The most spectacular restaurants in the world
Whether underwater, next to a volcano or in the middle of the ocean – these extraordinary venues make simply being seated an experience. Here are six spots that offer a truly unforgettable experience.
The Rock Restaurant – Michamvi, Zanzibar
Perched on a small outcropping jutting out of the Indian Ocean, The Rock is a culinary highlight right off the coast of Zanzibar. Reachable on foot at low tide and via boat at high tide, you experience changes dramatically depending on the time of day. Once there, you can enjoy freshly caught fish, seafood and simple, aromatic cuisine with African and Italian touches. The view, salty breeze and the sensation of being surrounded by the sea make the visit an experience that feels more like a short vacation.
Khufu's – Cairo, Egypt
Dinner overlooking the world-famous pyramids of Giza? Simply make a reservation at Khufu's! Aside from the unbeatable view, chef Mostafa Seif serves modern interpretations of classic Egyptian dishes right next to the famous wonder of the world – most recently, Khufu's was awarded the Resy One To Watch Award 2025 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants, ranked 4th in Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 and was honored as the Best Restaurant in Egypt 2025.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – Rangali Island, Maldives
One of the most extraordinary restaurants in the world can be found five meters below sea leven in the middle of the Indian Ocean: the glass walls of Ithaa provide an unobstructed view of the coral reefs, passing fish and the vast, tranquil underwater world of the Maldivdes. Tasting menus featuring local ingredients are served, such as Maldives lobster or wagyu with truffle jus – and if you're lucky, you may even catch sea turtles swimming by. The first underwater restaurant in the world, Ithaa is now joined by seven more in the Maldives.
El Diablo – Lanzarote, Spain
Cooking with volcanic heat? The "El Diablo" on Lanzarote takes this quite literally. Located in Timanfaya National Park, this special restaurant utilizes the natural geothermal heat of the volcano directly underneath, complete with a cast-iron grill above a seven-metre-deep volcanic shaft. The cuisine is down-to-earth, Spanish and no-nonsense: meat, fish and vegetables get their very own flavor here thanks to the unusual heat source.
Labassin Waterfall Restaurant – Tiaong, Philippines
Dipping your feet into a roaring waterfall surrounded by tropical greenery is part of the experience at the Labassin Waterfall Restaurant. Part of the Villa Escudero Resort in Quezon province, the Philippines, it's located directly at the foot of Labassin Falls, an artificial waterfall created by the overflow of the Labassin Dam. Meals are served at bamboo tables standing a few centimetres in the stream – shoes must be removed here. A traditional Filipino buffet is served, often arranged on banana leaves, with dishes such as grilled chicken, fish, rice and fresh fruit.
Alchemist – Copenhagen, Denmark
Earning 100 points in Falstaff's latest restaurant guide for Denmark, Alchemist, takes its guests on a seven-hour journey through 50 so-called impressions crafted by visionary chef Rasmus Munk. The dishes are served in several rooms, including a dome-like hall with immersive projections, ranging from auroras to floating jellyfish. With a menu as spectacular as it's provocative, Alchemist serves a deceptively lifelike eye filled with prawns and butterflies as a sustainable source of protein. Munk's concept of "holistic cuisine" treats food as an artform and highlights issues like as environmental degradation and organ donation.