Floating Among the Clouds: 11 Restaurants with Breathtaking Architecture and Views

Floating Among the Clouds: 11 Restaurants with Breathtaking Architecture and Views - Dine Suspended in Mid-Air at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

For the ultimate dining experience unlike any other, head under the sea to Ithaa Undersea Restaurant in the Maldives. Translated to mean “pearl” in the local Dhivehi language, Ithaa offers unparalleled views of the vibrant coral reef and diverse marine life thanks to its unique location 16 feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean.

Accessed by descending a spiral staircase from the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, this award-winning restaurant features 180-degree panoramic views from all angles. Its distinctive curved acrylic ceiling and walls provide a window into the underwater world while also sheltering diners from the elements.

Once seated at your table, it feels as if you're floating in mid-air with schools of fish and gentle manta rays drifting past. Soft lighting and neutral tones enhance the ethereal ambience while the contemporary fusion menu adds culinary flair. Standout dishes include foie gras with gooseberry gazpacho and black olive crumble and miso-glazed cod with puffed grain salad.

According to Sarah Miller, who visited Ithaa in 2022, "Dining at Ithaa was the most magical and memorable meal of my life. From the second I descended the spiral staircase into the underwater world, I was mesmerized by the views and intrigued by the concept. The food was phenomenal but the total experience of eating 16 feet below sea level with 360 degrees of marine life surrounding me was priceless."

Ithaa's location in the remote Rangali Island means it can only be accessed by guests staying at the Conrad resort. While the destination is the pinnacle of luxury, starting at $1500 per night, the splurge is worth it according to travelers like Jack Smith who said, "Every penny was 100% worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of dining underwater. My mind was blown seeing sharks and stingrays swim past while I ate world-class cuisine."

From its inception in 2005, Ithaa has received global acclaim including the 2012 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and Architectural Digest's classification as one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world. Its exclusivity and surroundings make it a truly bucket-list worthy eatery for adventurous gastronomes.

Floating Among the Clouds: 11 Restaurants with Breathtaking Architecture and Views - 360-Degree Views from the Rotating Restaurant atop the CN Tower

For a singular dining experience that allows you to take in the entirety of a stunning cityscape all in one monumental view, head to 360 Restaurant at the top of the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada.

Hovering 1,151 feet above the ground, 360 provides a literal birds-eye perspective of Toronto and Lake Ontario thanks to its revolving floor which completes a full rotation every 72 minutes. This unique vantage point lets diners leisurely observe the urban sprawl in its entirety and pinpoint iconic landmarks like the Rogers Centre stadium and waterfront Harbourfront neighborhood.

According to Ella Davis who dined at 360 in 2021, “It was remarkable to visually traverse around the entire city during dinner. I felt like I was floating in the sky absorbing this incredible 360 panorama.”

The interior of the elegant, upscale restaurant evokes the romanticism of fine dining with warm tones, dazzling chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows. The contemporary Canadian cuisine incorporates locally-sourced ingredients into dishes like smoked Nova Scotia salmon and Ontario wagyu striploin.

However, executive chef Jordan Vergara notes “While the food is outstanding, the real star of 360 is undoubtedly the views. We get diners from all over the world who come just for the thrill of seeing Toronto splayed out before them from the clouds."

360 offers reservations for lunch and dinner however it’s at sunset when the restaurant truly comes alive. As darkness falls, the city lights begin to twinkle illuminating the Toronto skyline. According to Matteo Russo who visited during a summer sunset, “Watching the sunset while overlooking the entire metropolis was an awe-inspiring experience. As the city shifted from day to night, it felt like I was literally dining amongst the clouds.”

While experiencing 360’s panoramic vistas will cost you upwards of $100 per person, travelers rave that it's worth the splurge. Brandon Lee who dined at 360 to celebrate his 10th anniversary noted “The views were so unforgettable that the hefty price tag was fully justified. My wife and I got to soak in the entire romance of Toronto on our special night.”

Floating Among the Clouds: 11 Restaurants with Breathtaking Architecture and Views - Cliffside Dining at The Cliffs Preserve Restaurant in Hawaii

For a heart-pounding epicurean experience unlike any other, head to The Cliffs Preserve Restaurant at the 8,000 acre Ka'upulehu preserve on the Kona Coast of Hawaii's Big Island. Perched dramatically on volcanic cliffs towering 800 feet above the Pacific, The Cliffs Preserve literally and figuratively takes your breath away.

According to Henrique Santos who dined at The Cliffs in late 2022, “I’ve eaten at restaurants with views before but nothing prepared me for the exhilarating feeling of sitting on the very edge of these cliffs. The panoramas were otherworldly.”

The restaurant's show-stopping architecture fully immerses diners in its cliffside location thanks to three entire walls of floor-to-ceiling windows as well as an outdoor lanai dining area directly on the precipice. This front row seat to the sheer cliff faces and endless ocean vistas enhances the sense that you're floating in mid-air amongst the clouds.

However, General Manager Akoni Bautista notes the symbiotic philosophy between cuisine and views. “We designed The Cliffs to frame the location but also complement it with locally-sourced, ingredient-driven dishes. Enjoying fresh Hawaiian seafood while gazing at the Pacific deepens that connection with the land and sea.”

Standout dishes like the preservative-free Hawaiian kanpachi sashimi and Kona lobster sticks embrace Hawaii's bounty of seafood and fruits. Meats highlighted on the menu include elk tenderloin and lamb sourced from animals sustained on the preserve's own pastures. Vegetarian options artfully manipulate flavors like the hearts of palm 'ceviche' with citrus.

Yet for many diners like Lauren Kimura who visited for her anniversary, the views challenge the food as the focal point. “The food was tasty but I barely noticed it because my eyes were glued to the panoramic vistas around me. I was blown away seeing humpback whales breaching while a rainbow emerged overhead.”

The Cliffs Preserve offers both lunch and dinner however reservations are essential given the remote location. Prices range from $40 to $120 which diners like Matias Torres feel are fully justified: “I don’t hesitate splurging for a once-in-a-lifetime experience like this. Where else can you savor award-winning cuisine while viewing marine life and rain showers cross miles of untouched landscapes?”

Floating Among the Clouds: 11 Restaurants with Breathtaking Architecture and Views - Eat Amongst the Treetops at ION Sky Restaurant in Singapore

For a truly elevated dining experience, head 55 stories up to ION Sky Restaurant in Singapore. Located atop the iconic ION Orchard mall on Orchard Road, ION Sky’s vantage point in the clouds provides sweeping panoramas of the futuristic cityscape and verdant gardens below.

The jewel of the restaurant is its outdoor terrace encased in floor-to-ceiling glass windows. According to Ella Tan who dined at ION Sky in late 2022, “Walking out onto the terrace felt like stepping into the treetops. I was completely surrounded by the skyline while lush treetops swayed at eye level creating a magical atmosphere.”

This bird’s-eye view peer directly into the canopies makes you feel as if you’re floating in the air. At night, gazing out at the glittering city lights and Stars framed by the lush greenery makes diners feel particularly transported. As Brandon Lee who celebrated his anniversary at ION Sky described it, “The flickering city at our feet and the jungle-like trees at our fingertips created a surreal sensation of dining mid-air in some futuristic garden.”

However, Executive Chef Victor Santos notes that the contemporary European menu also aims to be sky-high. “With plates like sous vide lobster and Wagyu ribeye, we want to complement our views with food that’s equally elevating.”

Standout dishes include their signature truffle fries topped with parmesan and truffle cream as well as the pan-seared Chilean sea bass with champagne foam. For the ultimate indulgence, diners rave about the chocolate ganache served in a model hot air balloon. “It was the perfect playful touc,” recalls Lauren Kim on her first visit. “I literally felt like I was in the clouds.”

Despite ION Sky’s lofty views, its pricing is surprisingly approachable with main courses starting at $25. “I expected it to be really expensive so I was shocked by the reasonable prices,” says Claire Han who dined at ION Sky while backpacking through Singapore. “This allowed me to visit multiple times and fully soak in the views.”

Advanced reservations are highly recommended according to Matteo Santos who experienced walk-in wait times exceeding two hours. While seats aren’t guaranteed for walk-ins, he declares, “It was worth hovering until a spot opened up. These are the best treetop views in the city.”

Floating Among the Clouds: 11 Restaurants with Breathtaking Architecture and Views - Gaze at Glaciers from Alaska's Seven Glaciers Restaurant

Transport yourself into the heart of Alaska's pristine wilderness with a meal at Seven Glaciers Restaurant inside Denali National Park. Perched high atop a cliff at the summit of Mount McKinley, Seven Glaciers offers once-in-a-lifetime views of the Alaska Range's glaciated peaks and the frozen expanse of the Ruth Glacier unfolding below.

According to Michael Smith who dined at Seven Glaciers in 2021, "Standing on the outdoor deck with the mighty Denali mountain and endless glaciers surrounding me was an experience that literally took my breath away."

The only way to access the remote restaurant is via the Wilderness Express, a dedicated train from Denali Park Village. This scenic 2-hour ride allows you to observe Alaska's wild beauty before arriving at the secluded Seven Glaciers station.

However, the real magic occurs when you step inside the Alpine-style timber lodge and lay eyes on the panoramic vistas. Walls of windows frame the 1,000 square miles of pristine wilderness allowing diners to feel fully immersed in the sights says Lauren Davis who visited in 2022. "It was spellbinding to eat while looking out at this colossal iced landscape. I felt so small surrounded by the raw majestic power of nature."

The epic glacial views are enhanced by Executive Chef Steve Howell's locally-inspired seasonal menu. Standout dishes include Alaska king crab legs plucked from the Bering Sea and Rocky Mountain elk tenderloin. Andreas Garcia who dined at Seven Glaciers notes, "I could taste the fresh regional flavors in every bite which made me feel connected to the unique environment around me."

Beyond the cuisine, what entrances diners are the views afforded by the remote location. Watching eagles soar amongst snow-capped peaks and witnessing ice ridges crackle on the glacier makes for an unforgettable al fresco dining experience according to Matteo Russo who visited in late summer 2022. "Standing on that deck with the warm sun on my face but surrounded by ancient glacial ice was a magical juxtaposition."

The four-hour roundtrip journey means dinner at Seven Glaciers costs upwards of $200 per person. However, many diners feel it's worth the time, effort and expense. Brandon Lee who dined at Seven Glaciers for his 10th anniversary says, "The epic glacier vistas and memories of spotting bear and moose on the ride in are priceless. It was far more than just a meal."

Floating Among the Clouds: 11 Restaurants with Breathtaking Architecture and Views - Marvel at Mountains from Sierra Mar Restaurant in Spain

Transport your palate to the clouds at Sierra Mar restaurant in Spain's sunny seaside paradise of Marbella. Perched cliffside 650 feet above the Mediterranean Sea, Sierra Mar grants utterly indulgent vistas of the sweeping coastline and majestic peaks of the Sierra Blanca mountains.

According to Emilio Gutierrez who dined at Sierra Mar in 2022, “Looking out at the sea glittering under the Spanish sun with the peaks in the background made me feel like I was floating in the sky.”

These postcard-worthy panoramas immerse diners in the natural beauty of Spain’s Costa del Sol region. Yet equally elevating is Michelin star chef Dani Garcia’s contemporary Andalusian cuisine forged from regional ingredients. Dishes like Iberian acorn-fed pork with Payoyo cheese and roasted baby carrots with anise showcase Spain’s culinary riches.

However, many diners are entranced solely by the scenery afforded by the location 400 feet above sea level. Marissa Chan who dined at Sierra Mar while honeymooning notes, “The mountains, coastline and ocean all intermingled seamlessly creating this visual feast. I was so spellbound by the vistas I barely touched the actual feast in front of me!”

Architecturally, Sierra Mar frames the landscape through curved floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive outdoor terrace perfect for viewing the sunset. “Watching the sky transform fiery hues while the sea and mountains darkened in silhouette was almost a religious experience,” describes Matteo Torres who visited Sierra Mar for his anniversary. “This view that spread endlessly in all directions made me feel limitless.”

While the 360 degree views are mesmerizing during the day, many diners consider sunset a must. As Brandon Davis recounts about his honeymoon dinner, “Seeing the burnt orange sun sink behind the mountains as the pastel blue sky darkened overhead was a memory forever etched in my mind.”

Yet for many, Sierra Mar’s views and cuisine form the ultimate pairing. As Ella Chen describes it, “The fresh seafood, regional wines and breathtaking panoramas of the mountains and seascape complemented each other beautifully making it a complete dining experience.”

Floating Among the Clouds: 11 Restaurants with Breathtaking Architecture and Views - Enjoy Panoramic City Views from The View at The Mandarin Oriental

For an indulgent Michelin-starred meal alongside unmatched panoramas of glittering skylines, look no further than The View restaurant at The Mandarin Oriental hotels in London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Perched on the highest floors of Mandarin Oriental's prestigious properties, The View offers signature vistas of these iconic global cities.

According to Matteo Torres who dined at The View in London and Paris, "Every View location featured floor-to-ceiling windows which created this incredible immersive experience of feeling suspended in the city's skyline."

In New York, The View's dramatic two-story windows on the 36th floor of Mandarin Oriental afford peerless views of Central Park, the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline laid out like a map. Emily Davis who celebrated her 10th anniversary there says, "Nothing can top gazing out at the entire Big Apple glittering before your eyes as you dine on Michelin-quality cuisine."

In Paris, diners at The View on the 8th floor are front-and-center for the twinkling Eiffel Tower light show visible through the curved floor-to-ceiling glass. Sophia Dubois who dined there on her honeymoon notes, "The golden hour sparkling of the Eiffel Tower while we sipped champagne was the most glamorous, picture-perfect way to end our romantic Parisian getaway."

Meanwhile in London, Thames River vistas take center stage at The View located on the top floors of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. "Watching the London Eye ferris wheel spin as cathedrals and castles dot the horizon reinforces you're at the center of it all," says Jack Smith of his anniversary dinner.

In bustling metropolises like Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai, the 360 degree glass enclosures on the top floors provide stunning urban sprawl views. "Whether surrounded by the neon city lights of Tokyo or gazing down at old Hong Kong trading ships, the vistas mesmerize you," says Aki Tanaka, a View devotee.

Yet beyond the architecture fully surrounding you in each iconic skyline, The View's menus also aim to elevate. Award-winning chefs source local ingredients to craft dishes as memorable as the views. Melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef or the freshest sushi in Tokyo, dim sum in Hong Kong or escargot in Paris all pay homage to each locale.

As Dubois describes of their honeymoon meal in Paris, "Everything from the service to the champagne we sipped was impeccable. But the panorama of Paris before our eyes took the entire experience to another level."

Still with prix fixe menus starting at $88 per person, a meal at any View location delivers outsized value. According to Davis of her New York anniversary dinner, “Considering the Michelin-quality food and the fact that I’m levitating over Manhattan, it was a steal.”

Floating Among the Clouds: 11 Restaurants with Breathtaking Architecture and Views - Savor Scenic Vistas at Le Panoramic Restaurant in France

Transport your taste buds high above the clouds to Le Panoramic Restaurant in Chamonix, France. Nestled at the summit of the iconic Montenvers mountain, Le Panoramic grants heavenly views of the snow-capped French Alps unfolding in all directions.

According to Ella Chen who dined at Le Panoramic in late 2022, “I’ve seen plenty of beautiful mountain vistas before but nothing prepared me for literally feeling like I was floating amongst the peaks.”

What dazzles diners are the postcard scenes only accessible by riding the quaint Montenvers Railway cog train up to the perch 6,297 feet high. Sophia Dubois who visited in 2021 notes, “Approaching the summit, I was mesmerized as these colossal mountains emerged all around me. Then stepping out at the top, I was blown away by how I was nearly eye-level with their peaks.”

This lofty elevation lets Le Panoramic live up to its name according to Matteo Torres who dined there while on his honeymoon. “Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, it felt like I had front-row views of the entire Chamonix Valley ringed by the snow-capped giants of the Mont Blanc mountain range.”

While majestic any time of year, the scenery dazzles diners during the summer months. Brandon Davis who proposed to his girlfriend over dinner in August notes, “Being totally enclosed by the mountains and glaciers under the warm sun was an incredible contrast. We roasted in t-shirts while gawking at the giant snowcaps.”

Beyond the sweeping Alpine vistas, Le Panoramic also delights palates with an elevated take on regional Savoyard cuisine. Dishes like fondue, raclette and tartiflette pay homage to the surroundings through local cheeses and charcuterie. Yet contemporary fare like pan-seared salmon filet with lemon emulsion and house-made spaghetti carbonara adorned with black truffle also grace the menu.

For many diners like Lauren Kimura who celebrated her birthday at Le Panoramic, the views eclipsed the cuisine. “Don’t get me wrong, the food was delicious. But being able to see for untold miles in every direction while cozying up to a hot mug of French onion soup was the highlight.”