Unique Restaurants in Amazing Locations

Yes, food is the main reason we go to a restaurant, but we can’t deny that location also affects the experience. And while you don’t need to go to extremes to create a nice ambience, there’s something exciting about dining in unusual and unexpected places. 

If the idea sounds appealing, you’ll be happy to know that there are restaurants in volcanoes, caves, tree canopies and even deep under the sea. These are the most unique restaurants in amazing locations.

10. Restaurant in an Ancient Roman Cistern

During the times of the Roman Empire, large, grandiose cisterns were built underground to supply water to the city. Though the cisterns are no longer used for their original purpose, they have become places for unique experiences, such as dining underground in ancient Roman ruins. 

The Sarnic Restaurant takes advantage of the arches and columns that the Romans left behind to create an incredible ambience. Soft light hangs from oval lamps on the ceiling, giving even more mystery and allure to this unexpected dining setting.

9. Restaurant in a Volcano

El Diablo literally translates to “the Devil.” The name alludes to the deep fiery pits of an active volcano that cook your food, but also probably to the fact that you need to be somewhat of a daredevil to dine here. 

Focusing on grilling meats and vegetables, the restaurant built a large grill and placed it six feet above the lava of a volcano that is active but hasn’t erupted since 1824. If 200 years seems safe enough, you’ll definitely enjoy the charred juiciness that the unique cooking method gives the meats.

To make it better, you’ll be surrounded by sweeping views of Lanzarote island’s Timanfaya National Park.

8. Intimate Restaurant in a Ferris Wheel

If you think Ferris wheels make for romantic dates, don’t miss out on the opportunity for an intimate dinner at Singapore Flyer. 

Overlooking the sleek modern city, this is not your typical Ferris wheel. Rather, each capsule is big enough for a table for two people, who’ll enjoy an entire hour and two rotations on the wheel. The restaurant is high-end and very popular for dates.

7. The Rock Restaurant

It’s located on an actual rock just off the shore of Michamvi Pingwe beach in Zanzibar. Once an outpost for local fishermen, the rock was transformed when a small, but unique restaurant was built on top of it. Local fishermen still supply fresh seafood to the restaurant. 

The coolest thing about The Rock is that the experience changes with the tide, literally. During low tide, you can walk up to the restaurant and climb up the ladder, while high tide makes rowing there on a small boat necessary.

6. Lunch on a Hot-Air Balloon

A culinary experience on a hot-air balloon. That’s what chef Angelique Schmeinck sought to create with this amazing restaurant experience that takes you up in the air.

No, seriously. This restaurant is on a hot-air balloon, and the chef prepares your meal mid-flight. You’ll be left breathless by the gorgeous views as well as the culinary show that’s happening right in front of you.

5. Underwater Restaurant

Though there are a few underwater restaurants around the world, Hurawalhi Resort’s 5.8 Undersea is made completely with glass. You’ll get to delight your taste buds while enjoying a 360-degree view of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. 

The name alludes to the depth at which the restaurant is located, 5.8 meters, or around 19 feet deep. Only 10 tables get the privilege of dining as sharks, fish and other marine life swim over and around them. Sure, you can get this at aquarium restaurants, but it’s not the same when you see wildlife in its own habitat. 

To make things even better, the food is fresh. The tasting menus are great. And the restaurant actually supports dislodged corals that help strengthen the reef.

4. Restaurant Hanging from a Cliff

You’ve experienced cliff-hangers while reading a book or watching a show, but probably not while eating dinner. 

Hanging quite literally from the side of a steep cliff, Fangweng restaurant in China overlooks the Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia and one of the most dangerous rivers in the world. 

The food is good, but what really draws in the crowds are the vertigo-inducing views. 

3. Treehouse Restaurant

When you were 7 years old, you may have dreamed of being hoisted up into the sky in a giant pod while adventurous waiters ziplined from the rainforest to you to bring you delicious food. 

OK, you probably didn’t dream something that specific, but the concept certainly sounds more like the fantastical rant of a 7-year-old than an actual fine dining restaurant in Thailand.

Part of the Soneva Kiri resort’s experience, you can dine in the canopy of the Koh Kood rainforest. The food is amazing, and we’re not exaggerating about ziplining waiters.

2. Cave Restaurant

Dining in a grotto is one thing, but actually having to go 33 feet underground, only to come out to a cave with an open ceiling, takes things to another level. 

The experience is possible in Kenya’s beautiful Diani Beach, where a cave that’s 120,000 to 180,000 years old has been transformed into a minimal impact restaurant. This means that little has been altered in the natural cave, except the kitchen and bathrooms. There is not even electricity. 

Instead, you’ll enjoy a true candlelight dinner with the stars twinkling above you.

1. Dinner in the Sky

Truly unique and incredibly elusive, this concept restaurant is not exaggerating with its name. Cranes hoist up tables, chairs, diners and waiters 160 feet up into the sky, where the entire dinner takes place. Diners are strapped onto chairs and everything is securely fastened, so there is no risk of falling. Still, adrenaline and great views are guaranteed to accompany your meal.

The idea originated in Belgium and now holds limited-time events all over the world. To dine here, you have to wait for the stars to align so the restaurant hosts an event in your city, or fly to whichever city the next event is in.

Dining in the sky doesn’t come cheap either, with the cost of a meal being around $300 per person. Still, if you have the money, it’ll certainly be a dining experience unlike any other you’ve had.