Like a fine wine, extraordinary service, or luxurious decor, a spectacular view has the potential to upgrade a typical meal to a truly memorably dining experience. We’ve scoured the map for restaurants around the world offering panoramic vistas of expansive city skylines, sparkling oceans, and majestic rivers. Here are our top picks for the world’s most scenic restaurants, from a cliffside eatery on the Adriatic Sea to a Michelin-starred spot high up in the Eiffel Tower.
Ristorante Grotta Palazzese, Polignano a Mare, Italy
Situated at the edge of a cliff overlooking the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, this tranquil Puglia restaurant is adjacent to the equally romantic Grotta Palazzese hotel. Open annually from Easter weekend through October, Ristorante Grotta Palazzese is built into the side of a natural limestone cave. Via Narciso, 59, Polignano a Mare, Italy; grottapalazzese.it
The Signature Room at the 95th, Chicago
Located atop the 100-story John Hancock Center, the Signature Room offers 360-degree views of the Chicago skyline. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, this upscale dining locale is known for its contemporary American cuisine featuring dishes like a rack of lamb and pan-seared duck breast. 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago; signatureroom.com
Fangweng, Yichang, China
Not for the faint of heart, this gravity-defying restaurant is precariously built into the side of a cliff in Yichang, China. One side of the restaurant overlooks the Yangtze River, while the other offers views of a nearby bungee jumping platform. Yemingzhu Rd., Yichang, China; +86 25 5804 4888
Perlan, Reykjavik, Iceland
This futuristic, revolving restaurant in Iceland’s capital city completes a full rotation every two hours. After their meal, patrons are invited to further explore the restaurant’s 360-degree views via an observation deck equipped with telescopes. Öskjuhlíð 105, Reykjavík, Iceland; perlan.is
Asiate, New York City
This tranquil Upper West Side oasis provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city below. Located atop the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, this restaurant pairs panoramic views of Central Park and Columbus Circle with modern American cuisine and posh decor. 80 Columbus Circle, New York; mandarinoriental.com
Jules Verne, Paris
A roundup of restaurants with majestic views would be incomplete without mention of the romantic Paris skyline. Located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, this Michelin-starred restaurant features interiors designed by Patrick Jouin, contemporary French cuisine, and, of course, sweeping views of the City of Lights. Eiffel Tower, Avenue Gustave Eiffel, Paris; lejulesverne-paris.com