiate – New York City, USA
- The Experience: Nestled inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, it provides sweeping views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
- Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants: Combines modern American cuisine with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Big Apple.
7. La View – Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
- The Experience: Overlooks rice terraces and tropical forests.
- Highlight: Romantic candlelight dinners with an authentic Balinese menu and tranquil scenery.
8. Piz Gloria – Mürren, Switzerland
- The Experience: A revolving restaurant atop the Swiss Alps, famously featured in a James Bond film.
- Why Visit: Offers panoramic alpine views while you enjoy traditional Swiss dishes.
9. Le Jules Verne – Paris, France
- The Experience: Located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, it provides unmatched views of Paris.
- Why It’s Special: Fine French cuisine paired with one of the most iconic backdrops in the world.
10. El Farallón – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- The Experience: Set against dramatic seaside cliffs, with waves crashing below.
- Highlight: Fresh seafood grilled to perfection with a front-row seat to the Pacific Ocean.
How to Choose the Best Restaurant with a Scenic View
When planning your trip, keep these tips in mind to select the perfect scenic restaurant:
- Consider the Occasion: Romantic dinners, family outings, or solo adventures may call for different vibes.
- Research Menus: Some restaurants are known more for the view than the food—read reviews to ensure both are exceptional.
- Timing Matters: Book a table during sunset or under the stars for the most magical experience.
- Check Accessibility: Some locations, like cliffside or mountaintop restaurants, require planning for transport.
- Budget: Scenic restaurants can range from affordable to luxury experiences.
Tips for Dining at Scenic Restaurants
- Book in Advance: Popular scenic restaurants often require reservations months ahead.
- Dress Accordingly: Some places have dress codes, especially luxury rooftops or fine dining spots.
- Bring a Camera: Capture the views, but don’t forget to enjoy the moment.
- Weather Check: Outdoor dining is weather-dependent, so confirm before you go.
- Plan for Sunset: Golden hour is the best time for both atmosphere and photography.
The Rise of Outdoor Dining in Travel Trends
In recent years, outdoor dining has become one of the most sought-after travel experiences. Post-pandemic trends have only increased demand for fresh-air restaurants. Travelers now actively search for the best restaurants where they can combine good food with scenic environments.
Outdoor restaurants also contribute to sustainability, often using locally sourced food and eco-friendly designs. Dining with a view isn’t just about luxury—it’s about enjoying nature responsibly.
FAQs About the Best Restaurants with Scenic Outdoor Views
Q1: What makes a restaurant one of the best restaurants with a view?
A combination of excellent cuisine, atmosphere, and breathtaking surroundings makes a restaurant truly stand out.
Q2: Are scenic restaurants more expensive?
Not always. While some luxury rooftop spots can be pricey, many hidden gems offer affordable yet incredible views.
Q3: Which countries have the most scenic restaurants?
Italy, Switzerland, Thailand, and the USA are among the top destinations with world-famous outdoor dining experiences.
Q4: Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, especially for popular restaurants like Grotta Palazzese or Le Jules Verne. Advance booking ensures the best seats.
Q5: Can families visit these scenic restaurants?
Absolutely! Many scenic dining spots cater to families, though some romantic restaurants are designed for couples.
Conclusion
Dining is more than eating—it’s an experience that blends flavors, scenery, and atmosphere. From cliffside seafood spots in Mexico to sky-high dining in Bangkok or cave restaurants in Italy, the best restaurants with scenic outdoor views offer travelers unforgettable moments that stay long after the last bite.
If you’re planning your next journey, add at least one scenic dining experience to your itinerary. After all, a meal tastes even better when paired with a view that takes your breath away.
